Deep black leather establishes the dominant visual presence of Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd.'s Kumihimo Drawstring Bag, where the eye immediately encounters an extraordinary synthesis of traditional braidi

A compact drawstring bag suspended before a cream-toned architectural or garment backdrop organizes itself through centered frontal symmetry, with the accessory occupying the central vertical axis and

Supple black leather forms the exterior shell of this drawstring bag, its surface exhibiting a refined grain texture that suggests careful selection of high-quality hide, treated to achieve a sophisti

Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd.'s Kumihimo Drawstring Bag reveals through this intimate detail photograph a masterful interplay of traditional braiding technique and contemporary material refinement, where i

A refined drawstring bag emerges as the compositional anchor within this carefully orchestrated fashion presentation, positioned centrally within the lower half of the frame and held gracefully by a f

Platinum Fashion and Travel Accessories Design · 2026

Kumihimo Drawstring Bag

by Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd.

A' Design Award 2026 Platinum Winner in Fashion and Travel Accessories Design
Awarded April 15, 2026
CLIENT: Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd.
Estimated Number of Design Views: 924,090
Verification code 594ABFB6D1 · Verify this award

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About Kumihimo Drawstring Bag

This bag reimagines Kumihimo, which is a traditional Japanese braiding technique from the Edo period. By replacing stitching with durable braided cords, the design achieves both structural strength and flexibility. The minimalist form highlights the craftsmanship, while the structure embodies Musubi, the Japanese philosophy of spiritual and physical connection. This piece seamlessly integrates historical beauty into modern daily life, celebrating the bond between the object and its owner.

The Kumihimo Drawstring Bag by Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd. represents a distinguished meditation on the continuity of Japanese craft traditions within contemporary luxury accessories design, positioning itself at the intersection of Edo-period kumihimo braiding heritage and modernist formal clarity that has characterized the finest expressions of Japanese design philosophy. The work demonstrates remarkable technical accomplishment in its integration of multiple artisanal disciplines: the precision leathercraft evident in the supple black pouch with its gracefully gathered drawstring closure, the meticulous hand-braiding of the exterior lattice cage executed in carefully graduated tones of deep purple and black, and the considered industrial design of the elongated oval metal handle that bridges traditional and contemporary visual languages. Compositionally, the design achieves that elusive quality of apparent simplicity underlain by sophisticated complexity, the bilateral symmetry and clean silhouette inviting immediate comprehension while the intricate braiding pattern and thoughtful material juxtapositions reward extended examination. The chromatic strategy employs deliberate restraint, allowing the near-black palette to function as unified ground against which textural and tonal variations create visual interest, the purple undertones of the braiding emerging subtly against the pure black leather, while the silver hardware provides essential luminous contrast that prevents the composition from becoming overly somber. Thematically, this accessory appears to explore questions of temporal continuity and cultural transmission, how traditional techniques might be honored through contemporary application rather than mere preservation. The kumihimo technique, historically associated with samurai armor lacing and ceremonial cord-making, here finds new purpose as decorative cage and structural support, suggesting that heritage crafts retain relevance when thoughtfully recontextualized. Viewers might contemplate how objects carry cultural memory, and how the meeting of handcraft and industrial production reflects broader contemporary negotiations between tradition and innovation.

Press Kit

Unique Properties: Reinterpreting "KUMIHIMO" from the Edo period-a Japanese historical era (1603-1867), this bag features durability and flexibility through braiding. Minimalist design highlights the pure beauty of the technique. The structure symbolizes "MUSUBI," a concept signifying both physical links and spiritual bonds in Japanese. By joining leather parts with these cords, the design reflects this spirituality, delivering traditional beauty to daily life.
Dimensions & Packaging: Size: H 210 × W 190 × D 150 mm
Handle Height: 105 mm (Metal Fittings), 150 mm (Drawstring Cords)
Tags: Traditional Crafts, Kinchaku, Kumihimo, Craftsmanship, Leather, Japan, Repairable
Production Technology: A work filled with our workshop's craftsmanship.
Consisting of 20 precision leather parts, this bag uses hidden stitching and manual thread finishing to highlight the KUMIHIMO's beauty. Edge-painting on all 100 holes ensures both friction reduction and beauty. The cords were made by the craftsperson Ryuta Fukuda. The fusion of Tsuchiya Kaban’s leather craft and Fukuda’s expertise breathes soul into every detail, embodying the value of traditional craft.
Design Challenge: The challenge of this project was to integrate traditional Kumihimo into a daily bag, balancing harmony with leather and functional beauty. To resolve this, we adjusted the placement of parts by hand in millimeter increments. We strictly managed sewing precision and repeatedly verified knot types and hardware shapes. As a result, we realized a design that fits modern lifestyles, harmonizing two distinct products into a single craft.
Project Duration: Started in June 2022 at Tsuchiya Kaban in Tokyo. Mass production was completed at the Tsuchiya Kaban workshop in January 2024, marking the end of the project. It is currently not for sale.
Operation Flow: A versatile bag designed for diverse styles and occasions.
This piece accents casual attire and functions as a sophisticated party bag for formal events. When paired with Kimono, it creates a modern look; its minimal yet deep design enhances any style. It offers two carrying options: a casual, relaxed style like a drawstring bag, and an elegant style using the original metal handle inspired by "Chagama" (a tea ceremony kettle), adding a unique touch to your movements.
Research: Integrating traditional design into modern life.
By researching Kimono culture and modern bag usage, we identified "functionality, tactile feel, and visual balance" as key elements for daily integration. Through three prototyping rounds, we refined leather selection, hardware shape, and braiding to harmonize tradition with modern utility. This research-driven design creates a product ideal for daily use, effectively reaching audiences unfamiliar with traditional crafts.
Inspiration: A bag reinterpreting Japanese tradition for modern life.
This work reconstructs Kimono culture's beauty into a functional bag, harmonizing traditional aesthetics with daily life. Instead of applying crafts as they are, we refined the design to blend into modern wardrobes, removing the distance felt toward traditional crafts. By integrating "KUMIHIMO" into the structure, we aimed to make craftsmanship feel accessible through a modern appeal that invites people to pick it up and experience it.