Kumihimo Bags: Weaving Time and Skill

From Past to Present, and Into the Future: The Art of Kumihimo Bags in Time and Craftsmanship

Transcending tradition and craftsmanship, we weave the legacy from the past into the present and onward to the future. Behold the birth of a bag that is truly a work of art, meticulously crafted by dyeing each silk thread by hand and intricately weaving them into the time-honored tradition of "Kumihimo."

Rooted in Japan's traditional craft of Kumihimo dating back 1400 years, this bag series marks the second chapter of ”The Japan Motif Series”. Merging the ancient art of Kumihimo with Tsuchiya's expertise in leather, we've opened a gateway to an entirely new future of bags. It's a crystallization of craftsmanship where artisans and traditions seamlessly blend, creating something truly extraordinary.

About Kumihimo

About Product

What is Kumihimo?

Since its introduction during the Asuka period (600AD) and the establishment of unique Japanese techniques in the Heian period (800AD), kumihimo stands as a traditional Japanese craft with a rich history, utilized in the ornamentation of samurai attire and tools for various practices, including the Japanese tea ceremony. Beyond expressing the intricate and elegant beauty crafted by the hands of a few remaining artisans, Kumihimo embodies both utility and purpose.

About “Ayatake Chū Yotsume-gumi”

Among the various braiding techniques of Kumihimo we've chosen the "Ayatake-chu Yotsume-gumi" pattern for this bag. This method creates a perfect tension, giving the Kumihimo a supple quality, and its unique knots weave a rich tapestry of expression and depth, resulting in a bag with captivating texture and design.

Layering Skills and Emotions for New Creations

Not content with merely inheriting traditional techniques and sentiments, we continually explore new possibilities, pursuing creations that look ahead to the future. Two traditions, sharing a mutual appreciation for such philosophy and mindset, have come together to give rise to a novel form of bag.

Breaking down the elements of the iconic kumihimo a symbol of Japanese culture, and reconstructing them as a unique blend of decorative and functional techniques for leather bags has given birth to the unparalleled our Kumihimo Collection. Making this special collaboration possible is the esteemed "Ryu Kobo," a well-established "Kumihimo" workshop based in Tokyo.

RYUKOBO

RYUKOBO / Ryuta Fukuda

Established 136 years ago, "RYUKOBO," a long-standing Kumihimo (traditional Japanese braiding) workshop in Nihonbashi, is one of the few workshops that handles the entire process, from dyeing silk threads to design and braiding. Their products are cherished by the leaders in the Kabuki and Tea ceremony worlds. Not only dedicated to preserving traditional Kumihimo techniques, but they also venture into new expressions of Kumihimo through original products and collaborations.

About RYUKOBO

About Products

A refreshing and pure "Daylight" that imparts an innocent impression, as if sweeping away the surroundings.

An expressive "Midnight" that carries an enchanting air, akin to the depth of the nighttime sky.

Much like the perpetual cycle of morning and night, where the old and the new respectfully coexist, an eternal recurrence unfolds.

Drawing inspiration from this relationship, we present two colors.

Just as morning and night repeat eternally, the old and the new, respecting and influencing each other's creations, contribute to the perpetual continuation of Japanese craftsmanship.

Special Packaging

The Kumihimo Drawstring Bag comes in a special wooden box made from paulownia wood that is sourced from Tohoku, Japan. Paulownia wood is highly valued in Japan due to its deep symbolic significance and connection to female identity. It is a high-quality material that is commonly used to make boxes, chests, and clogs.