Mini Kimono Purse 4277T

We hate to see any of the vintage kimono fabric go to waste, so we use the smallest pieces to make the mini purse.

This is a mini version of the Ginkou purse, with five separated areas in one side, including one zippered pocket.  On the other side are two card slots and one pocket behind the panel of slots.  You can squeeze a small phone (iPhone 4!) into this purse.

Two popular Japanese design motifs adorn this fabric, ‘ume’ blossom and Noshi.

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.

Noshi, were originally strips of tied abalone that used to be given to fisherman as a talisman when venturing out to sea. Today ribbons are used to make these good luck charms, and are given to all.

The pattern of square ‘dots’ represents shibori, the Japanese miniature tie-dye technique. Some of the dots form a pattern that contains a star: this pattern is called higaki after the Japanese craft of basket weaving.

The pattern is printed on a rinzu silk, a damask silk woven with a pattern of nami, waves, 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: 13cm x 10cm x 2.5cm