The poetry of winter in the palm of your hand. WABISUKE's snowman-patterned clasp and a journey through the cultural history of snowmen

The poetry of winter in the palm of your hand. WABISUKE's snowman-patterned clasp and a journey through the cultural history of snowmen

In the quiet alleys of Higashiyama Sanjo in Kyoto in winter, a clasp purse catches your eye. Snowmen lined up against a blue background, clad in red hats and scarves, are somehow nostalgic and humorous. WABISUKE's limited edition winter clasp "Snowman Design" is large enough to easily fit a card and can also be used as a coin purse, as well as a small item holder for keys, medicine, accessories, and more. But the appeal of this clasp goes beyond mere functionality. The world of this small piece of fabric that fits in the palm of your hand is packed with the winter culture of snowmen.

The origin of the word "snowman" and its Japanese shape

Why are Japanese snowmen two-tiered? The answer lies in the name. The word "snowman" comes from the auspicious "daruma." Ukiyo-e prints from the Edo period depict "daruma-shaped" statues made out of snow, which are said to be the prototype of snowmen. The papier-mâché daruma, modeled after the Zen pose of Bodhidharma, is a symbol of "fall down seven times, get up eight." Snowmen may also have been a source of hope amid the harshness of winter.

In modern Japan, the most common shape is two snowballs, one large and one small, stacked on top of each other. The bottom layer is the body and the top layer is the head. The eyes and mouth are made from nuts or stones, and sometimes a bucket is placed on top of the snowball instead of a hat. The simple yet somehow charming shape is in line with the Japanese aesthetic sense - the sense of "white space" and "space."

Snowmen of the World: The Diversity of Snowmen

On the other hand, snowmen overseas, or "Snowmen" in English, are typically three-tiered. They have long bodies, top hats on their heads, carrot noses, and branches for arms. They are almost human-like in appearance. This shows that snowmen in the West are more anthropomorphic. Many people will remember Olaf from the movie "Frozen."

Illustrations of snowmen already appeared in medieval European Books of Hours (around 1380), and they were sometimes depicted as religious symbols or objects of satire. There is also a record of more than 100 snowmen being made in Brussels in 1511 to express dissatisfaction with the plague. Snowmen were not just a toy, but also a mirror that reflected society and emotions.

The poetry of WABISUKE is embodied in the snowman-patterned clasp.

WABISUKE has incorporated this snowman culture into an everyday item called a clasp purse. The snowmen lined up on a blue background maintain a somewhat Japanese two-tiered shape, while also incorporating Western snowman elements with their red hats and scarves. It's as if Eastern and Western cultures are joining hands under the winter sky.

This clasp is more than just a small accessory case. It's a vessel that holds memories of winter, a small stage for enjoying the cultural journey of snowmen in the palm of your hand. It's sized to fit a card, making it perfect for everyday use. Slipping it into your pocket may just warm your heart a little on a cold day.

Snowmen are beautiful precisely because they disappear

Snowmen melt when spring comes. That is why they are so ephemeral and beautiful. WABISUKE has captured this essence, which is also connected to the Japanese sense of "mono no aware," in fabric. As the seasons change, the snowmen inside the purses continue to smile.

A perfect winter gift. A treat for yourself. Be sure to pick up a snowman-patterned purse, imbued with culture and poetry.

Sources:
TABIZINE | Differences between Japanese and Western snowmen
Mania Matrix｜The origin and culture of snowmen
Wikipedia | Snowman Karapaia | The origin and history of snowmen