Kuukou Folding Wristlet Clutch 3956K

Our best selling clutch, hand made from vintage kimono: use as a stylish travel accessory, as it can accommodate a few passports, or a functional 'throw in and go' folding clutch to hold a few essentials on a night out. 

A collection of popular Japanese design motifs adorn this fabric, including 'ume' blossom, 'botan' and ‘ayame’ and flowers, and ‘noshi’.   Botan, the peony is called 'king of flowers' in Japan.   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. 

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. 

Similarly the ‘noshi’ ribbons are a good luck symbol.  Fishermen were traditionally given strips of tied abalone before they ventured out to sea, and over time the strips became ribbons and given to all.

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: 24cm x 13cm