Every year in Japan, on New Year's Day many lucky children all over the country are given presents of cash known as otoshidama. The (usually) crisp new bills are folded into thirds and placed into sweet little envelopes known as "Pochibukuro".
Shin Hinagata Pochibukuro is a book filled with sweet envelope designs, I'm assuming by a designer called Shin Hinagata.
( ***Update... Thanks to Clare Maree, translator extraordinaire, I now know that "Shin Hinagata" is not in fact the designers name - but rather means "new templates"... as I say later in this post... I really should have studied more... *** )
It appears that the book is intended to be cut up as all the envelope patterns are printed on templates and the other side of the page has a co-ordinating pattern. There is no way I could bring myself to put a pair of scissors to this book though! The designs have been inspired by a range of traditional Japanese motifs. There are simple elegant ones with Kamon family crest designs...
...some of my favourite are inspired by kimono ensembles...
... and I couldn't get through this post without showing a pattern taken from kimono fabric could I...
...there are old-style patterns
...some from ukiyo-e artwork...
...I love the skulk of foxes in this old print and the woman appears to be running outdoors without her shoes... I'd love to know more about this artwork and if I could read Japanese, I believe that the facing page would tell me its story... maybe I should have studied harder...
...a number of designs have been inspired by kabuki costumes...
... the simplicity of this one just makes my heart sing. I think I would be equally excited about the envelope as I would the money inside...
... and I couldn't get through this post without showing a pattern taken from kimono fabric could I...
This is one of my many books I bought in Japan, but with a bit of a hunt, I was able to find it for sale online here. There are a couple of other books on the market about Pochibukuro, neither of which I've seen inside, but in case you're interested, I found this one and this one.
Shin Hinagata Pochibukuro: ISBN4-8373-0629-2
If you're like me and would love to make some pretty little envelopes to put tiny treasures in for friends, but couldn't bare the thought of cutting up such a gorgeous book, then you're in luck, visit this site, it has a super cute selection of designs ready for you to print out for free!
6 comments:
Hello again Melanie
I think Shin Hinagata means "new templates", not the name of the author. Maybe it's the second in a series or something. I can't see the name of any author. It is a gorgeous book. I can't wait to hit the bookshops in Japan. Only 19 more sleeps!
Another beautiful Japanese book! You must have so many. I would definitely not cut this one up either.
I wish I could go to the Eco market. I can see some fabrics in your photo that I probably couldn't resist!
I have a wonderful book called Japanese tales (ISBN 0-375-71451-0)
that says of Foxes:
Foxes are simple tricksters, who like to play especially on sexual desire.
Foxes are famous in Japan for masquerading as beautiful woman - so much so that if a man runs across a pretty girl alone, especially at twilight or in the evening he is a fool if he does not suspect her as a fox.
Foxes do not appear to women as handsome men, but possess them instead as spirits.
Often all the fox wants is food.
The Fox is also depicted in Japanese folklore as a messenger from the gods.
Bonnie
:)
The words 'skulk of foxes' is lovely. I don't know why but I just love it. Anyhoo, beautiful post, Would love to see this book. I linked on my blog to your etsy photography link post which I found so helpful! Thanks xo Kate
its official...I am drooling! I couldn't cut that book up either :-)
I know it would not be completely right....but, a person could photocopy a page or two for personal use so they wouldn't have to carve up their pretty book?....
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