Kuukou Folding Wristlet Clutch 4585F

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. 

This silk kimono features Sensu or Ougi which are the fans used in dance performances:  popular as it symbolises growth, expanding when opened.

Within the fans are 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 a silk, with a pattern of Nami, waves, woven into the fabric giving it a textured finish.  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