Printed in Japan. Made in Burma. Sold to the world. This striking red-ground elephant label is a genuine artifact of Japan's pre-war export matchbox industry — a time when Japanese printers supplied labels for goods shipped across Southeast Asia and beyond. The bold oval composition, engraved elephant illustration, and portrait medallions are classic hallmarks of Meiji and Taisho-era commercial printing at its most confident.
Now it lives on a natural canvas tote, exactly as it appeared on the original label — aged, characterful, and impossible to replicate with modern design tools. Because it wasn't made by modern design tools.
"Safety Matches. Trade Mark. Printed in Japan. Made in Burma." — a label that crossed borders before globalization had a name.
Who This Is For
For lovers of Japanese vintage design, retro Japonisme aesthetics, antique ephemera, and the visual culture of pre-war Asia. This tote works as an everyday carry for the person who wants their bag to say something — without saying too much.
About the Collection
Every design in the Ichinichi Collection comes from a personal archive of original Japanese matchbox labels from 1880 to 1940. Each label is a small masterpiece of commercial illustration from an era when even disposable packaging was made with craft and intention. We print them faithfully, one label at a time.
Product Details
Size: 15" × 16"
Handles: 20" — same canvas, easy to shoulder-carry
Material: 100% cotton canvas
Weight: Heavy-duty 12 oz/yd² (406.9 g/m²) — built to last for years
Label: Sewn-in
Colors available: Natural, Black
The natural colorway lets the vintage red and aged tones of the label shine exactly as intended
