“Kumihimo” Combi Braid Belt
At Arts & Science, we always incorporate traditional Japanese craftsmanship into our development. This is a part of our efforts to create valuable products and to save the quality handmade skills and spirit of Japanese craftsmen that are slowly becoming lost in modern day production. Until now, we have mainly used the traditional techniques as part of an expression for smaller items such as Shinafu, a traditional cloth fabric, bamboo baskets using madake bamboo, deerskin with inden lacquer, and Jomon knitting. In this feature, we will introduce our efforts with “Kumihimo.”
At Arts & Science, we always incorporate traditional Japanese craftsmanship into our development. This is a part of our efforts to create valuable products and to save the quality handmade skills and spirit of Japanese craftsmen that are slowly becoming lost in modern day production. Until now, we have mainly used the traditional techniques as part of an expression for smaller items such as Shinafu, a traditional cloth fabric, bamboo baskets using madake bamboo, deerskin with inden lacquer, and Jomon knitting. In this feature, we will introduce our efforts with “Kumihimo.”
The combi braid belt was born from the idea of proposing an accent for dresses and layering pieces. The belt is made with a traditional technique called “Iga Kumihimo” that has been carried on from generation to generation in the Mie prefecture.
This technique was introduced at the time Buddhism arrived to Japan, and was used to decorate scriptures and robes. Over the years, the technique has been used to decorate various genres such as obi belts, armor, and tea ceremony utensils.
We had partnered with Matsushima Kumihimo store in Mie prefecture with this project. Using a method called “Edo Yatsugumi,” each piece is hand-assembled using a stand called a square stand, and the ringed part at the tip is called “Tsubo-gumi,” which can only be completed by hand. The colors are dyed to match this season’s Arts & Science collection. All 4 types were created with a sense of color cohesion.
The process of “Iga Kumihimo” is roughly divided into six steps. “Ito wake (yarn separation)” sorts the threads, “Someshoku (dyeing)” the threads to match the ideal color, “Ito ayatsuri (thread manipulation)” winds the threads, “heijaku” to adjust the thickness and length of the rope according to the thread, and then completed through “Yorikakae (twisting)” and “kumi (brading)” the assembling process using a braiding stand. It is said that 80% of the work is completed by the time it is placed on the assembly table.
Kakudai (table for working) used at Matsushima Kumihimo shop
“I have always wanted to use kumihimo for clothing and other items that I wear, so I was very happy with this concept. I made the kumihimo imagining how it would be used by the person who wears it.”
– Yasutaka Matsushima, Matsushima Kumihimo Shop owner
We welcome you to visit and see the colors and textures of the Kumihimo in person. These traditional craft techniques combine the beauty cultivated in Japanese history, referring to famous saying representing practical value, “You no bi (beauty of use).” We will continue to develop Arts & Science products with special craftmanship techniques original to Japan.
From left to right/ Dark navy, Black
Dark brown
INFORMATION
- BRAND
- A&S
- ITEM
- Combi Braid Belt
- PRICE
- 23,100 (¥21,000 excl. tax)
- SIZE
- 140cm
- COLOR
- Dark navy, black, gray violet purple, dark brown
- SHOP
- ※ For inquiries, please contact each shop directly or use our contact form.
- ※ Please note items may not be available due to limited quantities.