The story of a purse living with a turtle
The story of a purse living with a turtle: Timelessness and playfulness infused into WABISUKE's original "turtle-patterned purse"
A red purse stands alone in a mossy garden. A closer look reveals adorable turtles swimming about. Their shells are hexagonal, their eyes round, and somehow nostalgic and humorous. This is the "Turtle Pattern Purse," an original design by WABISUKE. It is more than just a small accessory case. It is a vessel of culture and memory that transcends time and is close to people's hearts.
Why are turtles considered lucky?
Since ancient times, turtles have been loved in Japan as symbols of longevity, good fortune, and guardian deities. They appear in the Manyoshu and Kojiki, and in mythology they are sometimes depicted as messengers of the sea god. The patterns on their shells are used in kimonos and architecture as "tortoise shell patterns," and the continuous hexagons symbolize "eternal prosperity."
Furthermore, turtles also play an important role in the story of Urashima Taro. The turtle rescues Taro and takes him to Ryugu-jo Castle, symbolizing a journey that transcends the boundaries between reality and fantasy. In other words, the turtle is a "guide that transcends time."
The encounter between a clasp and a turtle
Gamaguchi are originally imported pouches that were introduced to Japan from Europe during the Meiji period. Their metal clasp allows them to be closed with a snap, and they were introduced as part of Western fashion at the time. However, because pouch culture, such as "kinchaku bags" and "Shingen bags," was already well established in Japan, gamaguchi quickly became integrated into daily life and evolved in a way that was uniquely Japanese.
As a result, the clasp became established as a "Japanese accessory" and began to be worn with kimonos and yukatas. Today, it is a popular accessory that combines nostalgia with practicality.
By adorning this purse with a turtle motif, WABISUKE expresses "a little journey in the midst of everyday life." The turtles depicted on the red fabric have a somewhat cartoonish, familiar quality. However, the tortoiseshell pattern on their shells is clearly present, creating an exquisite blend of tradition and playfulness. When placed on moss, it even creates the illusion of walking through a garden.
Design Attention
WABISUKE's turtle pattern is more than just cute.
• Hexagonal shell: Based on the traditional tortoise shell pattern, depicted with soft curves.
• Eye expressions: Each one has a different expression, so you'll discover something new every time you look at them.
• Balanced placement: The turtle is positioned to swim naturally, following the curve of the purse.
This design embodies Tetsuya's philosophy of being "poetic yet practical" and "a fusion of culture and pop."
Turtles and the lives of Japanese people
Turtles appear in various forms in real life.
• Shrine Chozuya: The stone statue of a turtle spewing water is a symbol of purification and protection.
• Pottery and lacquerware: Tableware decorated with tortoiseshell patterns is sometimes used at celebratory occasions.
• Turtles as pets: During the Showa period, green turtles became popular and were loved as friends by children.
Given this cultural background, using a turtle on a purse is not just decorative, but also a way of "passing on memories."
The charm of clasp purses: their many uses
This turtle-patterned purse can look different depending on how you use it.
• As a coin purse: It'll be a great conversation starter every time you take it out at the register.
• As an accessory case: Perfect for storing earrings and rings when traveling.
• As a charm holder: Use it to carefully store charms you receive at shrines.
However you use it, the turtles will watch over you quietly, like little companions on your journey.
WABISUKE's philosophy and the turtle print purse
WABISUKE is a brand that brings poetry and memories to everyday life as a "station of culture." The turtle print purse is one of the products that symbolizes this philosophy.
• A fusion of tradition and modernity • Practicality and poetic sensibility • A design that brings out the user's story
The moment you hold this purse in your hand, it may gently awaken memories and sensibilities that have been dormant within you.
One last thing.
Turtles live for a thousand years, cranes for ten thousand years. As the saying goes, turtles are "beings that transcend time." WABISUKE's turtle-patterned clasp purse will continue to quietly mark the passage of time in your life. From today's shopping, tomorrow's travel, to memories ten years from now. With the turtle and the clasp, your story will continue.