**[Product Number]** no484**[Product Name]** Azuma Bag (Large)**[Pattern]** Kanoko Shibori / Ryusui Kiku-mon (Flowing Water and Chrysanthemum Pattern)This pattern depicts chrysanthemum flowers floating on flowing water. Based on a Chinese legend stating that drinking water from a stream where chrysanthemums grow wild will extend one's life, the "Kikusui" (Chrysanthemum Water) pattern has long been known as an auspicious symbol of longevity.**[Fabric Colors]** Golden Brown, White, Azure (Dark Blue-Green), Shinshu (Vermilion)**[Handle Color]** Golden Brown**[Fabric Type]** Obi (Sash) / Obijime (Sash Cord)**[Fabric Thickness]** Medium**[Fabric Stiffness]** Medium**[Hardware Color]** Gold**[Size]** Height 26 cm × Width 26 cm × Handle 26 cm**[Weight]** Approx. 150g**[Country of Origin]** Made in Japan (Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture)
The Azuma Bag (Large) is a one-of-a-kind bag made by upcycling Azuma-bukuro (traditional Japanese folding bags) from kimono obi sashes. It features unique color combinations and patterns, offering a charming design that cannot be found elsewhere. By reusing beautiful obi fabrics, this product also contributes to eco-friendly initiatives.
This bag has a striking presence and offers ample storage capacity, making it a great choice for those who carry many items when going out or shopping. Simply carrying it is sure to enhance your outfit with style!
While made from traditional obi materials, the Azuma Bag (Large) is designed to match modern styles and is loved by people of all ages. Please enjoy this unique, one-of-a-kind bag as your personal favorite.
**[About the Fabric]**We use glamorous kimonos and obi sashes that were worn on special celebratory days during the Showa era. Some items use precious materials and weaves that are no longer in production.The patterns consist of rare textiles collected from across Japan, including auspicious floral patterns, birds, gold thread work, embroidery, and Nishijin-ori.Because the raw materials are high-end, these products are made possible specifically because they are upcycled from used (vintage) items.
**[About the Sewing]**Sewing is performed in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan’s largest bag production center.The bags are produced by skilled craftsmen at a company that sells bag materials and operates its own YKK zipper factory.The placement of patterns, orientation, and instructions for the front and back of the obijime handles are determined in Tokyo. Subsequently, a die is created at a specialized factory, and the fabric is cut and sewn using that die.Kimonos and obi sashes vary in embroidery, weave, thickness, and texture. Because of these irregularities, sewing is extremely time-consuming and is considered difficult even for veteran craftsmen.Toyooka’s craftsmanship originates from "Yanagi-gori" (willow trunks), a technique mentioned in the *Kojiki* (Records of Ancient Matters). These bags are produced under strict quality control nurtured by a thousand-year tradition.
**[Precautions for Purchase]*** **Fabric:** The kimonos, obi, and obijime used are vintage or deadstock. Therefore, there may be fold lines, small spots, stains, scratches, or signs of aging. While we take great care to avoid these areas during production, some may rarely remain. Please understand that these are recycled and upcycled from old or non-new materials.* **Color:** While we take the utmost care to ensure color accuracy in our photos, the actual product may differ slightly in hue depending on your computer or mobile phone monitor.* **Size:** Although fabrics are cut uniformly using a die and sewn by skilled craftsmen, the thickness of each kimono, obi, and obijime varies. Obi with heavy embroidery or thickness may result in a slightly smaller finished size. Please allow for minor size variations.* **Care Instructions:** The materials are likely silk, but as they are upcycled, the exact composition is unconfirmed (the Consumer Affairs Agency does not require labeling for such items). Please wash with silk detergent at your own risk or consult a professional cleaner specializing in kimonos.* Be careful of color fading or transfer due to rain, water, sweat, or friction.* Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as it may cause discoloration or hardening.* Store in a well-ventilated, dark place away from high temperature and humidity, and avoid close contact with other items.* Be careful of snagging or friction from fingernails or sharp objects.* The magnetic closure may adversely affect watches, IC cards, and medical devices such as pacemakers.* **Returns and Exchanges:** We generally do not accept returns or exchanges unless the product is defective. In principle, returns or exchanges for defects are limited to unused items within 7 days of arrival.* *Please contact us via the inquiry form in the following cases:** Differences in image regarding size or color due to customer preference.* Damage or staining caused by the customer, or if more than 7 days have passed since arrival.