Ko Aoi Nishijin Silk Homeicho Notebook — Vermilion
The Ko Aoi Homeicho in Vermilion is a handmade Japanese notebook covered in 100% Nishijin silk from Konkan Shoten, a Kyoto atelier with a 270-year weaving legacy. Small hollyhock leaves repeat across the surface in warm vermilion tones that shift toward copper-gold depending on the viewing angle. Inside, 96 pages of Rough Cream Kohaku N paper by Nippon Paper provide a smooth, fountain-pen-friendly surface with minimal bleed-through, ready for journaling, sketching, or any writing worth keeping.
Konkan Shoten calls this notebook a Homeicho (宝名帳), a name that carries deep meaning in Japanese culture. Historically, the Homeicho was a silk-covered register used at temples and shrines to inscribe and preserve important names and records. The word combines 宝 (hō, treasure), 名 (mei, name), and 帳 (chō, book). By giving this notebook the Homeicho name, Konkan Shoten signals that it is made to be treasured and used with the same care given to something irreplaceable.
The Ko Aoi (小葵) pattern takes its name from the hollyhock plant, long regarded as sacred in Japan. The rounded, three-lobed leaf forms a gentle symmetrical silhouette, and when scaled down and repeated, it creates a delicate, rhythmic textile pattern. Ko Aoi was a favored motif in Heian-era court textiles, appearing on robes and furnishings where its gentle curves stood in contrast to the sharper geometric patterns also used in formal settings. The small size of each motif gives the pattern a lightness that pairs well with the silk’s natural sheen.
The color shift visible across the product photos comes from the weave structure itself. The warp and weft threads are dyed in contrasting hues, so as you change the angle, one color yields to the other. Straight on, vermilion dominates; tilted, copper-gold emerges. This optical depth is unique to pure silk, where each fine thread catches and reflects light on its own, creating vibrancy that synthetic fibers cannot replicate.
Explore our Japanese notebook collection, crafted for exceptional writing and creative sketching.
Details
- Size: A5 / A6
- Pages: 96
- Sheet Type: Blank
- Paper Type: Rough Cream Kohaku N
- Paper Weight: 77.3 gsm
- Weight: A5 - 0.8 oz (375 g) / A6 - 0.4 oz (190 g)
- Brand: Konkan Shoten
Passing Down the Tradition of Nishijin Textile
In the historic city of Kyoto, the Matsumoto family of Konkan Shoten has been weaving the rich tradition of Nishijin textile for over 270 years, spanning 13 generations. From its inception, Konkan Shoten has specialized in Kinran, a luxurious textile that uses golden threads to create intricate patterns. Yukio-san and Masami-san, the current custodians, continue this proud tradition. Stepping through their entrance, one is immediately enchanted by the traditional Japanese architecture and the meticulously maintained garden. As you walk through the garden and glance inside, you are greeted by shelves filled with stunning Nishijin fabrics, evoking a sense of wonder and excitement.
Konkan Shoten holds dear a philosophy passed down from their founders: "Whether a customer buys a small piece of cloth or many, we cherish them equally." This enduring belief, encapsulated in their family motto, "Even an inch of cloth is our valued customer," has been the cornerstone of their legacy. When we were invited by yurie to select the fabric for our pen cases, we experienced this heartfelt hospitality firsthand. It's this deep-seated commitment that has enabled them to remain leaders in the Kinran tradition for so long.
At Komorebi, we are honored to collaborate with Konkan Shoten and yurie to bring this extraordinary heritage to the world. Our goal is to share the beauty of their craft and help you discover stationery that you will cherish for a lifetime.
SHIPPING
Most items will be delivered within 3-5 working days of order confirmation, with international shipping available to customers worldwide.
＊FREE SHIPPING on purchases over USD 200.
＊Shipping costs will be displayed when you add items to your cart.
REFUND
You can return any products you buy from Komorebi Stationery within 30 days of delivery.
Please be assured that we will cover the return shipping costs if the products are defective or damaged. Otherwise, you will have to pay for the return shipping.
Choose options