Ancient craft, delightful haberdashery from Cohana.
Cohana
Each tape measure is hand sewn in Yuzen leather.
Cohana is the absolute epitome of everything you imagine about Japanese handcraft - intricate, precise and lovingly styled.
The Kawaguchi family established Cohana as a brand covering the many traditional tools for handmade craft they source from the regions of Japan. They only select those that match their high standards of design, production values and graceful aesthetics. The family company have been plying their trade for over 60 years and are based in Nihonbashi - the historical downtown centre of Tokyo that is now part of the Chuo district.
Tape measures that won't stretch - they're made from glass fibre.
Cohana was inspired by Japanese mythology. The goddess Konohanasakuya-hime is the blossom-princess, who represents delicate earthly life and prosperity. The cherry blossom flower (sakura) has a rich cultural tradition in Japanese society as a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life - a case of awareness of the transience of all things heightens appreciation of their beauty. There is strength in the family line as well, given she is the daughter of the mountain god Ohoyamatsumi and is therefore also the goddess of Mount Fuji and all volcanoes.
These values of beauty, strength and appreciation resonated with us, so we have chosen some stylishly practical items from their wide range to see if you agree.
The pin sets are from Hiroshima and Osaka. They are steel with tombodama glass bead heads. Each bead features a uniquely handmade pattern. The glass production technique was said to be established as early as the Nara period (AD 710 to 794) and was kept secret until the Edo period (1603–1867) when trading with foreign countries began.
The tape measures are another delight. The actual tapes are high quality glass fibre and will not stretch or contract over time. They are made in Osaka by Hara DOKI, which was established in 1906. The leather containers are hand-sewn white leather from Kanagawa that has been dyed using the Yuzen technique that was originally developed for dyeing silk kimonos for the emperor and the aristocracy. Its innovative use on leather allows the distinctive features of the hide to shine through, so each item has its own individualism.
We are confident you will just love having these products in your hands. You'll feel the warmth and inspiration of the craftspeople that made them flow through to you and your work. Enjoy!