Kate-bukuro

A Japanese Edo period wood block print of a kate-bukuro (provision bag).

Kate-bukuro a commonly used component within samurai attire during periods such as the Sengoku period (16th century) of Japan. A Kate-bukuro was a provisional bag used by the samurai class and their retainers. For ordinary officers however, these provisional bags had been called by the name, Koshi-zuto. These types of bags were made of twisted paper strings within the style of fine basketwork, and measures around 1 shaku to 9 sun. These bags will then be carried within the right side of the waist. Another bag is also advised to be carried, which is 3 or 4 go of rice that is raw. Baked rice is also regularly employed when amongst cold weather due to the emission of heat.

References

• The Samurai Sourcebook

External links

• Media related to Bukuro at Wikimedia Commons