Vintage Japanese silk clutch bag in ivory silk with flower and river pattern, silver metal chain strap

Ivory Silk Clutch -Vintage Japanese Kimono Silk Evening Bag

£65.00

Ivory Silk Clutch -Vintage Japanese Kimono Silk Evening Bag

Name: Ivory Silk Clutch -Vintage Japanese Kimono Silk Evening Bag
Brand: Kimono Living
SKU: B231
Price: 65.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

c.1970s Japanese vintage
One of a kind piece
Found in Osaka, Japan

£65.00

Shipping calculated at checkout | 30 Day Returns

An elegant vintage Japanese evening bag in silver and pale gold kimono silk. Decorated with winding streams and chrysanthemum flowers, this one of a kind vintage purse is made for weddings, dinners and parties, for those who like their accessories graceful, unusual and impossible to copy.

Dimensions: Approx. 19cm x 15cm x 5cm / 7.5" x 5.5" x 2"
Exterior: Silver and pale gold woven kimono silk with winding stream and chrysanthemum design
Interior: Warm beige silk
Storage: One main compartment with two interior pockets
Closure: Decorative silver filigree metal clasp
Hardware: Silver-tone metal frame and chain strap with folding hinge attachments
Carry Options: Clutch style with tuck-away chain strap
Unique Piece: One of a kind
Age: Mid-Shōwa period, c.1970s
Condition: Excellent exterior and interior; light tarnish to silver metal frame

If your piece isn’t right, you’re welcome to return it within 30 days of delivery for a refund.

To be eligible, returns should be: 
• unused and in original condition 
• in original packaging  where possible
• accompanied by proof of purchase 
• sent using a tracked service

To arrange a return, please contact us via our Contact Form with your order number.

For change-of-mind returns, the item cost and standard outbound shipping will be refunded. Return postage is the customer’s responsibility.

If your item arrives faulty or incorrect, all delivery costs will be refunded.

As returns remain your responsibility until received, we recommend using a fully insured tracked service.

All pieces are carefully packaged and dispatched from our London studio (UK).
Orders are sent using tracked and insured services.

• Dispatch time: 1–2 business days 
• UK delivery: 2–3 business days 
• USA & Canada: 5–8 business days 
• Australia & New Zealand: 6–8 business days 
• Europe & Rest of World: 6–10 business days

Shipping rates are calculated at checkout.

US orders include duties and taxes.

Other international customers may be responsible for local customs charges.

Each bag is a carefully sourced vintage Japanese find, selected for its craftsmanship, character, and history.

• Genuine vintage pieces dating from the 1930s onwards 
• Sourced in Japan with respect for their cultural heritage 
• Preserved and offered as found, with minimal intervention 
• Limited in number — once gone, it cannot be repeated

A new chapter for an object that has already lived one life.

Packaging is fully recyclable, with materials chosen to reduce environmental impact wherever possible.

Your vintage bag is made from delicate materials and should be handled with care:

• Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve colour 
• Avoid overfilling to maintain structure 
• Store in a cool, dry place when not in use 
• Do not machine wash or tumble dry 
• Professional cleaning by a specialist is recommended

Made from authentic vintage Japanese textiles and materials, each item may show gentle signs of age. This is part of its character and history.

What does the river symbol on this piece mean?

Kawa (川)

The river symbol represents continuity, renewal and the passage of time.

In Japanese art, flowing water (nagare) is one of the most enduring motifs, suggesting movement and the unstoppable forward flow of life through the turning of the year.

As an auspicious symbol, it swirls with a wish: that life, like water, will always find its way.

River motif on vintage Japanese silk textile with flowing water design (Kawa)

Chrysanthemum flower motif on a vintage Japanese silk obi, silver on black. (Kiku)

What does the chrysanthemum symbol on this piece mean?

Kiku (菊)

The chrysanthemum is an auspicious symbol of regal beauty, rejuvenation and longevity.

Used as the Imperial Seal of Japan. Spider chrysanthemums, with wild tendril petals, also carry the same meanings.

The Chrysanthemum Festival (Kiku-no-Sekku) is traditionally held on the 9th day of the 9th month.
"In the second month the peach tree blooms,
But not 'til the ninth the chrysanthemums;
So each must wait 'til his own time comes."
-T'au Yuan-Ming (372-427 AD)