Momotaro Purse and a Story that Carries Memories

Momotaro Purse and a Story that Carries Memories

- From WABISUKE Kyoto, old tales and poetry in the palm of your hand -

"Once upon a time..."
Just hearing these words brings a breeze of nostalgia to our hearts. Momotaro is the story of a boy born from a peach who sets out to defeat an ogre with the help of a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant. This folktale that every Japanese person has heard at least once is not just a tale of adventure, but also a vessel of memory that is passed down through generations.

The "Momotaro Pattern Purse" by WABISUKE Kyoto is like capturing the margins of this story in palm-sized cloth and metal fittings. When you open the purse, not only coins and keys but also your grandmother's voice, pages from your childhood picture books, and memories of "courage" slip inside.

[The structure of memory known as Momotaro]

The story of Momotaro is said to have become established through the kusazoshi of the Edo period and textbooks of the Meiji period, but its origins can be traced back much further, to the myth of "gaining strength by eating peaches" that appears in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki of the Nara period. Peaches are a symbol of "eternal youth and longevity" in China, and in Japan they have also been treated as a talisman and a symbol of vitality.

The structure of the story is also interesting. The protagonist, born from a peach, makes his way to Onigashima Island with the help of animals. This follows the typical pattern of the "Hero's Journey" proposed by mythologist Joseph Campbell: "Departure," "Meeting with friends," "Challenge," "Victory," and "Return." In other words, Momotaro is not just a folktale, but also a story of our own inner growth.

[The poetic clasp purse]

Gamaguchi is a type of small pouch that evolved into a uniquely Japanese design based on clasp technology introduced from the West during the Edo period. The sound of the clasp snapping open and closed evokes a sense of nostalgia and security. Not only are they practical as wallets, but they are also popular as gifts and travel companions, as they can be given unique character through the fabrics and embroidery they are made of.

WABISUKE's Momotaro-patterned purse is a masterpiece, carefully crafted one by one by artisans in Kyoto. The fabric features adorable designs of Momotaro, a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, with a green background reminiscent of a mossy garden. This is not just a design, but a poetic attempt to "hold the setting of the story in the palm of your hand."

[Poetry and playfulness in the design]

The charm of this purse lies in the "white space" that resides in the details. Momotaro's expression is somewhat innocent, the dog looks a little proud, the monkey looks mischievous, and the pheasant is looking up at the sky. Each character is arranged as if they were cut out from a scene in the story, but it's interesting to see how different people interpret them.

For example, Momotaro is depicted in the center of the purse, which gives rise to the meaning of "courage at the center" and "the hero in the palm of your hand." The green background could represent the path to Onigashima Island, or the mountain village of his hometown. This "room for interpretation" is WABISUKE's design philosophy - "poetic space and the resonance of memory."

[Set in Kyoto and a story that transcends generations]

WABISUKE Kyoto is more than just a general goods brand. It is a "poetic editing studio" that handles everything from space design to product development and story editing. Rooted in Kyoto, the company fuses modern sensibilities with traditional techniques to create products that are loved by generations.

The Momotaro-patterned purse is also the crystallization of this philosophy. From grandmother to grandchild, or from traveler to friend, this purse gently encases the owner's memories and becomes a "vessel of stories" to be handed down to the next generation. Whatever you put inside the purse can be coins, keys, or even a letter. What's important is that the story begins the moment you open it.

[Product information and usage suggestions]

Product name: Momotaro pattern purse Size: Height 9.5cm x Width 8cm
Material: 100% cotton, black clasp Manufacturer: WABISUKE Workshop, Kyoto Price: 990 yen (tax included)

Recommended usage:

- As a child's first wallet - As a talisman for travel - A perfect gift for the Girls' Festival - For storing everyday items such as medicine and accessories

[Finally: Carrying a story with you]

We live our lives surrounded by countless stories every day. Old tales, family memories, travel memories -- they float in our hearts without any form. WABISUKE's Momotaro-patterned purse gently gives shape to these stories.

Every time you open the purse, you might hear the voice of Momotaro. Or you might recall your childhood self traveling to Onigashima with the dog, monkey, and pheasant. This is not just an old tale, but "your own story."

WABISUKE Kyoto, stories in the palm of your hand.
The Momotaro-patterned purse still gently holds someone's memories today.