Kumihimo Necklaces

Below is a bit of history about the weaving technique used in Kumihimo. This art was developed in 645-784 AD. It was during this era (the Nara period). China had a great influence on the arts in Japan and introduced this artform to Buddhism. This technique used silk strands and the number of strands used range from 8 to128.

The most prominent use of Kumihimo was by the Samurai as a functional AND decorative way to lace their lamellar armor and their horses armor. Kumihimo cords are now used as ties on haori jackets and as obijime, used to hold some obi knots in place or to to decorate the obi when wearing a kimono.

In this particular application, instead of silk strands, the weave is done using 8 strands of beads that are interlaced with semi-precious gemstones, pearls and crystals.  Not too practical on armor perhaps, but certainly stunning displayed on a woman's neck.