Tokyo Wonder

Tatoushi (or tatoshi) are large paper envelopes used to store folded kimono or obi. Tatoushi are rectangular envelopes with four flaps, they come in several different sizes, and are closed with strings. They allow a kimono to be stored flat, and make it easy to stack several kimono since the envelopes can easily be moved without wrinkling the contents. Additionally, the paper material has hygroscopic properties (absorbing moisture that might damage the fabric). In most cases, each kimono is stored in its own tatoushi, but it is possible to combine a kimono, nagajuban, obi, and haori or several kimono in one tatoushi.

This listing is for a set of 5 large and 5 medium tatoushi, optionally with lining. Contact us if you would like to order different quantities or combinations of L and M size tatoushi. Up to three tatoushi can in most cases be combined with a kimono or obi order without additional shipping costs.
To keep shipping costs as low as possible we will roll-fold the tatoushi in 3 inside a box.

Tatoushi (sometimes written as tatou-shi) are also called： tatou-gami, bunko-gami, and yotsu-te.
This style of tatoushi started to be used once it became customary to order kimono instead of buying fabric and making kimono by oneself since the kimono needed to be wrapped to be taken home. Originally the strings to close the envelope used to be made of rolled paper but nowadays most strings are cotton.

The width of most tatoushi is the same (35~36 cm), the most common lengths are 87 cm (kimono folded in half), 83 cm (older size for kimono folded in half), and 64 cm (for kimono folded in 3, haori, and obi). Smaller and specialized sizes also exist. I listed the two most practical sizes.

Size:
L: 87 cm x 36 cm (fits most kimono folded in half, or haori)
M: 64 cm x 36 cm (fits most kimono folded in 3, haori, or obi)

Material:
Paper for the main envelope and corners and cotton for the strings
Optional with a washi type paper lining (naka-gami)

Made in Ehime Japan

NOTE: When combining multiple smaller items (komono) please contact us for a custom order to reduce shipping and handling costs.

All items are new and made in Japan unless otherwise stated.

#畳紙 #たとうし