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Kakinuma Toko

Edo Kimekomi Kimono Maneki Hello Kitty Red

Edo Kimekomi Kimono Maneki Hello Kitty Red

Regular price $149.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $149.00 USD
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Celebrate vibrancy and tradition with the Edo Kimekomi Kimono Maneki Hello Kitty in Red, crafted by the skilled artisan Kakinuma Toko. This figurine brings together the beloved Hello Kitty character and the traditional Japanese Kimekomi technique, transforming her into a Maneki-neko, a beckoning cat that invites prosperity and joy.

The Kimekomi technique, a craft developed in Japan’s Edo period, involves embedding cloth into carefully carved grooves on a wooden or clay base, creating a polished, seamless finish. In this version, Hello Kitty wears a striking red kimono, a color symbolizing protection and happiness in Japanese culture. The intricate floral patterns on her kimono capture the essence of Japanese artistry, blending beauty with cultural meaning.

Kakinuma Toko, a master in the Kimekomi tradition, imbues each Hello Kitty with care and precision, ensuring every piece is unique and carefully crafted. This red Maneki Hello Kitty serves as both a delightful collectible and a talisman of good fortune, bringing warmth, charm, and a touch of Japanese heritage into any space.

Detail

Size: W 2.8in x L 2.4in x H 4.7in / W 7cm x L 6cm x H 12cm
Material: Rayon, Urethane Resin

Care & Use

  • Keep dry
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Kimekomi: The Art of Grooved Elegance in Japanese Craftsmanship

Kimekomi, a sophisticated art form originating from Kyoto’s Edo period, embodies the harmony of woodcraft and textile artistry. First developed by a craftsman at Kamigamo Shrine, this technique arose from embedding fabric into grooves on wooden bases to create beautiful, decorative dolls. Derived from the Japanese term meaning “to tuck into a groove,” Kimekomi involves pressing cloth into carved lines on the surface of the wood, creating patterns without a single stitch. This method allows each fabric piece to fit perfectly within the design, accentuating both the wood’s contours and the textile’s beauty in one seamless composition. 

In its early days, Kimekomi was celebrated for crafting hina and gosho dolls, representing cultural figures, traditions, and seasonal celebrations in Japanese society. The process requires patience, skill, and an eye for detail, as artisans carefully align each piece of fabric with the wood’s intricate cuts, harmonizing form, color, and texture. Through centuries of artistic evolution, Kimekomi has adapted to modern tastes, now extending beyond doll-making to various decorative pieces that bring Japan’s rich aesthetic into homes and everyday life.

Brand History

Kakinuma Toko carries forward the legacy of Kimekomi artistry with dedication and reverence for tradition. Known for meticulous craftsmanship, Kakinuma Toko’s workshop embraces this age-old technique while adapting it for contemporary appreciation. Each piece is crafted with the same attention to detail that has defined the art for centuries, using finely carved bases and premium fabrics to achieve harmony between form and material.

Inspired by a commitment to preserve Japanese heritage, Kakinuma Toko has explored new approaches within the Kimekomi style, creating pieces that transcend traditional boundaries. With a respect for the craft’s history and a vision for its future, Kakinuma Toko continues to innovate, ensuring that Kimekomi remains a vibrant part of modern art and design.