Limited Edition Spotlight: 'Man Hua Lan Diao' / Yōyō Bag XL - Kyoto Artisan Premium Kimono Tsumugi - Elegant Masterpiece

*If sold out, please message us to inquire about pre-orders. Custom orders take approximately 1.5 months.* During my recent trip to Kyoto, I encountered many beautiful people and things. It was an experience that reminded me of the joy of living well and showcased the ancient capital's deep respect for and innovative approach to traditional culture and craftsmanship. What captivated me most were the clasp bags crafted by kimono artisans. Mr. Nakamura, a gentlemanly and modest artisan, has retired from making kimonos but continues to design clasp bags using the kimono fabrics he has cherished throughout his life. 【Premium Kimono Tsumugi Series】 The spirit of a lifelong artisan is fully evident in the details and material selection. This piece features the rare 'Oshima Tsumugi'. This kimono fabric, originating from Oshima Amami, Japan, is made by first dyeing the silk threads with mineral mud before weaving them into cloth. The process is complex, involving twenty to thirty steps, and is now passed down by only a few artisans, making it increasingly scarce. In Japan, it is exclusively used for high-end kimonos. - The hallmark of 'Oshima Tsumugi' is its subtly elegant, low-saturation patterns that possess a timeless appeal. It pairs beautifully with modern everyday wear, adding a touch of vintage chic to any outfit. Unlike the often overly bold and vibrant patterns of common fabrics, these bags ensure you won't see a similar one elsewhere. Even with small accessories, the use of superior materials reveals one's taste in style. The artisan also advises, "Please use it gently; the texture will become even softer over time." - One can truly appreciate the quality of goods that Kyoto residents use! It's no wonder they take such pride in their city. We are grateful to Mr. Nakamura for agreeing to specially craft a batch for us. I must be honest: compared to the myriad of clasp bags available elsewhere, the initial price might seem steep. At first, I was drawn purely by its aesthetic appeal, not fully considering the premium kimono fabric or the intricate clasp as a given. However, after receiving and using it, I truly understood its value. With every opening and closing, I can't help but marvel, becoming more fond of it the more I look. If you have the opportunity to hold one in your hands, you will understand what an art-level clasp bag truly is, making you want to collect them again and again! ------------------------ Material: 100% Silk (Oshima Tsumugi) Craftsmanship: Hand-customized by Kyoto artisans Dimensions (excluding clasp): The Premium Kimono Tsumugi Series comes in three sizes: this is the XL size, W22x H18cm. The XL travel bag is suitable for: camera, phone, passport, A5 items, glasses, coins, etc. ------------------------ If you like a particular style, please secure it early. (Note: The placement of the pattern may vary slightly from the photo.) If you miss out on a desired design, we will ask the artisan to make more. Pre-orders are welcome via message, but we cannot guarantee that every design will reappear. We hope to share this exquisite craftsmanship and design with everyone, allowing Mr. Nakamura to continue accompanying his beloved cats and dedicating himself to crafting his cherished clasp bags for years to come.