December 26th 2021 O.A.

The Art of Kumihimo

An exhibition for Japanese kumihimo is going on at JAPAN HOUSE in Hollywood.

Kumihimo, or silk braiding, is one of Japan’s traditional handicrafts and textile production.
It came from China in the 6th century and uniquely developed in Japan as the braided cords were used in kimono accessories and the military for armors and swords.

Cloths are woven vertically and horizontally, but braids zigzag diagonally and repeat the process when it reaches the end.
That is why kumihimo has great elasticity.
It is tightly braided together, therefore, kumihimo is excellent for tying things together.

Cloths are woven vertically and horizontally, but braids zigzag diagonally and repeat the process when it reaches the end.
That is why kumihimo has great elasticity.
It is tightly braided together, therefore, kumihimo is excellent for tying things together.

This is the first exhibition in the US to explore the history and art of Japanese kumihimo, produced by Domyo, a Tokyo-based company that has been making braided silk cords by hand since 1652.

The exhibit is divided into 3 sections and features kumihimo in various angles.

Part 1 features its history.
Part 2 is the structure and the dyeing process.
Kumihimo is still evolving and is used in fashion worldwide.
So, part 3 features the future of kumihimo.

There are replicas of kumihimo made in the Nara period, the production process using the tools, installations explaining its structure mathematically, and avant garde ideas for fashion being displayed, closing up on the beauty of kumihimo.

“KUMIHIMO- The Art of Japanese Silk Braiding by DOMYO” will be held at the 2nd floor galley of JAPAN HOUSE LA until March 6th.
Admission is complimentary.
Events and seminars related to this exhibit will also happen.
For more information, visit JapanHouseLA.com.