Kinbotan Tote Silk Obi Bag with Gold Peony Crest, Handcrafted Japanese Kimono Purse, Kiss Lock Closure

I really enjoyed making this bag as it was a challenge but in a good way. I picked up this fabric at Toji Temple in Kyoto. The fabric is the front side of fukuro obi with gold colored threads woven into the gorgeous design. The lady I purchased it from had made kinchakus from the back side of the obi fabric but wasn't sure how to make a bag out of this design. I took it as a challenge and special ordered this closure just for this fabric. I really love the vermillion orange (common with formal obis) and the bag really sparkles. I used a very stiff lining so it would stand up and even added feet to the bottom. I really wanted the marumon design of peonies to be highlighted and placed it on both front and back. This is from a vintage zentsu fukuro obi (a really high level of obi!) so the design repeats (it actually alternates with a bird motif and when I figure out how to make a bag with that design I will list it in the shop). The inside is lined with kimono fabric that was unused. I picked it up from the same lady who thought they went together (and they do!). I added a pocket inside and double reinforced the stitches on it. This is a rather large bag so I wanted it to be able to hold decent weight (not common for a Japanese bag) so it's all reinforced (a double layer of stitches). The bag measures 11" x 11" x 2". Kinbotan means gold peonies. The chain is removable and it also has a removable purse charm with a pink tassel and glass pearl beads. I'll get a video of it sparkling when the weather clears- here in Florida it's been raining every day and I barely got these pictures in! Any questions let me know and be sure to check out my shop which has lots of other purses and items from Japan!