Ginkou Kimono Purse 4268B

Our stylish and functional purse, hand made from vintage kimono: use as a travel accessory, as it can accommodate passports and boarding passes, or as a colourful day time clutch clutch to hold your essentials.  The gingko purse features 6 divided internal sections, plus one zipped section, and credit card slots to keep everything together.

There are also loops inside from which you can clip and hang a chain or strap to turn this into a sling bag.

A collection of popular Japanese design motifs adorn this fabric, including ‘ayame’, ‘fuji’, 'botan' and ‘kiku’ flowers, ‘ume’ blossom and Noshi.

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.  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). ‘Ran’ are orchids, which symbolise union and wealth and/or prosperity.  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.

Fuji, wisteria, signifies love, support, sensitivity and tenderness.

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 see. 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.

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.

Dimensions: 23cm x 13cm x 3cm