Kimono Tango: End of the Year Sale!

We are having an end of the year sale now at Etsy! 

If you are interested, please visit us here now!

New Tote Bag from Kimono Tango - 2014 Winter: Butterfly Paulownia Dream Tote Bag

Kimono Tango Butterfly Paulownia Dream Tote Bag

(15,000 JPY/$125/£80/101 EUROS)

This beautiful tote bag made with authentic Japanese silk brocade comes from Nishijin Kyoto.  It showcases motifs of butterflies and Paulownia flowers using contrasting luxurious silk threads of crimson, ebony, gold, silver and white.  If you are interested please visit our Etsy shop!

Kimono Tango Butterfly Paulownia Dream Tote Bag

(15,000 JPY/$125/£80/101 EUROS)

Kimono Tango Butterfly Paulownia Dream Tote Bag

(15,000 JPY/$125/£80/101 EUROS)

To get a special discount, please 'like' our Facebook page and message us at our Etsy shop!  For more information on our cottage industry please go here.

New Clutch Bags from Kimono Tango - 2014 Fall: Golden Butterfly Clutch Bag

Golden Butterfly Clutch Bag

(5000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

The fabric for this elegant clutch bag was woven in Nishijin, Kyoto.  It features the wings of a butterfly in gold and white and a traditional bow called Chomusubi (butterfly knot).  It was very likely made to wear with a Furisode the more flamboyant Kimono for unmarried girls with the longer sleeves. 

Golden Butterfly Clutch Bag

(5000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

This clutch bag is still available, so if you're interested, please stop by our Etsy store.  

Golden Butterfly Clutch Bag

(5000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

The lining is 100% black silk and it comes with magnet buttons.  If you would like to see more of our inventory please visit our Facebook page here.  You can also custom order a clutch bag or any of our other products.  If you have any queries please contact us here:  ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com.

New Clutch Bags from Kimono Tango - 2014 Fall: Vermilion Chrysanthemum Clutch Bag

Vermilion Chrysanthemum Clutch Bag

(5,000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

This silk brocade is from Nishijin, Kyoto and features a bright splash of colors and chrysanthemums. 'Chrysanthemum' has a Greek root. 'Chrys' means golden, and 'anthemion' means flower.  This suggests that the early varieties were golden yellow, and only years of cultivation yielded the variety of colors we are so used to seeing these days.  

 Vermilion Chrysanthemum Clutch Bag

(5,000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

In China, the chrysanthemum is one of the 'four gentlemen' (bamboo, plum, chrysanthemum, orchid) and symbolizes perpetual youth and longevity according to some sources.  These plants were imported from Tang Dynasty China (618 - 907) to Japan during the Nara period (710 - 794) and became quite established during the Heian period (794 - 1185).

Vermilion Chrysanthemum Clutch Bag

(5,000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

If you are interested please visit our Kimono Tango Etsy page and for more information and a look at our wide array or products, please visit our Facebook page.  In addition, our home page has information more information about our cottage industry and information on Kimono trivia.  

New Clutch Bags from Kimono Tango 2014 Fall: Shosoin Mystic Flower Clutch Bag with Platinum Leaf

Shosoin Mystic Flower Clutch Bag with Platinum Leaf

(5,000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

This very special clutch bag is made from silk brocade inspired by Shosoin art.  Shosoin is under the jurisdiction of Todaiji in Nara, and it dates back to the year 756 when Empress Komyo dedicated over 600 items to the Great Buddha there.

Shosoin Mystic Flower Clutch Bag with Platinum Leaf

(5,000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

This shot shows the black silk lining inside this very special clutch bag.  This is ideal for those who do not like bright splashes of color. 

 Close-up of the Silk Brocade

This silk brocade was woven in Nishijin, Kyoto and incorporates platinum leaf into its weave using delicate shades of silver, grays, white and black.  You can see the fine weave in the above photograph.

Shosoin Mystic Flower Clutch Bag with Platinum Leaf

(5,000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

This last photograph is a shot of the clutch bag from the back.  It is a beautiful one of a kind bag that you can treasure for years to come.  If you are interested in this, please contact us at: ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com, or visit our Etsy shop.  If you would like to look at our full range of products, please stop by our Facebook page!

American Club Bazaar - Kimono Tango

If you live in the Tokyo area, please come visit us at our booth on November 5 - 6 at the American Club.

We currently have a display at the American Club where you can see samples of our products, but will have much more on bazaar day.

We are offering discounts this year.  Please 'like' our Facebook page and say the secret word 'Tango' to get your discount.

See you at the bazaar!

Kimono Tango Dice Bags - NEW!

Dice Bag

10 cm (4 inches) x 15 cm (6 inches)

1500 JPY/$15/11 Euros/£8.60)

It's only October, but it's not too early to start doing your Christmas shopping.  If you are interested in custom ordering a dice bag, please contact us here: ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com.  

Dice Bag

10 cm (4 inches) x 15 cm (6 inches)

1500 JPY/$15/11 Euros/£8.60)

The dice bags can be made in various sizes.  All of them are made from authentic Japanese Kimono fabrics.  If you have any specifications regarding fabric type, color and motifs please inquire.

Dice Bag

10 cm (4 inches) x 15 cm (6 inches)

1500 JPY/$15/11 Euros/£8.60)

Dice Bag

10 cm (4 inches) x 15 cm (6 inches)

1500 JPY/$15/11 Euros/£8.60)

Dice Bag

10 cm (4 inches) x 15 cm (6 inches)

1500 JPY/$15/11 Euros/£8.60)

If you prefer to buy one immediately, we have some up in our Etsy shop.   Thank you for visiting us!

Kimono Tango Bridesmaid Clutch Bags

Bridesmaid Clutch Bag

(5000 JPY/$50/36 Euros/£29)

Your wedding day is a special day, so why not have something really special made to commemorate this for you and your bridesmaids?  These clutch bags were ordered by a very special lady from Canada.  She will be keeping one herself and will be giving the other four away to her bridesmaids.

The fabric is 100% authentic Nishijin silk brocade and the clutch bags were handmade in Japan.

 

A Set of 5 Clutch Bags 

(25,000 JPY/$250/180 Euros/£145)

They will be wrapped and delivered in traditional Japanese style to commemorate this very special and auspicious occasion!  To contact us, please email us at:  ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com.  Please also visit our Etsy Shop and our Facebook page.  We also have our own website where we have more information on how our business is run as well as the materials we use.

NEW! Kimono Tango Mini Tote Bag

Kimono Tango Mini Tote Bag

6 inches x 6.7 inches

15.24 cm x 17 cm

2,500 JPY/$25/19 Euros/£15

Our newest product is the Kimono Tango Mini Tote Bag.  This one is made from 100% authentic silk brocade from Nishijin, Kyoto with faux leather handles.

If you are interested in custom ordering one of these, please email us at: ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com.  Don't forget to visit us at our website, Facebook page and Etsy shop!

Alessandra Zecchini's Free Giveaway

Alessandra Zecchini is giving away a free Kimono Tango product!  If you are interested please go here. 

Nandina Berry Pillow Cover

Nandina Berry Pillow Cover

(Size:  30 cm x 30 cm (11.8 inches x 11.8 inches)

3,000 JPY/$30/22 Euros/£18)

We are not 100% certain where this silk brocade was woven, but we are guessing it is from Nishijin, Kyoto. It features nandina berries.  These are also known as 'heavenly bamboo' or 'sacred bamboo' in some countries. During the Sengoku period of warring states in Japan, it was believed that the plant warded off evil and it was customary to keep the leaves from this plant inside the chest where they stored their armor.  During the Edo period it was fashionable to plant these in your garden to ward off fire.  The superstition that this plant wards off evil probably originates in China. The leaves are also known for their preservative qualities and used to delay rice from going bad.  This was especially important in a time when there was no refrigeration.  If you can read Japanese please go here for more information.  

If you wish to purchase this pillow cover, please contact us at: ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com.  If you have a Facebook account, please visit our page there and hit 'like'.  We also have a shop in Etsy now, and encourage you to come and browse through our products!

Further to this if you are interested in visiting our web page, please go here.

Hope you are all having a wonderful summer!

Clutch Bag - Phoenix & Mythical Flowers

Phoenix & Mythical Flowers Clutch Bag

(5,000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

This silk brocade is decorated with a phoenix which symbolizes longevity and a mythical flower (Housouge). The flower dates back to Tang Dynasty China (618 - 907 AD) and traveled across the ocean to Japan and was a popular motif during the Nara (710 - 794 AD) and Heian Periods (794 - 1185 AD).  It has been modified over the centuries.  

Phoenix & Mythical Flowers Clutch Bag

(5,000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

We have chosen a simple black silk lining to compliment the bright colors.

Phoenix & Mythical Flowers Clutch Bag

(5,000 JPY/$50/£30/37 Euros)

To purchase this bag please go Etsy.  If you would like to custom order something from a different fabric, please email us at:  ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com.  Again, if you have a Facebook account, please come visit us there and like our page.  Thank you!

Tote Bag - Blossoms in Frosty Pink

Blossoms in Frosty Pink Tote Bag

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

If you love all things pink this is the tote bag for you.  It is decorated with motifs of peonies, chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, auspicious patterns of tortoise shells, clouds and waves.  The fabric is 100% authentic Nishijin silk brocade with platinum leaf, and the handle is faux leather.

Blossoms in Frosty Pink Tote Bag

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

Blossoms in Frosty Pink Tote Bag

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

To order this one of a kind tote bag please either go to Etsy, or contact us at ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com.  Our website is here.   If you have a Facebook account, please remember to visit our page for new information!

Tote Bag - Tropical Sunburst

Tropical Sunburst 

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

The silk brocade used in making this tote bag uses unusually bright colors.  My best guess is that it was intended for summer.  This tote bag is unique in that it sports a crimson cord that is loosely draped around the bag.

Tropical Sunburst 

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

Tropical Sunburst 

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

Tropical Sunburst 

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

Tropical Sunburst 

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

If you are interested in purchasing this, we currently have it up on Etsy.  You can also contact us directly at: ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com and have another bag custom ordered with a different fabric.  Our website is here.  Please also remember to visit our Facebook page if you have an account!

Pillow Cover - Chrysanthemum Glory

Chrysanthemum Glory

Pillow Cover 30 cm x 30 cm

(3,000 JPY/$30/22 Euros/£18)

Our pillow covers come in three sizes, i.e. 60 cm x 60 cm (23.6 inches x 23.6 inches), 45 cm x 45 cm (17.7 inches x 17. 7 inches) and 30 cm x 30 cm (11.8 inches x 11.8 inches).  Please inquire here.  

This silk brocade showcases chrysanthemums in a colorful bouquet against an orange background and then duplicates the flowers green on green.  If you would like to see more please visit our Facebook page here.  

All our products are made from authentic Japanese silk brocade used in ceremonial Obis.  The price of silk brocade Obis can range from $3000 - $5000 (or more or less) just to give you an idea of how valuable the fabric used in this pillow cover is.

Tote Bag - Gold and Mandarin Floral Fans

Gold and Mandarin Floral Fans 

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

This silk brocade uses gold thread abundantly and cherry and plum blossoms motifs are juxtaposed onto a fan. It was probably used at a coming of age ceremony because of its vibrant coloring and auspicious motifs.  

Gold and Mandarin Floral Fans 

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

Gold and Mandarin Floral Fans 

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

To order this one of a kind tote bag, please write us to inquire for availability: ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com and pay here.  If you have a Facebook account, please visit us here and like our page.

Thank you, again, for visiting our page!

Tote Bag - Misty Mountains

 Misty Mountains Tote Bag

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

This fabric uses platinum leaf, and was an Obi made to wear to the most formal occasions.  To see the mist covered mountain range, you have to turn the bag to the side. However, it was a designer decision to look at this tableau in a more abstract way and make it look better when made into a tote bag. The iridescent silk brocade in delicate colors doesn't photograph well, so when you actually hold this bag in your hands you will be surprised and delighted at the depth and richness of a complex mix of colors.

 Misty Mountains Tote Bag

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

To order this one of a kind tote bag, please write us to inquire for availability: ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com and pay here.  If you have a Facebook account, please visit us here and like our page.

Thank you, again, for visiting our page!

Tote Bag - Gold and Vermilion Chrysanthemums

Gold and Vermilion Chrysanthemum Tote Bag 

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

This Obi with its striking contrast between vermilion, black, gold and silver is from Nishijin, Kyoto.  Nishijin is famous for producing some of the finest silk brocades. The craftsmanship of these luxurious textiles dates back to the 8th century.

 Gold and Vermilion Chrysanthemum Tote Bag

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

The gold colored handle in faux leather compliments the silk brocade and the designer has cut the textile to maximize the lovely curves of the red stripes bordering the chrysanthemums.  Maybe it's just me but this is one of my favorite bags!

Gold and Vermilion and Chrysanthemum Tote Bag

(15,000 JPY/$150/110 Euros/£87)

To order this one of a kind tote bag, please write us to inquire for availability:  ayako.y.nakamura@gmail.com and pay here.  If you have a Facebook account, please visit us here and like our page.

Thank you, again, for visiting our page!

iPad Mini Case - Golden Tassels

Golden Tassels iPad Mini Case

(3,500 JPY/$35/26 Euros/£21)

Our Golden Tassels iPad Mini Case showcases bursts of gold, orange and silver on a black backdrop.  

Golden Tassels iPad Mini Case

(3,500 JPY/$35/26 Euros/£21)

To purchase this item, please email us for availability here, and make your payment here.