Tomita Sen Kogei: SARAKICHI – Komon Scarf (Sharkskin)

SARAKICHI – Komon Scarf (Sharkskin)

Delivery: 3-4 weeks

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

Designed to complement our jewelry collection, this ribbon-style scarf can be coordinated as part of a matching ensemble. Equally versatile on its own, it can be worn around the neck, tied to a handbag, or styled as a hair accessory.

Same (Sharkskin), one of the three classic Edo Komon patterns known collectively as the "Three Great Edo Motifs," is celebrated for the extraordinary fineness of its design. During the Edo period, it was especially favored for the kamishimo, the formal ceremonial attire worn by samurai.

The pattern is composed of countless meticulously arranged circles that cover the entire stencil. Achieving such a harmonious composition requires exceptional skill on the part of the stencil carver. The subtle, almost imperceptible variations in the spacing and alignment—known as yure ("gentle movement")—are the hallmark of hand craftsmanship and one of the defining charms of Same Komon.

Size: 5 cm × 90 cm
Material: Silk

About SARAKICHI

SARAKICHI takes its name from Saraya Kichibee (Saraya), the historic trade name of the Tomita family. The name combines "Sara", from Saraya (the family workshop), and "Kichi", from Tomita Kichibee, the family's founder.

For generations, the Tomita family has preserved the art of traditional Tokyo dyeing, specializing in Edo Sarasa and the refined Edo Komon patterns that have long embodied the elegance of the capital.

The workshop of Tomita Sen Kogei, the producer of SARAKICHI, has stood for many years near Omokage Bridge, which spans the Kanda River in Tokyo. The bridge appears in Utagawa Hiroshige's celebrated series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, where it is depicted as a traditional arched drum bridge (taikobashi).

This historic bridge serves as the inspiration for the SARAKICHI logo. The upper semicircle represents Omokage Bridge itself, while the lower half symbolizes its reflection on the surface of the river. When written in Japanese hiragana (さらきち), the name forms a visually balanced composition with mirrored elements, creating a design reminiscent of a traditional Japanese family crest.

Rooted in the rich history of kimono culture and the centuries-old techniques that support it, SARAKICHI reinterprets traditional craftsmanship through a contemporary design perspective. While the brand originally focused on scarves and stoles for women, its collection has expanded to include sophisticated accessories for men, such as Komon Ties and Komon Pocket Squares, bringing the timeless beauty of Edosv dyeing into modern wardrobes.

In recent years, SARAKICHI has showcased its collections at leading international design fairs, including Ambiente in Frankfurt and Maison&Objet in Paris, where its distinctive blend of Japanese tradition and contemporary design has earned widespread recognition from audiences both in Japan and abroad.

By creating a new perspective on traditional Japanese craftsmanship while preserving the exceptional quality that can only be achieved through hand dyeing, SARAKICHI is committed to sharing the enduring beauty of these time-honored techniques with people around the world.

About Tomita Sen Kogei:

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.