Mini Kimono Purse 4283S

We hate to see any of the vintage kimono fabric go to waste, so we use the smallest pieces to make the mini purse.

This is a mini version of the Ginkou purse, with five separated areas in one side, including one zippered pocket.  On the other side are two card slots and one pocket behind the panel of slots.  You can squeeze a small phone (iPhone 4!) into this purse.

A collection of popular Japanese design motifs adorn this fabric, including ‘ayame’,  'ume' blossom, ‘fuji’, 'botan' and ‘kiku’ flowers, and the Guruma wheel.

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).

Fuji, wisteria, signifies love, support, sensitivity and tenderness.

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.

A popular kimono pattern since the Heian era 794 to1185 AD, Gengji, is an Heian oxcart wheel that was linked with the wheel of Karma in the Buddhist Tale of Genji.

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: 13cm x 10cm x 2.5cm