Kinchaku (巾着, lit.'cloth + wearing / on one's person') is a traditional Japanese drawstringbag, used like a handbag (similar to the English reticule) for carrying around personal possessions; smaller ones are usually used to carry loose coinage (similar to a sagemono), cosmetics, lucky charms, hand warmers and other small items. Larger versions can be used to carry bento (packedlunchboxes) and utensils, as well as other larger possessions. The bags traditionally carried by maiko and geisha are a variant on kinchaku, and are called kago (篭) (literally 'basket') after their woven basket base.[1]
Also referred to as Kimono Bags (which can come in Western-style handbag models, as well as the traditional drawstring), larger kinchaku are usually rattan or palm woven flat bottoms, while the main body of the bag can be made with the same materials as thekimono, the obi (and even from tenugui material), so as to co-ordinate them with their kimono, obi and other accessories, i.e. netsuke, etc.), with draw string/string tied fabric tops .
