The Beauty of Intertwining Threads: Japanese Traditional Handicraft, Iga Kumihimo

The Beauty of Intertwining Threads: Japanese Traditional Handicraft, Iga Kumihimo

- Although this master craftsman’s shop is usually closed to the public, participants will get exclusive access and listen to a lecture delivered by the master himself.The master craftsman will also demonstrate his techniques right before their eyes.- Hands-on experience making kumihimo braided cords.You can make your own original key holder and take it home with you.- You can also purchase original merchandise available nowhere else in Japan, such as a kumihimo necktie./- Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese art form of using thin threads of silk or cotton to make braided cords.Regarded as a textile craft like knitting and weaving, its production flourished during the Edo period (1603–1867), when kumihimo braided cords were used as ornamentation on samurai swords.Seen as part of traditional Japanese culture, Iga kumihimo are now attracting attention from overseas. Not only are they used to make uniquely Japanese accessories such as the obijime decorative strings used to hold a kimono sash in place, they are also used to develop new products, such as straps that blend in with a modern lifestyle.Iga kumihimo are distinguished by the beauty of their colorfully dyed silk threads, each of which catches the light as it interlaces with the other threads, making the whole cord shine.

Photos

An obijime (string for holding a kimono sash in place) made with Iga kumihimo

An obijime (string for holding a kimono sash in place) made with Iga kumihimo

A craftsman working on a kumihimo loom

A craftsman working on a kumihimo loom

A craftsman working on a kumihimo loom (close-up of the hands)

A craftsman working on a kumihimo loom (close-up of the hands)

The exterior of the shop

The exterior of the shop

Balls of thread hanging from the loom

Balls of thread hanging from the loom

Information

Minimum Number of Passengers
1 person
Maximum Capacity
5 participants
Participation Restrictions
Ages 7 and up
Meeting and Exchange Areas
Tokusaburo Hirozawa Workshop
3635-1 Uenonishiotecho, Iga City, Mie Prefecture
Open Period
Year-round
Closed Period
Closed January 1-2.Sometimes closed irregularly.
Tour Schedule
1) Program starts 2) General explanation of kumihimo at the shop 3) Hands-on experience of making kumihimo key holders at the shop 4) Relocation to workshop to watch the master craftsman demonstrate his techniques/Showcasing of kumihimo works kept at the workshop 5) Relocation to the shop, where participants receive the key holders or bracelets they made, and the program ends
Required Time
Around 1.5 hours
Provision of Meals
Meals are not provided
Universal accessibility
Nothing in particular
Parking
Several standard-sized vehicles (free).There are several other (charged) tourist parking lots around the city.

This basic information is current at the time of publication and is subject to change.
Please check the official website for the latest information.

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