Safety Matches Elephant Vintage Japanese Matchbox Label Sling Bag Burma Label

The Story

Printed in Japan. Made in Burma. Six words that tell the story of an entire trade era.

This vivid red-ground elephant label is a genuine artifact from the Ichinichi archive — produced during the height of Japan's pre-war matchbox export industry, when Japanese printers supplied labels for goods distributed across Southeast Asia. The engraved elephant at center, flanked by portrait medallions, is classic Meiji-era commercial illustration: precise, bold, and built to be noticed on a market stall shelf from across the room.

Now it sits on the front pocket of a deep navy sling bag — the red and ivory of the label cutting clean against the blue, exactly the way a good label should.

Who This Is For

For the Japanese vintage enthusiast, the retro Asia collector, the daily carry minimalist who wants one bag that does everything and looks like nothing else out there. This label has crossed borders before — it was made for it.

About the Collection

Every design in the Ichinichi Collection comes from a personal archive of original Japanese matchbox labels spanning 1880 to 1940. The Burma export labels are among the most historically layered in the collection — printed in Japan, distributed through colonial Southeast Asia, and virtually forgotten until now.

How to Carry It

Three zippered compartments hold your keys, wallet, phone, camera, and daily essentials with room to spare. Switch the adjustable strap to the D-ring on either side for left or right shoulder carry. Cross-body, single-shoulder, or however your day demands it.

Product Details

• Dimensions: 14.5" (L) × 9" (W) × 4" (H)
• Material: 100% polyester
• Compartments: 3 zippered compartments
• Hardware: Durable plastic D-rings, zipper closure
• Strap: Adjustable, reversible left/right carry
• Color: Navy blue with black hardware — the red label graphic lands with maximum contrast