Ominato Bunkichi Shoten "Kumiko Bag Charm" JAC-OBS-501-03

"A Charming Accessory that Radiates the Warmth of Wood"
This beautiful charm can be attached to a bag as an accessory or used as a netsuke to decorate the sash of a kimono. Enjoy the natural grain and aroma of the wood, with its charmingly natural texture.
"Carry the Beauty of Traditional Techniques Close to You"
The intricate geometric patterns of Japan's traditional kumiko craftsmanship add an elegant touch to your bag.
The "Goma" pattern symbolizes eternal youth and longevity, while the "Asanoha" pattern is said to offer protection from evil.
Not only can it be used as a bag charm, but also as a key ring or interior accessory. It also makes a perfect gift.

*Product images are samples.
*As this product is handmade from natural wood, variations in grain and color may occur, and size and weight may differ slightly. Thank you for your understanding.

History
Founded: Early Meiji Era　 Began with the production of shibugami (persimmon tannin paper) and transitioned to manufacturing folding screens, utilizing local industries in Kamo for woodworking techniques used in furniture and fittings, as well as skills in handling Japanese paper.
1980s (Showa Era 60s)　Leveraging woodworking skills, began producing store fixtures and started display work for "Kimono no Yamato."
2001 (Heisei 13)　Entered the seasonal doll industry by utilizing techniques for making decorative folding screens. Achieved success with hit products featuring calligraphy and hand-painted folding screens.
2005 (Heisei 17)　With support from the Niigata Industrial Creation Organization's "Yumezukuri Project" (Dream Creation Project) focusing on developing products for enjoying Japanese aesthetics, launched the knockdown Japanese-style room unit "Hito-Tsubo Kekkai."
2006 (Heisei 18)　Selected as the "Year of the Dog Model" for the Niigata Prefecture-led "Centennial Story" brand. Released decorative folding screens "Wind," "Sky," "Moon," and "Rainbow" at the Frankfurt Messe.
Continued to participate with models for the "Year of the Boar," "Year of the Rat," and "Year of the Ox," completing 10 iterations in total.
Participated in the Frankfurt Messe "Ambiente," focusing on expanding into overseas markets.
2016 (Heisei 28)　Exhibited at NY NOW, exploring opportunities in the U.S. market.
2019 (Reiwa 1)　Focused on product development utilizing kumiko craftsmanship from Akita cedar, expanding sales of items like Japanese tableware, lanterns, and coasters.
Held monthly workshops for "Kumiko Crafting with Akita Cedar."
Shifted focus from furniture and commercial fixtures to items that enhance the enjoyment of time, such as cutlery and lifestyle goods.
2020 (Reiwa 2)　Established the new product development department "FUNNY WORKS" with a six-member team, fostering a bottom-up approach to creating new products.

Kumiko craftsmanship is a traditional woodworking technique that creates intricate geometric patterns by assembling thin wooden pieces without using nails.

Traditional Patterns of Kumiko Craftsmanship
①Spring: Sakura Kikkō (Cherry Blossom Tortoise Shell) - "Prosperity and Abundance"

②Summer: Gentian - "Longevity"

③Autumn: Asanoha (Hemp Leaf) - "Protection from Evil"

④Winter: Goma Pattern (Sesame Pattern) - "Eternal Youth and Longevity"

"An Ornamental Technique Passed Down Since Ancient Times"
Since ancient times, kumiko craftsmanship has been used in Japanese traditional rooms, adorning transoms and sliding paper doors (shoji).
This technique can also be seen as decoration in Horyuji Temple, the world’s oldest existing wooden structure, built during the Asuka period.
During the Muromachi period, kumiko designs were incorporated into sliding doors and transoms.
With the increased demand for wooden architecture in the Edo period and beyond, craftsmen competed to refine their skills, resulting in an expansion of kumiko patterns.
Today, there are said to be over 200 different patterns.

"Meticulous craftsmanship that tolerates no deviation, not even 0.1 mm"
For kumiko craftsmanship, softwood materials such as cedar and cypress, which grow relatively straight, are used.
The wood is finely split and planed to the same thickness, grooves are made, and "leaves" crafted with a plane or saw are assembled one by one. However, even a deviation of just 0.1 mm can prevent the pieces from fitting together properly.
Crafting kumiko requires the ability to read the wood grain to determine how to cut the wood and which part to use for each piece.
In addition to selecting high-quality materials, it also demands the skill to make precise judgments and the expertise for meticulous processing.

• Ominato Bunkichi Shoten "Kumiko Bag Charm"
  
• Patterns：Goma (Sesame), Asanoha (Hemp Leaf)
• Product No.：JAC-OBS-501-03
• Size：Hexagonal, approx. 4.1 cm per side × 0.8 cm thick
  Each piece is handcrafted from natural wood, so wood grain and color may vary, and there may be slight differences in size and weight.
• Weight：about 7g
• Materials：[Frame］Black Walnut
  [Kumiko]Akita Cedar
   Transparent Acrylic Plate　Leather Cord Included
• 1,000 JPY flat rate shipping within Japan, free shipping for purchases totaling 20,000 JPY or more.
  Please bear the actual cost for shipping charges outside Japan.