When did clasp purses become considered "cute"?
When did clasp purses become considered "cute"?
What image comes to mind when you hear the word "gamaguchi" (clasp purse)? That round metal piece that opens with a snap. The plump shape that fits snugly in the palm of your hand. There's something nostalgic and endearing about it. Gamaguchi has become synonymous with "cute."
However, it is actually only recently that clasp purses have come to be considered "cute." In the past, clasp purses were used as practical wallets or small pouches, and were more likely to be "something that grandma owned," so why have they now become so popular with the younger generation?
---
The encounter between the modern girl of the Meiji era and the clasp purse
Gamaguchi wallets first came to Japan during the Meiji period. During this time, when Western culture was rapidly flowing in, they were imported as "gamaguchi wallets" and initially became popular as men's items. They were used as practical accessories to complement Western clothing, and the texture of the leather and the functional beauty of the metal fittings gave them a sophisticated impression.
However, from the Taisho era through the early Showa era, clasp purses gradually began to be used by women as well. Modern girls (moga), in particular, would carry clasp purses that matched their Western clothing and stroll around town. The clasp purse transformed from a simple wallet into a "fashion item" that was part of an outfit.
---
Rediscovering the value of "kawaii" and clasp purses
So, when did clasp purses start to be considered "cute"?
The key to this lies in the evolution of Japan's uniquely cute culture. Since the 1970s, cuteness has transcended mere youth and cuteness in girls' culture, becoming established as a means of self-expression. The characteristics of the clasp - its rounded shape, small size, and comfortable feel in the hand - resonate perfectly with this cute aesthetic.
Then, in the 2000s, with the arrival of the retro boom, items that retained the flavor of the Showa era began to be reevaluated. The "nostalgia" and "sense of security" inherent in good old things began to take on new value amid the uncertainty of the modern era. The clasp purse was one such example. Clasp purses that had lain dormant in the depths of their grandmothers' drawers were rediscovered by young people as "cute" and returned to everyday life.
---
The "space" and "white space" in the palm of your hand
What WABISUKE values is not simply "cuteness." The appeal of a clasp purse lies not only in its shape and sound, but also in the aesthetic sense deeply rooted in Japanese sensibilities, such as "space" and "white space."
That split second when you open the purse. The lingering feeling of the response and sound when you snap it shut. It's a gesture that creates a small rhythm in your daily life and helps to calm your mind. A purse is not just a tool, but a companion that accompanies the time and emotions of the person who uses it.
---
Beyond "cute" - as a vessel for emotions
The reason why clasp purses have come to be considered "cute" is due to the changing times and cultural trends. However, WABISUKE is looking at the deeper value that lies beneath that "cuteness."
For example, a clasp purse passed down from mother to daughter. Or a clasp purse picked up by an artisan you came across while traveling, attracted by their handiwork. Memories, emotions and stories quietly reside within them. A clasp purse is also a vessel that can encase such "invisible things."
I don't think we carry clasp purses because they're cute, but rather because holding them relaxes our hearts and makes us feel that they're cute.
---
Conclusion: Living with a Clasp Purse
The reason why clasp purses have become "cute" is not simply because of a trend. It is because we have come to value emotions such as "comfort," "nostalgia," and "being unique," which is why they have naturally become popular.
At WABISUKE, we hope to continue to carefully weave the "invisible value" of these clasps. We hope that these small, palm-sized containers will gently become a part of your life and help regulate your daily rhythm.