Business card case made using fabric dyed with the traditional "katazome" technique.
Each piece is handmade by artisans, so even the same pattern carries its own individuality.
The pattern outlines may wobble or the dyeing may vary—
that "unevenness" brings out expressions and warmth that can't be produced digitally.
*Because the pattern appearance varies depending on the cutting location, you cannot select the pattern placement. Please understand in advance.
A business card case that sparks conversation
When you think of business card cases, plain leather ones are the norm.
But this card case makes an immediate impression.
You're sure to experience the moment when someone says, "That's a lovely card case."
Easy to use
When opened there are pockets on both sides, so you can separate your own and the other person's cards, carry two types of cards, and use it however you like.
It also works well as a card holder for keeping point cards together, not just for business cards. 
Each one made with care
The maker of this business card case is "Yotsume Somefusha."
At this dyeing studio they apply patterns to fabric using Japanese traditional techniques such as "katazome" and "tsutsugaki," and then use that fabric as material to create products like business card cases.
First, they start by creating a stencil based on an original design. They place the stencil on the fabric and brush on a paste made by mixing glutinous rice and rice bran. The areas covered by the paste do not take the dye and become the white parts of the pattern.
Paste is applied freehand, like piping whipped cream. Like katazome, the pasted areas remain white, but tsutsugaki's major characteristic is the freedom of expression unique to hand-drawing.
For either technique the subsequent steps are the same.
Once the paste dries, dye is applied with a brush. For a single color this is done at once, but for multicolor finishes the colors are layered one by one as if painting a picture.
Finally, when the paste is washed off with water, the pattern emerges clearly, and once dried it is complete.
Through this lengthy process a single piece of fabric is completed and then transformed into a business card case.
Patterns you won't find anywhere else
All patterns by "Yotsume Somefusha" are original. That's why these designs can only be obtained here.
While the ichimatsu (checkered) pattern itself isn't uncommon, the particular "expressions" it produces are unique to Yotsume Somefusha.
The ichimatsu pattern is a traditional Japanese motif long loved as an auspicious design symbolizing "prosperity of descendants" and "business expansion," so it might be hard to incorporate into modern life.
However, the ichimatsu on this business card case has a certain mottled quality that feels endearing and gives it a playful character. It retains a classical atmosphere while being easy to use in everyday life.
Product specifications
Size: Height 11cm(4.33in) × Width 7.5cm(2.95in)
Material: Outer linen 100% / Interior cotton 100%
Care instructions
Each item is handmade, so there may be slight variations in size.
Because the pattern appearance varies depending on the cutting location, each delivered item will have a different look. We hope you enjoy this as the unique character of a one-of-a-kind piece. Please note that you cannot choose the pattern placement. Thank you for your understanding.
