Hibi Kimono Purse 4294A

Our stylish and functional purse, hand made from vintage kimono. It has 4 inside pockets/sections, plus a zippered coin sections and 5 card slots in the main part. The bottom area opens out to give 4 more card slots and another pocket/section.

This popular Japanese design motif is called Hanakgo, and features a collection of flowers spilling from a basket.  This kimono features ‘ayame’ ‘tsubaki’, ‘fuji’, 'botan' and ‘kiku’ flowers with ‘ume’ and ‘sakura’ blossom.

Ayame, iris, is widely admired in Japan. It is a sign of strength and the sword shaped leaves are symbols of warriors in the past. Tsubaki, the camellia flower, was historically part of the Japanese wedding tea ceremony, symbolising life and promise. Fuji, wisteria, signifies love, support, sensitivity and tenderness.

Botan, the peony is called 'king of flowers' in Japan.  Kiku, the chrysanthemum, is the flower of the Imperial House and and often used icon of Japan itself (it features on Japanese passports). 

Sakura, The Cherry Blossom is one of the first of the year to bloom, and blooms for a relatively long time. It holds a special place in hearts of the Japanese: signifying new beginnings.Ume, the Plum Blossom is a very popular symbol on fabrics. It is a favourite within the range of Japanese designs: it’s beauty and fragrance has been reflected in many poems. It is the first of the year to bloom, and therefore represents endurance.

The pattern of square ‘dots’ represents shibori, the Japanese miniature tie-dye technique.

The pattern is printed on a rinzu silk, a damask silk woven with a traditional brickwork pattern, to give extra texture to the kimono fabric.  The design is further enhanced by gold printed areas.

This vintage kimono was sourced from the Osaka area of Japan.  It is approximately 20-30 years old.

Handmade by self help groups in Cambodia.

Dimensions: 20cm x 10cm x 2cm closed.
Opens to 20cm x 28cm x 2cm.