Kobukusa is used when handling and viewing valuables tea utensils such as tea containers, tea bowls, tea scoops, and incense cases.
Size is Approx. 14.8-15.3cm long x 15.8-16.3cm wide.
Did you notice? It is not square but horizontal.
We do not cut one lengthwise side of the fabric and it must be finished with a single thread.
Off course, it is hand-sewn.
Normally, Kobukusa is made from expensive noble beautiful pattern’s fabrics such as Kinran, Donsu, Kando, Jyouo, Nishiki or venerable fabrics. These fabrics are used for many places not only we use it as shifuku, defukusa, kobukusa and scroll. And also, even people who do not practice tea ceremony, they can use it as decorative. That could make a good souvenir from Japan. Or you are able to sew your own Kobukusa.
By the way, each pattern of this beautiful and expensive silk fabrics has a characteristic name. You can easily get names of famous fabric patterns on the internet. When you have fabric book of tea ceremony, you can get some knowledge of Kimono patterns.
My fabric books.
Cha no Kireji Meikan (2001, ISBN 9784062677530)
Meibutu Gire Handbook “100 fabric patterns to remember” (2013, ISBN978-4-473-03918-7)
