Hibi Kimono Purse 4611B

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.

A delightful pattern Noshi cover this silk kimono. Noshi are strips of ribbon, tied and given as good luck charms: this follows from and old fishermen's tradition of giving strips of tied abalone as talisman when venturing out to sea.

Within the strips is a collection of popular Japanese design motifs, including 'ume' and ‘sakura’ blossom, 'Kiku’, 'botan' and ‘tsubaki’ flowers.   Kiku, the chrysanthemum, is the flower of the Imperial House and and often used icon of Japan itself (it features on Japanese passports).  It represents rejuvenation and longevity.  Botan, the peony is called 'king of flowers' in Japan.  

Tsubaki, the camellia flower, was historically part of the Japanese wedding tea ceremony, symbolising life and promise.

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. It became a symbol of good fortune, as is used for New Year decorations.

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

The fabric is a silk, with brickwork patterns, woven into the fabric giving with a textured finish. Some elements are highlighted in gold.

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.