KOKOROE

At last, a long-awaited collaboration with Mr. Kawakami—whom we know both as a fellow musician and as a close writer friend—has been realized.

For this creation, we commissioned a one-of-a-kind piece featuring dragonflies, which have long been regarded in Japan as auspicious “victory insects,” depicted in maki-e. In addition, the special *uzura-togi* (quail-polish) technique was incorporated.
On both ornamental corners, we included the traditional Japanese decorative motif *inome* (“boar’s eye”), a heart-like shape often seen in temple and shrine architecture, as well as in sword fittings. The *inome* carries meanings of warding off evil, inviting good fortune, and driving away misfortune.

The name we chose for this bag, **“Kokoroe”**, carries the message: *“As one who seeks to master an art, one must never forget the proper mindset.”*
We believe this attitude is the very foundation for refining the craft of true artisanship.

Through this endeavor, we hope the fusion with Garasha will serve as a catalyst for expanding Mr. Kawakami’s remarkable craftsmanship into new genres.

**Masashi Kawakami**

**Masashi Workshop**
Masashi Workshop is dedicated to crafting fishing gear for crucian carp (*herabuna*) and bitterling (*tanago*).
Each piece is meticulously created using traditional craft techniques, driven by Mr. Masashi’s own deep passion for these styles of fishing. His creations reflect a relentless attention to detail and a thoughtful consideration for the user. With over 40 years of experience, his work shines with mastery and refinement.

Guided by the motto *“care in every detail,”* each fishing tool is made with heartfelt dedication. Their delicate beauty and elegant design have won the admiration of many fishing enthusiasts, earning great popularity. Truly, they are works of art where traditional craftsmanship and a love of fishing come together.

**Techniques**

**Handle**
Carved from solid ebony; ornamentation in relief carving. Finished with a red *nashiji* ground. Around the ornament: black lacquer with coarse gold-powder *nashiji*. Logo in silver maki-e using fine silver powder.

**Corner Ornament (Right)**
Cut and shaped from ebony board. Coated in multiple layers of colored lacquer, then polished with the *uzura-togi* (quail-polish) technique. Letter “G” depicted in color maki-e using silver powder and lacquer.

**Corner Ornament (Left)**
Cut and shaped from ebony board. Finished with gold *nashiji* using pear-skin powder and lacquer. Dragonfly depicted in color maki-e with silver powder and lacquer. Eyes and body in mother-of-pearl inlay (*raden*).

Corner Ornaments: Solid ebony, lacquer, gold powder, silver powder, pear-skin powder, mother-of-pearl
Concho: Brass
Clasp Frame: Aluminum
Handle: Solid ebony, lacquer, gold powder, silver powder, pear-skin powder
Body: Himeji leather (cowhide)
Lock: Brass (gold-plated)
Lining: Oshima Tsumugi silk
Pocket: Nishijin brocade