MONIKO PRODUCTS
Purses, clutches and pouches, hand crafted in Cambodia by disabled artisans.
Each piece is a very limited edition: we produce 20-25 pieces from one kimono: making the larger items first them smaller to best utilise the kimono fabric. We keep a catalogue of all the kimono used, and each of our products contains a tag with information about the age and type of kimono it was made from, the unique Moni Kode, as well as the name of the artisan(s) who recrafted it.
The Hashi Pouch
Hashi is Japanese for ‘bridge’. This design was inspired by a beautiful red bridge at a temple in Osaka. One large pocket accessed by the top zipper, and a smaller zipped pocket on the side. Designed with a base panel, so the pouch will stand up. Hand made by self-help groups in Cambodia.
Width 19cm x Height 14cm x Depth at base 6 cm, at top 1cm
This silk fabric is adorned with a bright 'nami' and ‘tsubaki’ pattern. Nami are waves: they are said to symbolise the desire for continued peaceful living, like tranquil waves. Within the waves are ‘tsubaki’, the camelia flower, historically part of the Japanese wedding tea ceremony, symbolising life and promise. They are notorious for flowering in the colder months of November and December. The pattern is printed on a rinzu silk kimono: a kind of damask silk which has motifs woven into its surface, in this case a mottled pattern. This fabric is further embellished with printed gold areas.
Width 19cm x Height 14cm x Depth at base 6 cm, at top 1cm
A bold geometric repeating ‘matsu’ design covers the kimono. Matsu, the Pine Tree, is believed to live for 100 years. It is a hardy plant that symbolises strength and long life. Samurai often planted these trees: it was believed that the long needle-like leaves, Matsuba, protected them from demons. There are a number of different forms that the motif takes, from very angular to mushroom shaped: these depict the age of the tree and the whether it is in blossom. The pattern is printed on a chirimen silk kimono, which has a slightly rough surface.
Width 19cm x Height 14cm x Depth at base 6 cm, at top 1cm
A harmonious blend of emblems from all seasons cover this kimono: you will find ‘ume’ and 'sakura' blossoms from springtime and ‘momiji’, maple leaves from autumn. Other motifs include ‘matsu’, the pine, a hardy plant that symbolises strength and long life, ‘kiku' the chrysanthemum and the flower of the Imperial House of Japan, 'fuji' the wisteria flower. The repeating 'kikkuo' hexagons represent long life as it resembles a tortoise-shell. Shibori and seigaiha: dots and wave patterns are also used. The pattern is printed on a rinzu silk kimono: a kind of damask silk which has motifs woven into it’s surface, in this case a leaf pattern.
Width 19cm x Height 14cm x Depth at base 6 cm, at top 1cm
A harmonious blend of emblems: ‘botan’, ‘kiku’ with ‘ume’ blossoms and ‘momiji’, maple leaves. Botan, peonies, are known as the King of Flowers in Japan where they represent longevity and steadfastness. Kiku, the chrysanthemum, is the flower of the Imperial House and often used icon of Japan itself (it features on Japanese passports). Ume, the Plum Blossom is a very popular symbol on fabrics. It is a favourite within the range of Japanese designs: it’s beauty and fragrance has been reflected in many poems. It is the first of the year to bloom, and therefore represents endurance. It became a symbol of good fortune, as is used for New Year decorations.
Momiji maple leaves symbolise autumn. Japanese traditionally admire and revere autumnal leaves just as they celebrate blossom in the spring. Momijigari is a celebration of autumn leaves, started by the aristocracy during the Heian era 794-1185 AD.
The pattern is printed on a chirimen silk kimono, which has a slightly rough surface. The design is produced by the bingata technique: a type of batik.
Ginkou Kimono Purse
Ginkou is Japanese for ‘bank’. Our stylish and functional purse, hand made from vintage kimono: use as a travel accessory, as it can accommodate passports and boarding passes, or as a colourful day time clutch to hold your essentials. The Ginkou purse features 6 divided internal sections, plus one internal zipped pocket, and credit card slots to keep everything together. High quality magnetic snap fastening.
Hand made by self-help groups in Cambodia.
Width 22.75cm x Height 14cm x Depth 3cm
This silk fabric is adorned with the classic 'seigaiha' pattern, also known as blue waves or fish scales. The repetitive pattern of waves was used on Chinese maps to depict the sea. It was made popular by the artist Seikai Kanshichi. It is said to symbolise the desire for continued peaceful living, like tranquil waves. Within the waves are ‘kiku’, the chrysanthemum, is the flower of the Imperial House and and often used icon of Japan itself (it features on Japanese passports).
Width 22.75cm x Height 14cm x Depth 3cm
This silk fabric is adorned with the classic 'seigaiha' pattern, also known as blue waves or fish scales. The repetitive pattern of waves was used on Chinese maps to depict the sea. It was made popular by the artist Seikai Kanshichi. It is said to symbolize the desire for continued peaceful living, like tranquil waves.
Superimposed are motifs which belong to the collective Myriad Treasures motif: including scrolls, drums, the purse of inexhaustible riches, ropes and ribbons and coins. All of these articles are thought to guarantee good fortune, long life, and prosperity.
The pattern is printed on a rinzu silk kimono: a kind of damask silk which has motifs woven into its surface, in this case flowers.
Width 22.75cm x Height 14cm x Depth 3cm
A graceful pattern of ‘kiku’ adorn this silk kimono. Kiku, the chrysanthemum, is the flower of the Imperial House and often used icon of Japan itself (it features on Japanese passports). The pattern is printed on a rinzu silk kimono: a kind of damask silk which has motifs woven into its surface, in this case ‘nami’, waves.
Width 22.75cm x Height 14cm x Depth 3cm
A harmonious blend of emblems: ‘botan’, ‘ayame’ and ‘kiku’ with ‘ume’ blossoms and ‘momiji’, maple leaves. Botan, peonies, are known as the King of Flowers in Japan where they represent longevity and steadfastness. 'Ayame' are especially loved by the Japanese: it is a sign of strength and the sword shaped leaves are symbols of warriors in the past. Kiku, the chrysanthemum, is the flower of the Imperial House and and often used icon of Japan itself (it features on Japanese passports). Ume, the Plum Blossom is a very popular symbol on fabrics. It is a favourite within the range of Japanese designs: its beauty and fragrance have been reflected in many poems. It is the first of the year to bloom, and therefore represents endurance. It became a symbol of good fortune, as is used for New Year decorations. Momiji maple leaves symbolise autumn. Japanese traditionally admire and revere autumnal leaves just as they celebrate blossom in the spring. Momijigari is a celebration of autumn leaves, started by the aristocracy during the Heian era 794-1185 AD. Other motifs include ‘matsu’, the pine, a hardy plant that symbolizes strength and long life, and ‘take’ bamboo which is another strong and flexible tree.
The pattern is printed on a chirimen silk kimono, which has a slightly rough surface. The design is produced by the bingata technique: a type of batik.
Width 22.75cm x Height 14cm x Depth 3cm
A fun and bold pattern of ‘kiku’ adorn this silk kimono. Kiku, the chrysanthemum, is the flower of the Imperial House and often used icon of Japan itself (it features on Japanese passports).
Kuukou Folding Wristlet
Kuukou is Japanese for ‘airport’. Sized around a passport (it can hold 4-5 at once), the Kuukou can be used as a stylish travel accessory, or as a casual clutch when out and about and travelling light. The wristlet feature gives added security and of course, allows the user to use both hands. One large pocket accessed when the clutch is unfolded and a smaller zippered pocket within the folded part. High quality magnetic snap fastening.
Hand made by self-help groups in Cambodia.
Width 24cm x Height 13cm x Depth 1.75cm
A harmonious blend of emblems: ‘botan’, ‘ayame’ and ‘kiku’ with ‘ume’ blossoms and ‘momiji’, maple leaves. Botan, peonies, are known as the King of Flowers in Japan where they represent longevity and steadfastness. 'Ayame' are especially loved by the Japanese: it is a sign of strength and the sword shaped leaves are symbols of warriors in the past. Kiku, the chrysanthemum, is the flower of the Imperial House and and often used icon of Japan itself (it features on Japanese passports). Ume, the Plum Blossom is a very popular symbol on fabrics. It is a favourite within the range of Japanese designs: its beauty and fragrance have been reflected in many poems. It is the first of the year to bloom, and therefore represents endurance. It became a symbol of good fortune, as is used for New Year decorations. Momiji maple leaves symbolise autumn. Japanese traditionally admire and revere autumnal leaves just as they celebrate blossom in the spring. Momijigari is a celebration of autumn leaves, started by the aristocracy during the Heian era 794-1185 AD. Other motifs include ‘matsu’, the pine, a hardy plant that symbolizes strength and long life, and ‘take’ bamboo which is another strong and flexible tree.
The pattern is printed on a rinzu silk kimono, a kind of damask silk which has motifs woven into its surface, in this case ‘nami’, waves..
Width 24cm x Height 13cm x Depth 1.75cm
This silk fabric is adorned with the classic 'seigaiha' pattern, also known as blue waves or fish scales. The repetitive pattern of waves was used on Chinese maps to depict the sea. It was made popular by the artist Seikai Kanshichi. It is said to symbolisethe desire for continued peaceful living, like tranquil waves. Within the waves are ‘kujaku’. The Peacock is seen as an emblem of goodwill, nurturing and kind-heartedness. It was believed to have the power to counteract poison and bring rain: therefore bringing good health.
Width 19cm x Height 14cm x Depth at base 6 cm, at top 1cm
The fabric design is the ASANOHA or KAKUASA symbol, the Hemp Leaf, which has traditionally been used in holy rituals. It is a familiar design that is often used for baby clothing as it is believed to bestow health and long life. The triangle denotes protection against evil, and Asanoha, an aggregate of triangles, conveys a meaning of strength and beauty.
This is currently one of the most popular traditional designs as it can be used for a variety of purposes, including kimono and architectural designs.
The coloured spots at the centre of the pattern are formed by ‘shibori’ technique: miniature tie-dye when the fabric is pulled, twisted and tied, then dyed.