Kuukou Folding Wristlet Clutch 4357Q

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 delightful pattern of 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.

With the strips is a collection of popular Japanese design motifs, including 'ume' blossom, 'Kiku’ and 'botan’ 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.  

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 traditional drum used in performances is also seen in this pattern.  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

Handmade by self help groups in Cambodia.

Dimensions: 24cm x 13cm