The Elegance of the Ancient Capital, Embodied in Every Item
This newly developed "sachet" was created through the hands of a long-established Kyoto shop and traditional craft artisans, as a product meant to bring a sense of calm amid the busyness of daily life. It carries the wisdom and memory of old Japanese living forward into the future through careful, thoughtful craftsmanship.
Here, we introduce the appeal of this "sachet," made using traditional textiles from the long-established incense shop Shoyeido and the venerable obi maker Konda-ya Genbei.
A Fragrance Woven Through Time: Shoyeido's Traditional "Ebiko" Scent
Shoyeido, a shop with over 300 years of history, has long created the fragrances essential to the streets of Kyoto — from incense to the subtle scent that drifts from a kimono.
For this collaboration, we've chosen "ebiko," one of the oldest forms of scented sachet in the history of Japanese incense.
Blended with sandalwood, clove, and cinnamon, this type of sachet has traditionally been used since ancient times both to repel insects and to gently perfume clothing.
Wrapping that fragrance is Yakumo-patterned fabric from the long-established obi maker Konda-ya Genbei.
A Design of Good Fortune Wrapping Your Feelings: Konda-ya Genbei's Yakumo Pattern
"Yakumo" is an auspicious pattern symbolizing rising clouds, representing the potential for many forms of good fortune to unfold, and carrying wishes for continued growth and prosperity. This silk weave, passed down through Konda-ya Genbei, a long-established obi maker in Kyoto's Muromachi district, wraps the fragrance using origata — a Japanese tradition of ceremonial folding with 600 years of history.
Origata, the practice of carefully folding and wrapping, is now recognized as the very origin of what the world knows as origami. As a gift-wrapping tradition, it embodies a distinctly Japanese culture of etiquette — taking the time to honor and care for someone, even in details unseen.
The decorative cords, crafted by traditional artisans in Kyoto, are tied using three types of knots passed down since ancient Japan — the kanō-musubi, hana-musubi, and agemaki — creating an object infused with wishes for happiness.
Origata Ebiko Sachet — Shiracha-zōge (Ivory White)
For more details, please see here
A Japanese Tradition Passed from Hand to Hand: Otedama Beanbags
Otedama are traditional Japanese toys that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Their origins are said to trace back to before the Common Era, and in Japan, legend holds that they were introduced from China during the Nara period, with even Prince Shōtoku said to have played with them.
Tossed into the air and caught again in the palm of a hand, otedama carry so many quiet sentiments within them.
KOTOSHINA's otedama come as a set of four in a paulownia wood box, with a subtle scent gently transferred from a central fragrance cube.
Otedama Set — Asahanada (Pale Indigo Blue)
For more details, please see here
A Simple Fragrant Token, Easy to Give
Inspired by "ohineri" — the small paper-wrapped gifts of money tossed to favorite performers in Kabuki and other theatrical traditions — this scent-based product reimagines that gesture. Simply place this fragrance, wrapped in washi paper, on a desk or bedside headrest, and let it bring a sense of calm to your everyday space.
Ohineri is said to have originated from the custom of wrapping rice or offertory coins in paper as offerings to gods and Buddhas, and later, from the practice of threading coins together and tucking them into an obi sash, as a wish that a newborn child would never want for money.
A quiet, understated piece of Japanese tradition, meant not for grand gestures but for expressing small moments of gratitude. Why not keep a fragrant ohineri tucked into your everyday bag?
Fragrant Ohineri Wrap — Saganezumi (Muted Grey)
For more details, please see here
