LA-Based Site Spotlights "KUMIHIMO: The Japanese Silk Braiding by DOMYO" Art Exhibition
In the heart of Los Angeles, from December 11, 2021, to March 6, 2022, the Japanese artistic tradition of Kumihimo will take centre stage at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., in a groundbreaking exhibition titled "KUMIHIMO: The Art of Japanese Silk Braiding by DOMYO".
Kumihimo, a craft with a rich history dating back over 1,500 years, has been an integral part of Japanese culture since the Edo period (1603–1868). Originally used for decorative and functional cords in garments, armor, and ceremonial items, the craft involves hand-braiding silk threads using traditional tools, with every movement meticulously controlled to produce intricate patterns and durable braids.
Historically, kumihimo cords were vital in Japanese culture for tying kimono sashes, securing samurai armor, and embellishing religious and court attire. The techniques come from hereditary artisan families who have preserved methods over centuries, blending aesthetics and practicality in their work.
From around the tenth century, kumihimo was also used by the military for swords and armor, and later became important decorative elements on kimonos and kimono accessories. By the ninth century, kumihimo had reached its golden age, and the craft continued to evolve, adapting to changing times and cultural influences.
Modern applications of kumihimo extend beyond traditional uses. Contemporary artisans and designers incorporate kumihimo braids into fashion, accessories, interior decoration, and even jewelry, preserving the art form while innovating with new materials and styles. The craft’s sustainability and handmade quality have renewed interest globally.
The exhibition produced by Yusoku Kumihimo Domyo (DOMYO), a Tokyo-based company that has been making braided silk cords by hand since 1652, introduces the tradition of braiding and provides a historical overview of braiding in Japan, with replicas of silk braids dating as far back as the seventh century.
The event also highlights the future of kumihimo and the ways in which braided silk cords are incorporated into contemporary fashion and design. New kumihimo designs by DOMYO, several creations by innovative garment modelist Akira Hasegawa who deconstructs antique Western clothing and reworks it with kumihimo, and an installation by the UTokyo Tachi Lab at Tokyo University are all on display.
Admission to the exhibition is complimentary, and additional hands-on workshops and webinars will be announced soon. A webinar on December 15 about the history and significance of Kumihimo in Japanese culture is also part of the related programs. Visitors can observe large-scale models of the wooden braiding stands over which the strands of thread are laid during braiding.
This exhibition symbolically bridges centuries-old heritage with contemporary cultural exchange, marking a significant event as DOMYO’s first U.S. exhibition, showcasing the origins, intricate techniques, and modern adaptations of Japanese silk braiding.
For more information, visit the exhibition's website and social channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. The exhibition is open daily from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. for walk-ins.
- The Japanese artistic tradition of Kumihimo, dating back over 1,500 years, will be showcased in an exhibition titled "KUMIHIMO: The Art of Japanese Silk Braiding by DOMYO" in Los Angeles from December 11, 2021, to March 6, 2022.
- Historically, kumihimo cords were integral to Japanese culture, serving various purposes such as tying kimono sashes, securing samurai armor, and embellishing religious and court attire.
- The exhibition at 6801 Hollywood Blvd. will introduce the tradition of braiding and provide a historical overview of braiding in Japan, with replicas dating as far back as the seventh century.
- Modern applications of kumihimo extend beyond traditional uses and can be found in fashion, accessories, interior decoration, jewelry, and even contemporary design, preserving the art form while innovating with new materials and styles.
- The event will showcase new kumihimo designs by DOMYO, creations by Akira Hasegawa, and an installation by the UTokyo Tachi Lab at Tokyo University, demonstrating the fusion of tradition and modern design in kumihimo.
- Admission to the exhibition is complimentary, and additional hands-on workshops, webinars, and related programs about the history and significance of Kumihimo in Japanese culture will be announced soon, inviting the community to engage with the art and learn about its heritage.
