Origami cranes
Motif
The Japanese origami crane "orizuru," holds profound cultural significance, symbolizing ancient wisdom, resilience, hope and peace. Its roots are traced back to the legend of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl affected by the Hiroshima atomic bomb during World War II. Sadako, diagnosed with leukemia, folded a thousand cranes in a pursuit of healing and peace, inspiring the tradition of "senbazuru”, folding a thousand cranes.
The crane, revered for its longevity and grace, became a powerful metaphor for beauty emerging from tragedy. The act of folding a thousand cranes, known as "senbazuru," is not only a personal wish but a collective desire for global peace. This is why we can sometimes see long garlands of colourful origami cranes hanging in shrines. They call for peace and healing after disasters, transcending cultural boundaries. The crane, whether solitary or part of a garland, represents the enduring human spirit, the pursuit of peace, and the belief in positive transformation.
Crane garlands at Fushimi Inari Shrine
The obi worn one last time before being transformed.
Textile
This obi is woven with silk and gold lamé threads. The crane motif is woven with lamé and white, which highly reflects light. As you can see in the image below, the cranes shine bright from a certain angle and become more discreet from another angle, while the big chrysanthemums at the back darken
The same section of the obi is captured in two different lights.
Framing
When ordering a Phone bag or a Bumbag, it won’t be possible to have the full motif of the crane appearing but I will show you the different options once you sent your request. A bigger design like the Computer bag or the Weekender will allow the entire motif to show.
Previously made in this fabric
Be the first to order a bag made of this fabric!
In-person workshop in Kyoto
If you are visiting Kyoto and would like to spend some time discovering these fabrics in person, you are welcome to visit my studio.
Together, we will design your bag from A to Z. You will choose your favourite obi and even cut the fabric yourself, selecting the exact part of the motif you love most.
I will then carefully sew and finish your bag and ship it to you once it is complete.
→ Book a studio visit and experience the fabrics with your own eyes