These rings are made of silk thread and braided using the kumihimo technique, which has been practiced for over a thousand years in Japan. Kumihimo creates functional as well as decorative braided cords.
To put on the ring, pull the odamaki, a small ball that symbolizes a continuity and good luck, through the loop. Aioi is the braiding technique used for the loop. Two cords always stay next to each other, alluding to the a longevity of a couple.
The cords are square-shaped and made of four colors. Because the ring is hand crafted, each side of the loop displays uniquely different color combinations. By pulling the odamaki from either side of the loop, you can see two totally different impressions on the surface of the ring.
Specifications
Who Makes It
Showen Kumihimo was founded in 1948 in Kyoto. From dying to plying and twisting, all the processes for preparing thread are done in-house. The thread is then braided into kumihimo and handcrafted into various accessories by artisans.