Kokeshi Needle Minder
A Needle Minder Showcasing Traditional Kumiko Craftsmanship
Story
The third in Cohana's Needle Minder series, this palm-sized kumiko zaiku piece is crafted with exceptional skill by artisans in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture.
Its precisely formed eight-pointed star is a quiet testament to master craftsmanship. Featuring the auspicious "suehirogari" motif—symbolizing ever-expanding good fortune—this exquisite piece elevates your daily needlework into a special experience.
Kumiko is a traditional Japanese woodworking technique used in architectural fittings such as fusuma (sliding doors), shoji (paper screens), and ranma (decorative transom panels).
Without the use of nails or metal fittings, thin strips of wood are carefully cut and joined by hand to create intricate geometric patterns.
The resulting designs are celebrated for their remarkable precision, rhythmic repetition, and sense of harmony.
The design features an octagram (an eight-pointed star) inspired by the auspicious number eight, which has long symbolized suehirogari in Japan—the concept of growth, prosperity, and ever-expanding good fortune. A design imbued with quiet optimism for all who carry it.
A needle minder consists of a decorative top and a backing magnet. Simply place your fabric between the two pieces to use it.
Whenever you need to pause your work for a moment, let the magnet hold your needle securely in place. It helps prevent your needle from getting lost on your desk, keeping your workspace safe and making your crafting time more enjoyable.
Weighing only about 5g (including the backing magnet), it adds minimal weight to your fabric, so the tension of your embroidery won't sag or loosen while you work.
Available in three beautiful colors—Kisuisen (Yellow), Barairo (Pink), and Mizuasagi (Green)—the needle minder brings quiet beauty and graceful presence whenever you pause your work.
Perfect as a high-quality addition to any sewing collection or as a thoughtful gift carrying wishes for good fortune, it is a premium item designed to be treasured for years to come.
Producing Regions
Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture
製作
Kawashima Tategu／Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture
Founded in 1933 by Kawashima Yoshio, Kawashima Tategu is a third-generation company. With deep respect for the 1,000-year-old Japanese woodworking techniques it practices, the company is dedicated to preserving the skills of its predecessors, refining and developing its craft, and passing these methods on to the next generation of artisans.
Kawashima Tategu produces high-end fine craft items made with kumiko, a traditional joinery technique that contains auspicious meanings in its designs. Fusing beauty and functionality, kumiko has been passed down since the Asuka period (600–700 AD) and is the art of creating intricate motifs by fitting together delicately cut pieces of wood.
Product Size
All measurements are for reference only. Actual dimensions may vary slightly.
| Width | 27mm |
| Height | 27mm |
| Depth | 6mm |
Package Size
| Width | 78mm |
| Height | 23mm |
| Depth | 52mm |
材質
hinoki cypress, neodymium magnet, silk, polyester
Handling Precautions
Intended Use
• This product is intended for storing and organizing sewing pins and needles only. Do not use this product or the included sewing needles for any purpose other than their intended use.
Natural Wood
• Due to the use of natural wood, variations in color and grain may occur.
Magnet
• This product contains a built-in magnet. Keep it away from computers, smartphones, credit cards, and other electronic or magnetic devices.
If you use a pacemaker or other medical electronic devices, please keep this product at a safe distance.
• Some stainless steel needles may not be attracted to the magnet.
Needle Handling & Safety
• Keep out of reach of infants and young children.
