Kyo-Kumihimo
About Kyo-Kumihimo
Kyo-kumihimo is a beautiful braid made mainly in and around Kyoto City, using silk threads in a variety of colors and patterns. Originally used as Buddhist ritual utensils and ornaments, kyokumihimo has expanded over time to a wide range of uses, including tea ceremony utensils, armors, and obi-jime for kimonos. Today, while making use of this traditional technique, it is also popular as accessories, key chains, and sneaker straps.
History of Kyo-Kumihimo
The technique of kyo-kumihimo was introduced to Japan from mainland China during the Nara period (8th century). At first, it was used as an ornament by aristocrats and royalty, but as time went by, it spread to warriors and the general populace. Along with the technique of kumihimo, the art of “knotting” also developed, and it came to be used for decoration and as a talisman. It is also said that in samurai families, each family had its own way of tying knots, which served as a special security measure. Today, more than 300 different types of kumime exist, and the technique has been applied to a wide variety of modern products.