Hashi Kimono Make up Pouch 4246O

Hashi is Japanese for ‘bridge’. This design was inspired by the shape of a beautiful red bridge at a temple in Osaka.  It features one large pocket accessed by a top zipper, and a zipped pocket on the side.Designed with a base panel, so the pouch will stand up.

Many popular design motifs and repeating patterns adorn this silk kimono. Momiji, maple leaf, and Matsu, the Pine tree is seen with Ume and Kiri flowers.

The Pine Tree is believed to live for 100 years. It is a hardy plant that symbolises strength and long life. Samurai often planted these trees: it was believed that the long needle-like leaves, also seen in one of the repeating patterns on this fabric, Matsuba, protected them from demons.  Maple leaves symbolise autumn. Japanese traditionally admire and revere autumnal leaves just as they celebrate blossom in the spring.

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. Kiri, the Paulownia plant, often also called the Princess Tree. It was traditional to plant a tree when a baby girl was born, and to make a dresser from the tree for her wedding gift.

Seigaiha, called by it’s nick name ‘Fish Scales’ this ‘Blue Wave’ is used on all forms of Japanese design. The repetitive pattern of waves was used on Chinese maps to depict the sea. It was made popular by the artist Seikai Kanshichi. It symbolises the desires for peaceful living, like continual tranquil waves.

The other patterns include ‘Shippou’ the pattern of interlocking circles which look like gemstones.

The design is printed on a rinzu silk, a damask silk woven with a pattern to give extra texture to the kimono fabric.

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: Width 19cm, Height 14cm, Depth at base 6 cm, at top 1cm