What kind of decoration is the 'noshi' mentioned in the envelope description?
The word 'noshi' written in the envelope description may feel unfamiliar. This is written for readers who wonder why this decoration is attached to a small envelope used for pocket money or letters.
Noshi is a traditional paper ornament added to convey congratulations and gratitude, and on this envelope, it is placed in a neat, petite form hand-folded from paper.
Looking at the dimensions first, it measures 95mm in width and 70mm in height[1]. It is petite. On this envelope that fits snugly in the palm of your hand, a small, neatly handmade paper noshi is attached[2].
Noshi is a traditional Japanese paper decoration attached as a sign of good fortune when presenting gifts on celebratory occasions. It originally originated from the custom of wrapping thinly sliced, dried abalone in red and white paper to give as a gift, and today it is used as a symbolic knot to express one's feelings with refinement. On this envelope, rather than merely imitating it with printing, small pieces of paper are folded by hand one by one and attached with three-dimensional depth[3].
The envelope's craftsmanship is also delicate. On three types of kamasu-style envelopes where the opening runs horizontally wide, the letter 'ne (ね)', which means rat/mouse, is pressed firmly using the letterpress printing technique and gold ink[4]. The set consists of three colors: white, red, and kraft paper[5].
hmmm, the small hand-folded ornament harmonizes with the pressed letterpress marks on the paper, creating a neat sincerity at the moment the envelope is handed over.
The specific type of paper used to fold the noshi decoration has not yet been confirmed.