Mini Kimono Purse 4309U

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 delightful pattern Noshi and Kikyo 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.

Japanese meaning of Kikyo is 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. It is a common ‘mon’ family crest.

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

The fabric is a silk, with 'tsuyushiba' patterns woven into the fabric giving a textured finish. These crescent shaped motifs symbolise Dew Drops on Grass: it means freshness and so is most commonly found on summer kimono.   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: 13cm x 10cm x 2.5cm