について
Eighty years of expertise and authentic ingredients.
Silk tsumami zaiku from Kyoto.
Oharibako carries on the decorative culture of Kyoto's Nishijin district,
manufacturing and teaching tsumami zaiku (pinched cloth flower) crafts.
Shichi-Go-San, Coming of Age Day, graduation ceremonies, weddings.
Hair ornaments worn on special occasions
are more than just decorations.
We believe they are special items that will last a lifetime, together with the memories of that day.
We fold a piece of cloth, layer each petal, and assemble them.
While valuing the intricacy and warmth that cannot be expressed through mass production,
we are passing on Kyoto's craftsmanship to the future.
A Legacy of Progress
Since our establishment in 1945,
we have walked alongside Kyoto's Nishijin textile production.
From kumihimo and obijime, to tsumami zaiku.
While cherishing the inherited techniques and sentiments,
we continue to evolve into new forms with the times.
1945
First Generation, Torao Kitai: Kitai Store Founded
Founded in Nishijin, Kyoto.
The manufacturing of products related to traditional Japanese clothing culture begins.
Subheading
1960
Obijime Processing Begins
Engaging in the processing of traditional obijime and kumihimo, and
honing the skills of intricate handcraftsmanship.
Subheading
1983
The previous generation, Tokiko Kitai, developed new hair ornaments for special occasions by combining kumihimo techniques with Nishijin weaving.
In addition to their main business as a thread wholesaler, they expanded their business to become a manufacturer that widely produces Japanese accessories.
Subheading
1991
Started creating tsumami-zaiku.
Began doing business with established kimono accessory stores in Gion and Arashiyama.
Received positive feedback for innovative tsumami-zaiku designs unlike any seen before.
Subheading
2003
Kyoto Oharibako Opens
The physical store "Kyoto Oharibako" is now open.
A place is born where the craftsmanship of artisans can be directly delivered.
Subheading
2016
Relocated to current location
Integrated shop, workshop, and e-commerce into one location, and started classes in a separate building as an experience and creative space.
Subheading
Today
In addition to manufacturing and selling hair ornaments, we aim to be a place where visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture and Tsumami-zaiku through special activities. We are also promoting our interior design and art overseas.
概要
From a piece of cloth to a single flower
Cutting, pinching, assembling.
Every step involves the hands of a craftsman.
Subtle adjustments that machines cannot make,
Petals layered as if sensing the fabric's breath.
The time it takes to complete a single flower
becomes the value of the work itself.
It began with a thread wholesaler in Nishijin.
My grandfather, the founder, ran a silk thread wholesale business in Nishijin, Kyoto.
He dealt exclusively in silk thread.
He delivered silk threads, used in high-grade Nishijin-ori textiles, to artisans throughout Kyoto.
Later, the business expanded into kumihimo braided cords, obijime kimono sashes, and tsumami zaiku fabric ornaments.
My deep commitment to materials is inherited from this family business.
Tsumami-zaiku: Preserving the art for future generations.
For us, preserving tradition and passing it on to the next generation are one and the same.
Through in-person classes, Zoom classes, and hands-on experiences,
from Kyoto, we deliver authentic techniques with authentic materials to people both in Japan and abroad.