Hermès Kelly Cut 31 Clutch in Shiny Niloticus Crocodile, Braise Red, Gold Hardware, P Stamp 2012

A Hermès Kelly Cut in shiny Niloticus crocodile, dyed the incandescent red Hermès calls Braise and finished with gold hardware, a slender evening clutch that distils the Kelly into a single horizontal line.

The Piece

The Kelly Cut, introduced in the late 2000s, takes the most recognisable silhouette in the Hermès workshop and flattens it into an elongated pochette. The sangles, the turn-lock and the arched top handle all survive, but the bag becomes a clutch rather than a carryall, and in exotic skins it has become one of the most sought-after evening pieces the house makes.

This example is cut from shiny Niloticus crocodile, the two-dot mark beside the Hermès Paris Made in France stamp confirming the skin. The scales are laid symmetrically across the front and back, with the larger belly tiles running through the centre of each panel, and the glazed finish carries the deep, slightly blue-tinged red of Braise. The hardware is gold, with the Kelly turn-lock set between the two straps.

Inside, the clutch is lined in red chèvre with a single open pocket. The P stamp in a square dates it to 2012, and it has clearly been kept with care: the glaze is bright and the corners are crisp.

Held by the top handle or carried under the arm, it measures about 31 cm across and slips easily into an evening bag routine; a phone, cards and a lipstick fit comfortably.

Details

• Designer: Hermès
• Season: P stamp in a square (2012)
• Model / ref: Kelly Cut (Pochette Kelly Cut)
• Material: Shiny Niloticus crocodile; chèvre lining
• Colour: Braise (red); gold hardware
• Made in: France
• Tagged size: 31
• Measurements: Width 31 cm · Height 12.5 cm · Depth 1.5 cm
• Included: Dust bag
• Export note: Exotic skin: dispatched with CITES re-export documentation prepared in Japan; import rules vary by country and state, so please confirm your destination accepts this skin before purchase

Condition

• Graded S in Japan: not confirmed unused, but with no visible signs of use.
• Glaze bright and even across front, back and gussets.
• Corners and edges crisp, no scuffing noted.
• Gold hardware clean with only faint handling marks.
• Interior clean.

Condition grade A on the Japanese scale; see Japanese condition ranks, explained.

Authenticity & Care

Leather, saddle stitching, edge finish and blind stamp are examined together and documented in Japan before dispatch. Every piece carries the Japonista authenticity guarantee. Store stuffed and upright in its dust bag away from heat and humidity, and keep crocodile away from water, which can mark the glaze.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Every sale is final; please ask anything before you buy, and see our published policy.

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