Seattle Weavers’ Guild

Seattle, Washington

Thursday, March 23, 2023 - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

This slide lecture presents a history of Japan through the perspective of kumihimo or plaited silk cords.It traces the historical development of Japanese plaited cords from fossilized remains in grave mounds to the exotic Samurai era when silk cords were used to lace together the warrior's armor.It also explores the current fashion trends using cords as obijime (an integral part of securing the obi and kimono) as well as decorative neckpieces. In addition to slides taken in Japan and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there are slides taken by Kyoto photographer, Koichi Kajino, documenting past fashions in kimono and obi. Examples of several projects I’ve made using braids will also be documented.