It's been very hot every day lately.
At the workshop, we are busy with airing, disassembling, and washing kimonos during this time of year.
At Himizuya, we have created numerous upcycled works using obi fabric. We have transformed various types of obi, including fukuro obi, nagoya obi, hakata obi, tsuzure obi, and hanhaba obi, into a wide range of upcycled works.
A characteristic of each type of obi is that maru obi are made of the same fabric on both front and back, so the pattern is woven throughout the entire obi, but other types of obi have plain backs. We spent some time trial and error trying to figure out how to upcycle the fabric that had accumulated as we worked on upcycling the obi.
One day, we decided to collect these plain linings and make Rikyu bags, and after several attempts, we finally completed the Rikyu bag.
The first bag we made was this Rikyu bag. We combined white obi fabric with a white Oshima hemp leaf pattern. The light green colour is perfect for summer. By making the handles white as well, we were able to create a sense of unity throughout the bag.
It measures 25 cm wide × 15 cm long × 10 cm deep, so it should be a convenient size to use.
When you hear ‘Rikyu bag,’ you may think that it can only be used in certain situations and is not suitable for everyday use, but it is a small and elegant item that can be used casually.
The bag has two pockets on the outside and a zipper closure, providing hidden storage space.
This unique bag was created by upcycling kimono fabric that had been treasured for a long time.
You can enjoy your own unique style with patterns and colours that are different from each other.
The texture of the fabric, the flow of the patterns, and the depth of the colours have been revived in these bags, which are inspired by kimonos and obi sashes that have stood the test of time.
After spending time making numerous prototypes and actually starting production, we were overwhelmed by the depth of the craftsmanship that goes into making Rikyu bags.
It looks simple at first glance, but it is made up of many small parts.
We cannot compromise on the thickness and firmness of the inner material, which is essential for creating a beautiful silhouette, or on the process of attaching it.
We realized once again that a single bag requires a great deal of effort and skill to make.
Feeling the warmth of my hands touching the fabric, I carefully sew each stitch, slowly and carefully.
There are days when I want to finish quickly, but more than that, I value the desire to be thorough.
I believe that each stitch contributes to the beautiful finish.
We hope that this bag will become a companion that quietly accompanies someone in their daily life.
The hot weather is set to continue, so please remember to stay hydrated and take care of yourselves.