Kiwaku blossoms
木枠の花
The golden parts of the motif, made of silk and lamé, have a highly shimmering effect. The black parts are almost matte, with a soft shimer caused by the luster of the silk.
Motif
ManA lot of obis are adorned with seasonal motifs, making them suitable for only specific times of the year. However, celebratory obi like this one often feature designs that represent several seasons at once, allowing us to enjoy them year-round.
In this rich motif, you can recognise bamboo grass and some of Japan’s most symbolic flowers dancing before gold waves splashing: plum and cherry blossoms, wisterias and chrysanthemums. And in the middle of all this joyful arrangement, there is an element that the sewer I am appreciates a lot: a Kiwaki. A wooden bobbin covered of silk threads. These traditionally used by textile weavers, including obi weavers. I find it amusing that craftmen represent their very tools in the centre of their artworks, paying a tribute to the precious silk threads.
Kiwaku covered with vibrant silk threads in Masakazu Akiyama’s studio in Aya Miyazaki.
Framing
When ordering a Phone bag or a Bumbag, you can choose the details and colours of the motif you would like to feature on your bag. A larger design, such as the Computer Bag or the Weekender, will allow the entire motif to be visible. For example, you can choose to have a lot of black appearing, or almost not at all.
Previously made in this fabric
Futo Clutch
Weekender
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