WABISUKE shoppers and their stories: vessels that hold memories

A vessel that holds memories - WABISUKE shoppers and their stories

The Wabisuke camellia design is drawn in black on orange paper. It is the WABISUKE logo and a design that symbolizes the spirituality embodied in the brand name. This camellia, with its inner beauty amidst its tranquility, reflects the WABISUKE philosophy itself.

This shopper was designed not only to wrap gifts, but also to convey the brand's worldview and poetic atmosphere. Everything from the color, texture, and logo placement was designed with an awareness of "white space" and "memory."

Taniro - A color that embodies Japanese prayer and aesthetics

The orange color chosen for WABISUKE's shoppers comes from the traditional Japanese color "niiro." Niiro is a deep reddish orange color that has been used since ancient times for the torii gates of shrines and the pillars of temples. Made from "bengara (ferric oxide)," which contains iron, it is believed to prevent corrosion and act as a talisman to ward off evil spirits.

We didn't choose this color simply for its beauty. We wanted to subtly express through color the "daily life filled with prayer" and "respect for the invisible" that WABISUKE holds dear. We want it to warmly embrace the hearts of those who hold it, and gently protect them. This desire is embodied in the crimson color.

Meanwhile, the black used on the handle and logo is a symbol of "wabi-sabi," tightening the overall look. This black, which combines tranquility and strength, resonates with the softness of the crimson color, creating a harmony that is characteristic of WABISUKE.

The paper is light yet thick enough to gently support the heart of the user. It is made with the hope that both the giver and the recipient can feel at ease when using it.

The origins of the shopper - who came up with it first?

The culture of shoppers, or bags for carrying items home from stores, originated in the early 20th century in America. In the early 1900s, Walter H. Deubener, a general store owner in St. Paul, Minnesota, invented the "Deubener Bag," a paper bag with a string attached for easy carrying. This is considered the prototype of the modern shopper.

His invention dramatically improved the convenience of shopping and marked the beginning of the evolution of paper bags from mere packaging to being "part of the customer experience."

Just as Walter Dübener transformed the "experience of carrying a bag," WABISUKE's shoppers are designed to evoke the "emotions" you feel the moment you pick one up. The feel of the bag in your hand, the memory of the color, the meaning embodied in the logo... all of these are part of the experience.

Enveloping memories

We hope that anyone who holds this bag in their hands will recall the time they spent choosing a gift for someone, or the quiet sense of elation they felt in the store. WABISUKE shoppers are vessels that hold memories.

Someday this bag will become a small memory in someone's heart,
So that it will be a trigger for scenes that will suddenly come back to you even after time has passed.
WABISUKE shoppers still quietly cherish their memories today.