Japanese Traditions: Past to Present with Kero-Kichi
Shopping on the streets of Tokyo, Kamakura, and even Kyoto you see the Japanese traditions of the past walking along side that of the present.
It is no different for this shop on the shopping street, Nakamisa, leading up to the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Kero-Kichi is owned and operated by the friendliest of people. I was lured into the shop by all the wonderful patterned fabrics. To my surprise this wonderful man turned my excitement into amazement as he knotted and tucked this beauty of a purse into form. Not only can it be made into a purse, but can be about 20 other items as well.
Japanese Traditions: Past to Present
If you are wondering what this beautiful square piece of fabric- turned purse- is called, I have to take you back in time a bit to the Nara period in Japan.
Japanese Traditions: Past
During the 700s cloth was considered precious and was only used to wrap very important items. This is when what is called the furoshiki came into existence. Furoshiki, literally meaning-wrapping cloth, is a single square piece of cloth that can be used in various ways. As the Japanese traditions and culture progressed, it moved into the Edo period (1600-1800s). During this period the furoshiki started to become very popular among the more common people. They used it for carrying gifts and made them into bags.
Japanese Traditions: Present
Fast forward to the present- the Japanese traditions of the furoshiki is a modern day fashion must have. From your everyday purse, to wrapping up bottles of wine, to using it as a scarf or hat, the furoshiki has endless uses! They come in all different sizes nowadays. These particular ones from Kero-Kichi are carefully made one by one, using a traditional hand printing technique.
Below is the printing technique...photo's are in thanks to Kero-Kichi.
As you can see, Japanese traditions run deep within Japanese fashion and the furoshiki is an amazing fashion item to add to your style arsenal. One you will not regret as it is so versatile.
To see how to make your own Furoshiki check out the video below:
Follow Kero-Kichi on Facebook: @Kerokichi Koike-shouten
If you would like to learn more about the culture and people behind the looks of Mariposa Skies' fashion checkout this post below:
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