Learn about the history of Japan through the perspective of kumihimo or plaited silk cords. The slides document the development of Japanese plaited cords from fossilized remains in grave mounds to the Samurai era when silk cords laced together a warrior’s armor.  It also explores the current fashion trends using cords as obijime (an integral part of securing the obi and kimono) to decorative neckpieces. Slides include those taken in Japan, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a professional advertising photographer in Kyoto, the Portland Art Museum, and the 2019 Braid Society Conference in Iga Japan.