Custom-made: Cherry blossom shell braided netsuke | Handmade at Handiworks in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture | Blog

This is also a netsuke (a small decorative toggle) that I made to order for a customer.

A "netsuke" is an accessory worn with traditional Japanese clothing. It has a spatula-shaped end that is tucked into the obi (sash) and hangs down. A charm of one's choice is attached to the other end. Attaching favorite accessories to bags and cell phones is a custom that dates back to long ago when all Japanese people wore traditional Japanese clothing.
This time, we let customers choose their favorite cherry blossom shells from the many available in the shop, then we encased them in resin, and the string was woven in purple and pink to match the shells, creating a floral pattern.

I'm happy with how cute it turned out.