The Samurai Braided Cord, also known as "Iga Kumihimo," is a traditional craft originating from Iga City in Mie Prefecture, renowned as the ninja town of Japan. Throughout Japan’s history, braids have been considered auspicious, symbolizing the idea of "tying" people together and forming profound relationships. Custom-made with a twisted design, KIMITAKE's Samurai Braided Cord expresses the miracle of birth, which KIMITAKE cherishes the most, symbolizing the double helix DNA. Through our jewelry, we celebrate the importance of human connections.
BACKGROUND
From around 1185 to around 1867, Kumihimo was mainly used within weapons during the Samurai era and the demand for decorative cords for Japanese swords surged changing the Kumihimo use from artistic to practical.
As a result, Iga braids have been recognized by the country as having historical and cultural value. In 1976, it was designated as a traditional craft by the Mie Prefecture Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
About Iga (Mie)
Iga is a unique city which birthed the culture of the Kumihimo.
The climate and environmental conditions of Iga were ideal for silk thread and silkworms, which are sensitive to temperature and humidity. Silkworms thrive in the basin of Iga and nearby Kyoto, which is the home of kimono manufacturing. Originally, the technique of braiding was not made public, there are even factories that have patterns that are kept private.
Iga, which is also known as the origin of ninjas, has a regional characteristic of strictly keeping secrets, which matched the culture of this style of braiding.
You may choose your desired colour for your Samurai Braided Cord from our wide variety.
Notation: (R=RED) (WB=WHITE BLACK) (B=BLUE) (P=PINK) (Y=YELLOW) (G=GREEN) (M=MULTI)