Cloth to Rest Your Precious
“It’s not a bag,” she said.
“It’s a cloth.”
O mamori wo tsutsumu nuno
A cloth to wrap your amulet.
Tsutsumu is to wrap, but with the resonance of embrace, care, and gentleness.
The sound of the Japanese name she gave lingers serenity.
¥8,800
In stock (can be backordered)
Additional information
| Weight | 100 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.8 × 5.8 cm |
| Color | White |
| Material | Cotton |
| Maker | tuguminoeda |
Full Product Details
With a Little Prayer Sewn In
“It’s not a bag,” she said.
“It’s a cloth.”
Omamori wo tsutsumu nuno
A cloth to wrap your amulet.
Tsutsumu is to wrap, but with the resonance of embrace, care, and gentleness.
The sound of the Japanese name she gave lingers serenity.
It’s an appropriate place to rest your amulet. The act of sewing sometimes embodies prayer; prayer for the safety of your loved ones. Many girls sew a piece of cloth for their loved ones to keep close, when she had to see him off to a battlefield. Mothers would apply stitches to their children’s garments, sometimes to mend them. But even before any parts ripped, it was done to reinforce the durability, for cold protection, or for a decorative purpose… these meticulous patterns were meant to ward off evil spirits. The craft of stitches, particularly in the northern region of Japan, has now become known as sashiko.
In tuguminoeda’s sewings, I see the same essence running through.
Tuguminoeda first started crafting this series for herself: she needed something to keep her precious stone close to her heart. She used offcuts of organic cotton fabric, and hand-braided cotton strings.
She used it every day. Felt the touch, and tested the strength by washing it. Because it’s something touches your skin directly, she wanted to make sure there is not even the slightest friction to be felt. It has to feel gentle and nourishing to your skin. I can recall a few versions before she came to me proudly to say “I finally got it.” Thanks to her constant bettering, this little piece of her craft has no edges to be felt.
The hand-braided string is adjustable. It’s done in a way of so-called “necktie knots” where pulling one string allows you to adjust the length to your preference.
It’s where you rest your precious. Let that be a ring from your mother, a piece of power stone, or a Wisdom tooth 😉
