Mizuhiki

Mizuhiki is the Japanese art of knot tying for decorative purposes. It goes beyond mere decoration, though, as beautiful, creative pieces of art can be made with this technique. Practitioners of mizuhiki use a special kind of paper to create this intricate, meaningful knot work. The paper is twisted tightly into a cord before it is used to tie mizuhiki designs.

History

Mizuhiki is said to have begun with the Samurai during the 1600s. At that time, an artisan developed a strong paper of high quality which could be twisted into a strong cord. Samurai used this corded paper to tie their hair into a topknot. Westernization brought shorter hair, and for a while, the art decreased in use. But it had become established firmly enough in Japanese culture that it never died out, and it is now enjoying a revival.

Originally, the designs were flat. Besides being used as a hair tie, mizuhiki was used to bind money envelopes and for engagement gifts. Its symbolic nature fit these applications - certain symbols were considered lucky (hence the use on money envelopes), and the tying of knots was a picture of unity, which explains its use in wedding and engagement gifts. Mizuhiki gradually became more elaborate until three-dimensional works began to be created.

The colors used in mizuhiki are not incidental; they have distinct meanings. Red and white are the basic colors of mizuhiki, and practitioners take special care when coloring their red cords by hand. Red and white are interwoven with gold and silver for weddings, and the red is replaced with black or blue in funeral pieces. Multi-colored pieces are for happy, informal occasions.

How to Make Your Own

The main supplies you need to make your own mizuhiki creations are just mizuhiki cord and scissors. Mizuhiki cord can be purchased online, and for the beginner, there are kits with remnants from traditional Japanese artisans. If you cannot find mizuhiki cord, use cotton crochet thread. For the beginner, you may want to use needle-nosed pliers and tape to pull the cord through tight places and hold the design in place.

When you begin, most directions start with a basic knot. Even this first step has several possible variations, so this is a craft that lends itself to creativity. To make a basic knot:

1. Hold one end of the cord and make a loop, crossing the cord over the top.

2. Make another loop over the top of the first one.

3. Draw the cord under the first end and feed it through the two loops in an over-and-under, over-and-under fashion. You will essentially be tying the base of the loops.

4. Once the ends are even, trim them with scissors.

Use your creations to decorate baskets and gifts, to slip inside holiday cards, or to decorate a room.