SARAKICHI – Komon Pouch (Blue/Pink)

Delivery: 3-4 weeks

Refund Policy: https://japantastics.jp/policies/refund-policy

This elegant pouch features a modern color palette and is crafted from fabric individually hand-dyed using traditional kimono-dyeing techniques.

The outer fabric is made from the same high-quality silk traditionally used for kimono. Because each piece of silk features a unique woven pattern (jimon), every pouch has its own subtle texture and distinctive character, making each one truly unique.

Each side of the pouch is decorated with a different traditional motif, each carrying symbolic meanings that have been passed down through generations.

Front — Sarasa (Calico)

Originating from printed cotton textiles produced in India, sarasa was introduced to Japan between the Muromachi and Edo periods. Admired for its exotic floral and decorative motifs, it inspired generations of Japanese artisans and became an enduring influence on traditional textile design.

Back — Hanairi Tatewaku (Flowered Rising Steam)

The tatewaku motif evokes the gentle movement of flowing water or rising vapor. Combined with elegant karahana (Chinese floral) motifs, the pattern takes on a graceful character with a subtle Western influence while preserving the refined aesthetic of classical Japanese design.

Sides — Kawari Hitta (Variation of Hitta Shibori)

Hitta is one of the most recognizable patterns created through shibori tie-dyeing. In this interpretation, the motif is recreated using stencil dyeing, transforming a classic textile technique into a refined Edo Komon design. Traditionally, the pattern carries wishes for an abundant harvest and lasting prosperity.

Size: W 14.5 × H 8.5 × D 4 cm
Materials: Outer: Silk / Lining: Nylon

About SARAKICHI Komon Pouch:

Tomita Sen Kogei is a distinguished dyeing atelier with a history spanning more than 140 years. Drawn to the pure waters of the Kanda River, the workshop established itself in Shinjuku and has since cultivated exceptional expertise in traditional Edo komon and sarasa textile dyeing.

For this collection, the artisans set out to move beyond the restrained palette traditionally associated with Edo komon. Through a meticulous refinement of technique and the precise balancing of existing dyes, they achieved colors of remarkable depth and luminosity. The result is the SARAKICHI Komon Pouch — a contemporary interpretation of iki, the understated yet sophisticated aesthetic rooted in Edo culture.

Each pouch is distinguished by three entirely different patterns across its front, back, and sides. This bold approach creates a richness and visual rhythm rarely found in conventional Edo komon, allowing the design to reveal a different expression from every angle.

Achieving such vivid color in Edo komon, a tradition more commonly associated with subdued tones, demands an especially high degree of technical mastery. The artisans reconsidered every stage of the process, beginning with the precise formulation of the powdered dyes. Great care was taken to preserve the clarity of each motif, preventing its delicate outlines from being lost within the intensity of the color.

By repeatedly layering resist paste and dye, the craftsmen gradually built up the fabric’s brilliance and depth, resulting in a finish that is both vibrant and exquisitely detailed.