Chinowa Pendant — Limited Edition

Chinowa Motif / Deerskin Cord Included

This ring-shaped shimenawa pendant is inspired by the Chinowa, a traditional symbol of purification and protection from misfortune during the Japanese summer.

At Shinto shrines in Japan, people traditionally pass through a large Chinowa ring as a ritual to ward off misfortune and pray for good health.

For this piece, I reimagined the symbolic form of the Chinowa as a small ring that can be worn in everyday life.

By combining the familiar form of a ring pendant with elements of traditional Japanese shimenawa rope and the Chinowa, I aimed to create:

“A form everyone has seen, yet a piece of jewelry no one has ever seen before.”

The circular form symbolizes continuity, sacred boundaries, and protection.

Worn around the neck, it brings a quiet yet distinctive presence to everyday style.

Two Designs

This series is available in two designs: the Shide Model and the Shimenawa-Only Model.

The Shide Model combines the shimenawa rope with shide, the zigzag-shaped paper streamers traditionally used in Shinto rituals and sacred spaces.

Its symbolism is more pronounced, allowing the sacred character of the Chinowa and shimenawa to be expressed more clearly.

The Shimenawa-Only Model offers a simpler interpretation that focuses on the sculptural beauty of the circular form itself.

With fewer decorative elements, the three-dimensional texture of the rope and the quiet strength of the circle become the focus.

Materials

On Pinkoi, the pendant is available in:

Brass × Sterling Silver 925

and

All Sterling Silver 925

The Brass × Sterling Silver 925 model combines the warm golden tone of brass with the cool white brilliance of sterling silver.

Its lighter appearance makes it easy to incorporate into everyday outfits and especially well suited to summer styling.

The All Sterling Silver 925 model is crafted entirely from sterling silver.

It has a quieter, more substantial presence, allowing the character and beauty of the material itself to stand out.

At the Kenichi Asano official online store, we also offer a Limited Custom Model, in addition to the standard All Sterling Silver 925 version.

Unlike the standard model, the rope texture of each Limited Custom Model is individually carved by hand by the sculptor, creating a deeper and more distinctive expression of the shimenawa.

This special edition is available exclusively through the Kenichi Asano official online store.

Size

The pendant is designed to be easy to incorporate into everyday outfits while still allowing the three-dimensional form of the shimenawa rope to stand out.

• Inner diameter: approx. 24 mm
• Outer diameter: approx. 34.5 mm
• Shimenawa rope thickness: approx. 5 mm

With an outer diameter of approximately 3.5 cm, the pendant has a balanced presence when worn—not too small, yet not overly large.

Paired with the approximately 70 cm deerskin cord, it is designed to fall naturally slightly below the chest for a relaxed, well-balanced look.

Add to the Features section:

• Inner diameter: approx. 24 mm / Outer diameter: approx. 34.5 mm / Shimenawa rope thickness: approx. 5 mm

Deerskin Cord

This piece comes with a deerskin cord approximately 70 cm long.

It is designed to be worn at a longer length, allowing the pendant to fall slightly below the chest.

Compared with a silver chain, the deerskin cord has a softer, more natural presence and does not overpower the pendant.

It works naturally with a wide range of styles, including T-shirts, shirts, and jackets, making the piece easy to incorporate into everyday outfits.

The organic texture of deerskin also complements the traditional character of the shimenawa and Chinowa motifs, while giving the pendant a light and relaxed appearance for summer.

As a Fashion Piece

Although inspired by traditional Japanese motifs such as the Chinowa and shimenawa, the pendant has been designed to blend naturally with contemporary fashion.

Its familiar ring form makes it easy to style without making the traditional Japanese elements feel overly pronounced.

It can be worn over a T-shirt or shirt, or paired with a jacket or outer layer to add a quiet yet distinctive presence to an outfit.

As a talisman for protection during the summer.

And as a contemporary piece of jewelry that can naturally become part of everyday life.

Features

• Inspired by the Chinowa, a traditional Japanese symbol of summer purification and protection
• Reinterprets the familiar ring pendant through the sculptural form of Japanese shimenawa rope
• Available in two designs: Shide Model and Shimenawa-Only Model
• Brass × Sterling Silver 925 and All Sterling Silver 925 models available on Pinkoi
• All Sterling Silver 925 and Limited Custom Models available through the Kenichi Asano official online store
• Includes a deerskin cord
• Approximately 70 cm long for a relaxed, longer fit
• Softer and more natural in appearance than a silver chain, making it easy to incorporate into everyday outfits
• A lightweight, wearable talisman that pairs naturally with summer styling

Made to Order

This piece is made to order.

Each piece is individually produced and finished after your order is placed.

Please allow approximately two weeks before shipping.

About This Piece

Shimenawa traditionally symbolize the boundary between sacred space and the everyday world.

The Chinowa represents purification from misfortune and a ritual of renewal at the changing of the seasons.

This pendant reinterprets these traditional Japanese forms of protection and symbolism as a contemporary piece of jewelry.

More than simply an ornament, it is intended to quietly accompany the person who wears it.

Wear it as a talisman for protection during the summer, and as a personal amulet for everyday life.