Tsutaya, Asakusa. Deerskin bags in ancient warrior designs

[daizawaguy]

The shop in Asakusa, downtown Tokyo

 

[daizawaguy]

A selection of their gentlemans deerskin bags, handpainted in ancient warrior designs

 

[daizawaguy]

 

[daizawaguy]

Deerskin warrior gloved, Edo period. The top is the `Yarai` design, inspired by bamboo fence design

 

[daizawaguy]

My deerskin bag, in Yarai design...

 

[feltfan]

These are amazing. Thanks for bringing this to us.

For what do you use your bag? For what are they used
traditionally? How do you carry it?

More pictures, please!

 

[Tomasso]

Interesting. What is the material at the closure that looks like ivory?

 

[LaMedicine]

For what do you use your bag? For what are they used
traditionally? How do you carry it?

These kinds of bags are called gassai-bukuro or Shingen-bukuro and have been in use for hundreds of years, mostly by men, but occasionally by women. It's been traditionally used to carry odds and ends since kimonos don't have pockets. Wallets, keys, tissues--or rather, what amounts to tissues in the western world-- memos and papers if neccessary. It's carried by the strings, wound around one's wrist.

 

[LaMedicine]

Interesting. What is the material at the closure that looks like ivory?

They aren't closures, they are hooks to pass the string through. They do look like ivory, and I think some antique ones are, but today, the most likely material is bamboo--okay, I checked the one I have and it's plastic . The bag is closed by pulling the strings from both ends.

This one is Inden craft, deer hide with the pattens stenciled with laquer.

 

[LaMedicine]

Interesting. What is the material at the closure that looks like ivory?

On second though, it originally might have been deer horns, with those made from deer hide. Ivory as in elephant tusks would have been non-existent as material, save for imported artifacts, but deer horns and boar tusks would have been available.

Gassai-bukuro made from fabric (there are many that are made from fabric, often remade from worn-out kimonos and leftover scraps) have loops made with fabric to pass the string through.

 

[Tomasso]

On second though, it originally might have been deer horns

I considered that as well. But, then I thought of the extravagant nature of the Japanese elite. And I mean that as a complement. Seriously, nobody tends to the details like you folks.

I hope that came off well....

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Seriously, nobody tends to the details like (the Japanese).

I think the complimentary spirit of your comment is clear - and I completely agree. Details, but without overdoing it at all. Perfect balance in almost all their design schemes. I've always been knocked out by Japanese textile and architectural design.

 

[Chasseur]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing and the information. :eusa_clap

 

[feltfan]

Thanks for the explanation, LaMedicine.
Really interesting. Love to see more pictures if others have examples.

 

[daizawaguy]

Interesting. What is the material at the closure that looks like ivory?

Deer bone

 

[daizawaguy]

Hand painted design