Bringing the beauty of “Noh costumes”—passed down for 650 years—into everyday life. Gashōen × CLASSICS the Small Luxury Launch New “Phoenix” Handkerchief

Starting Wednesday, September 16, we will release the new “Phoenix” handkerchief, created in collaboration with the Hyogo-based Noh theater troupe Shukugawa Noh Butai “Gashōen.” 

Focusing on “Noh costumes”—the attire used on stage in the traditional Japanese performing art of “Noh”—CLASSICS the Small Luxury has engaged in a series of collaborations with Gashōen. To date, drawing inspiration from the precious Noh costumes in Gashōen’s collection, we have featured various patterns found on Noh costumes—such as “Qilin,” “Plants and Trees,”“Bamboo,” and “Blown-Together” on handkerchiefs. Noh, a performing art that has been passed down for approximately 650 years from the Muromachi period to the present, pursues a restrained, subtle beauty by avoiding direct expression.To pass on traditional performing arts to the next generation, Kawara Teruen has made it a core part of its mission to “break the mold” and adapt these traditions to contemporary forms. This collaboration stems from our shared desire to share Japan’s traditional culture with a wider audience in new and innovative ways.

■ The Beauty of Noh Costumes Captured in a Single Image: Depicting the Noble “Phoenix”

This new design features the “phoenix”—a motif long cherished as a symbol of nobility and good fortune—as its central motif. The pattern, inspired by the designs of Tang-style woven costumes with a gold and ochre background that symbolize authority and sacredness, has been rendered on a handkerchief. 

The pattern features the “phoenix,” along with “arabesque” and “floral” motifs. The phoenix is a mythical bird said to appear only during times of peace under the rule of a virtuous monarch. Since it is always depicted as a pair—male and female—it has long been cherished as a symbol of marital harmony, auspicious unions, and prosperity.Furthermore, the arabesque pattern—with its unbroken, stretching vines representing vitality and permanence—and the floral patterns reflecting the beauty of the four seasons overlap, enhancing the handkerchief’s elegance and sophistication. This design embodies wishes for peace and prosperity, befitting a person of noble stature.

To recreate this dazzling and magnificent costume, artisans used a technique called “tenassen” (hand-block printing), carefully applying each color by hand.Generous use of gold pigment makes this a truly luxurious piece. By expressing the beauty of Noh costumes in the form of a handkerchief for everyday use, we aim to provide an opportunity to experience “Noh” through an item close to your daily life.

■ Kawara Teruen Handkerchief - Phoenix -

Presented in a paulownia wood box, making it perfect as a gift. Highly recommended for kimono enthusiasts and international audiences alike.

3,300 yen (tax included)
Click here for product details＞

Paulownia Wood Box
1,650 yen (tax included)　

■ Limited-Time Exhibition of “E-zuri” Prints from the New “Phoenix” Collection

To coincide with the release of the new “Phoenix” design, CLASSICS the Small Luxury stores will be displaying “test prints” of the “Phoenix” design.“E-zuri” refers to the process of test-printing a design onto paper—or the printed paper itself—to verify that the prepared printing plate is free of errors or misalignments before printing the actual fabric. Before a single handkerchief is completed, there are various processes involved—not only the design itself, but also creating the printing plate, layering colors, and accurately transferring the pattern onto the fabric.In this exhibition, as you view the test prints of the new “Phoenix” design, you’ll gain insight into the vibrant color palette unique to “Kawara Teruen” Noh costumes and experience a glimpse of the craftsmanship involved in hand-dyed printing. We invite you to enjoy not only the finished handkerchiefs but also the craftsmanship behind their creation.

・Exhibition Period

 Roppongi Hills Main Store
September 16 (Wed) – September 30 (Wed), 2026

Nihonbashi Ningyocho Store
October 2 (Fri) – October 17 (Sat), 2026
*The Nihonbashi Ningyocho Store is closed on Sundays.

In addition to the new “Phoenix” design, you can also view items from our past collaborations with Gashōen, including designs featuring botanical motifs and exquisite pieces adorned with traditional Vietnamese hand embroidery. We invite you to come to our stores and enjoy our collection of handkerchiefs, each capturing the beauty of the patterns found on Noh costumes.

■About Gashōen 

Gashōen is an organization led by Takuji Ueda of the Kanze School of Noh. Based in the picturesque town of Shukugawa, Hyogo Prefecture, the group carries out various activities to help people of all ages become more familiar with Noh.
“Noh is a performing art that has continued uninterrupted for approximately 650 years. Through this collaboration, we hope to introduce people to the charm of Noh, which has captivated hearts for so long. We hope that many people will have the opportunity to experience Noh, a traditional Japanese art form,” said Takuji Ueda.