Paperblanks Natsu Cotton Tote Bag

Carry your journals, books and everyday essentials in style with this Natsu cotton tote bag from Paperblanks, featuring a handy inner zip pocket.

Rinpa is a leading historical school of Japanese painting, established in 17th-century Kyoto, whose artists were known for working in a range of formats. This Natsu design shows a section of a paper screen with various types of blooms often believed to follow the ancient Japanese language of flowers.

The Story Behind the Design

These intricate details of spring and summer flowers are from an 18th-century Japanese paper screen by artist Watanabe Shikō (1683–1755), who painted in the Rinpa style (and was reputedly a rōnin!). Beautiful gold accents make up every intricacy of the leaves and flowers in this rich and romantic composition.

Rinpa is a leading historical school of Japanese painting, established in 17th-century Kyoto, whose artists were known for working in a range of formats, notably screens, fans, hanging scrolls and kimono textiles. Many Rinpa paintings were used on the sliding doors and walls of noble homes.

The design on our cover shows a section of a screen with various types of blooms often believed to follow the ancient Japanese language of flowers, called Hanakotoba. Flowers were used to convey emotion and communicate with the viewer without using words.

We are honoured to have the use of this original work from the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Oxford, where Japanese material has been exhibited since the earliest stages of the Museum’s history.

With the hidden emotive language of flowers against an opulent, golden backdrop, this Rinpa Florals design is sure to inspire your own creative freedom.

• Original artwork: Screen with spring and summer flowers, 1701–1749
• Era: Early 18th century
• Region: Japan

Product Details

• Dimensions: 380 × 380 × 90 mm
• Design: Natsu
• Series: Rinpa Florals
• Material: Cotton
• Inner zipper pocket size: 220 × 155 mm
• Strap Colour: Cream
• Holds up to 7 kilograms (approximately 15.5 lbs)
• Durable strap for carrying the bag over one's shoulder
• Branded Paperblanks tag
• Artwork credit printed on inside of the bag
• Weight: 260 g
• Product code: PA9658-0 | ISBN: 9781439796580

About Paperblanks

Paperblanks works with museums, libraries, galleries and artists around the world to faithfully reproduce remarkable artwork, historic bindings and treasured manuscripts, bringing the same care and craftsmanship found in its celebrated journals to every accessory.