The Evolving Use of Kumihimo Through History

First, tell us about kumihimo and Tokyo Kumihimo.

Kumihimo refers to cords made by braiding three or more strands together. This element can be seen in the rope patterns of Jomon-era pottery.

It is believed to have been introduced to Japan from the continent over 1400 years ago, but it developed alongside Japanese life, acquiring distinct characteristics.

Likely, when it was first introduced from the continent, it simply spread as a rope-making method. However, as Japanese culture evolved, so did kumihimo, undergoing a unique evolution of its own.

For example, in the Edo period, the culture of tea, nurtured by Sen no Rikyu, flourished. It is said that people who practiced tea ceremony carried bags called shifuku for their tea utensils, which were tied with kumihimo.
As a result, artistic and complex tying methods emerged, leading to an increase in the types of weaving styles for kumihimo.
Later, it was used for components like the tsukamaki (grip wrapping) and sageo (cord) on samurai swords.

A major turning point for kumihimo, often used functionally, came in the middle of the Edo period with the flourishing culture of wearing obi (sashes) with kimonos, still used today.
Wearing an obi called for not only the obi itself but also cords to secure it, greatly increasing the demand for kumihimo.