Kumihimo Brooch
Handcrafted with silk braiding cord, glass, and brass beads by Tokyo-based artist , each brooch is 100% handmade and truly one-of-a-kind.

Noriko creates unique jewelry pieces by blending the traditional techniques of Kumihimo (braided strings) with her modern designs. Kumihimo, an artform over 1,300 years old, has historically been used in Buddhist ornaments and kimono accessories.

Kumihimo are made by interlacing several to dozens of thread bundles. The beautiful three-dimensional structure draws deep shadows on the surface. Firmly woven by hand, it creates fabric a unique tension. Using 100% silk threads that are dyed in thousands of colors, a number of different styles and and patterns are expressed in a single thin string. It usually takes a very long time requiring special skills and techniques, assembling it little by little. 

[SHORTDESCRIPTION]

Measurements: approx. 4.5cm x 4cm / 1.77" x 1.57"
Materials: Cord: Silk / glass beads, brass beads, turquoise
Handcrafted in Japan

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Tokyo born and raised Noriko YUKI, after graduating from Tokyo Zokei University with a degree in Fine Arts in Painting, she got deeply attracted by the beauty and techniques of the Peruvian Braiding in the Andes and started studying under master Kumihimo artist Etsuko Matsushita in 2003. Also discovering the art of Japanese traditional Kumihimo, Noriko started studying and working with Kumihimo.

ABOUT KUMIHIMO
Kumihimo are braided silk cords and it is a traditional art and craft that have been made for over fourteen hundred years in Japan. Kumihimo cords were used for aristocratic costumes, interior furnishings and decorations, musical instruments, and religious equipment for temples and shrines. In the modern days Kumihimo are crafted to make obijime which are cords worn belted around the front of obi and are important decorative element/accessory for kimono.