Hanami
花見
Flower viewing party in the Imperial Gardens
Motif
What is Hanami?
If you have ever spent early spring in Japan, you probably experienced hanami, the cherry blossom viewing parties. As soon as sakura trees reach full bloom, parks and riversides fill with people gathering on blue picnic sheets to enjoy food and time together beneath the delicate, short-lived blossoms.
Hanami (from hana, “flower,” and mi(ru), “to look, view”) is one of Japan’s most beloved seasonal traditions. It marks the arrival of spring and offers a chance to relax outdoors after winter and before the hot days of summer. Today, the cherry blossom season is a greatly appreciated ritual all over the country, but this tradition has its roots in the aristocratic culture.
During the Heian period (794–1185), the imperial court began to celebrate cherry blossoms, planting them in gardens and gathering beneath them to write poetry, a custom that later spread across society.
This obi represents members of the court enjoying a relaxing Hanami. You can date the Heian period by their clothes, although this is clearly a leisure setting, and they are not dressed formally. Trees are blooming, and people are enjoying food and music (and drinks, it seems!), and children are playing. It is funny to think that so little has changed in over a thousand years, as you can still witness very similar scenes nowadays, with different costumes, of course.
The fabric is shown in different light, so you can image the sheer of the textile. The background is a light and warm hue of silver.
A man waling towards a group of women chatting and children playing around them.
Yasui Tenjinyama Hanami, Utagawa Hiroshige, estimated 1834
Modern Hanami under the cherry trees and the building
Koganei sakura goyuran zu, Toyohara Chikanobu 1886
Framing
When ordering a Phone bag or a Bumbag, you can choose the exact elements of the motif you would like to feature on your bag. A bigger design like the Computer bag or the Weekender will allow the entire motif to show.
People enjoying music and paper fan dances
People writing poems and enjoying a drink
Previously made in this fabric
Small pouch
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