Hana Fukin ( literally ''kitchen cloth or flower cloth'') are practical and decorative sashiko embroidered fabric found in Japanese households. Hana Fukin can be used as placemats, cover teacups, straining Japanese soup stock, drying vegetables, storing them in the fridge (it increases the length of time the vegetables stay fresh by a week or longer) and wrapping lunch boxes, furoshiki cloth (wrapping cloth) or simply as a decorative mat.
These Hana Fukin kits are available in a range of traditional sashiko patterns.
'Maru Bishamon' means 'round or curved Bishamon pattern'. Bishamon, also called Bishamonten, in Japan, is one of the Shichi-fuku-jin (“Seven Gods of Good Luck”). He is identified with the Buddhist guardian of the north. Bishamon is always depicted as dressed in full armour, carrying a spear and a miniature pagoda, and his armour features the standard version of the Bishamon pattern. He is the protector of the righteous and is the Buddhist patron of warriors.
'Nowaki' is usually translated as 'grasses' and depicts autumn wind.
'Seigaiha' means ocean wave and is a traditional design dating from the Edo era.
'Tobi Asanoha' means 'flying asanoha', referring to the interesting way that empty hexagons alternate with the asanoha (hemp leaf) motifs.
Olympus Hana Fukin Sashiko Kit contains everything you need to make your own Hana Fukin:
- Pre-printed 100% cotton cloth 33cm x 33cm (markings disappear when washed)
- 100% cotton Sashiko thread
- Sashiko needle
- Instructions in Japanese, English and French
Made in Japan