Hibi Kimono Purse 4700D

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 kimono deign has bold Japanese design motifs, including ‘ume’ blossom, ‘ayame’, ‘botan’ ‘Fuji’, ‘kikyo’ and ‘kiku’ flowers.

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.

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). Kikyo, meaning Pentagram, as the Bellflower has five petals. It is an important symbol in Taoism as each petal represents an element: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Fuji, the wisteria plant was fist celebrated by Aristocratic society in the Heian era 794-185AD, it signifies love, support and tenderness.

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

The fabric is silk, with 'Sayagata' pattern woven into the fabric giving with a textured finish.  Sayagata, the pattern of repeating swastikas, is a Buddhist symbol of strength, good fortune, and the concept of eternity. The geometric balance and repetition of the sayagata pattern signifies the inseparability of the one and the many, continuity and multiplicity.  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 29cm x 2cm.