What is a clasp purse?
What is a clasp purse?
- Japanese everyday items that preserve the movements and memories of the hands
"The clasp purse is a Japanese everyday item that is more than just convenient to open and close; it also preserves the movement and memory of the hand."
We have adopted this sentence as the "definition" of WABISUKE.
A clasp purse is not just a wallet.
It is a tool that gently encases memories and emotions through the casual, repetitive actions of opening and closing it in our daily lives.
Do you remember the sound of a clasp purse?
Snap.
When I hear that sound, I feel nostalgic for some reason.
I remember sitting on my grandmother's lap and opening the purse to take out a candy.
The quiet movements of my mother's hands as she counts her coins.
Or the feeling of the slightly hard metal fittings on the first purse you hold in your hand.
A clasp is a tool that imprints memories through sound and texture.
It is a small container that captures "time" through the five senses.
Perhaps that is why we feel a warmth, like human skin, when we use this tool.
Value that cannot be measured by "convenience"
Modern wallets are thin, light and functional.
How many cards can it hold, is it RFID compatible, and is it smart?
However, the clasp purse seems to go against this trend, being somewhat clumsy and slow.
Use both hands to open the purse.
Pinch the metal fittings, apply a little pressure, and snap it open.
There is a certain "pause" in this series of actions.
This "space" is the essence of a clasp purse.
Don't rush, don't rush, be careful.
A clasp purse is a tool that reminds the owner of the rhythm of their actions.
It is also a time to cultivate "mental space," which is the polar opposite of convenience.
The clasp purse carries on memories
Purses can be passed down through generations.
Even if the fabric is worn or the metal fittings are a little loose, I can't throw it away.
This is because it is a tool that is imbued with "human time."
For example, my mother inherited a clasp that my grandmother used,
My daughter is now using it as a storage container.
In this way, the clasp purse continues to quietly fulfill its role as a "container of memories."
The way the texture of leather and fabric changes is also a sign of the passage of time.
The more you use a clasp purse, the more it will reveal the individuality of the person using it.
The sound of the word "gamaguchi"
There is something charming about the word "gamaguchi."
It is said that the name "gama" comes from the way it opens wide like a frog's mouth.
The softness of this word is one of the charms of gamaguchi.
We attach emotions to the sound of words.
When you say the word "Gamaguchi"
There is a sense of nostalgia and familiarity to it.
Kyoto life and clasp purses
In Kyoto, where WABISUKE is based, clasp purses are still a part of everyday life.
You can put it in the obi of your kimono or match it with your yukata.
Or use it as a small wallet for everyday shopping.
Living in Kyoto has an aesthetic of not having too much.
Carefully select only what you need and use it for a long time.
The clasp purse is a tool that resonates deeply with this philosophy of life.
Talking about clasp purses for the future
We choose to "talk" about our purses rather than "sell" them.
Because the value of this tool cannot be measured by specs or price.
The clasp purse is the "silent protagonist" in our daily lives.
Accompanying your daily actions, enveloping memories and nurturing time.
I would like to continue to carefully convey this story.