Matsushima Kumihimo Shop

The Iga basin has long had thriving sericulture, and being close to Kyoto, the center of kimono culture, it is a region where a braid industry using silk thread took root. The quiet environment surrounded by mountains is suited to handling silk thread, which is sensitive to temperature and humidity, and many kumihimo indispensable to kimono — obijime, haori cords and the like — have been produced here.

Matsushima Kumihimo Shop is a braid specialist that has produced, wholesaled and sold Iga kumihimo in that land of Iga. In the workshop, artisans set silk and metallic thread on braiding stands such as the takadai, marudai, kakudai and ayatakedai, braiding the cords by hand while moving the threads rhythmically. Because the expression changes with the slightest force or thread tension, it is work that demands years of experience and intuition.

As demand for kimono changes and uses for obijime and haori cords gradually decrease, Matsushima Kumihimo Shop also actively takes on new items such as bracelets, neck straps, key holders and accessories. While drawing on traditional skills, by devising color combinations and designs, it proposes "kumihimo that suits today's life," usable for both formal and casual occasions.

Also, out of a wish "for people to feel Iga kumihimo more closely," it holds kumihimo experience classes at the store with the attached workshop. For sightseers, school-trip visitors and local people alike, it conveys the fun and depth of kumihimo through making kongo-braid bracelets and key holders using a marudai.

The craft of "Iga kumihimo" handed down in Iga

What Matsushima Kumihimo Shop makes is "Iga kumihimo," a traditional craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Iga has long had thriving sericulture and an abundance of silk thread, and making use of its location close to Kyoto, it developed as a production region for obijime, haori cords and the like. Carrying on that tradition, it uses braiding stands such as the takadai, marudai, kakudai and ayatakedai as appropriate, producing a diverse range of braid patterns to suit each use.

Takadai, marudai, kakudai… delicate expression born from traditional braiding stands

The takadai, which can express fine designs; the marudai, which braids rounded cords; the kakudai, which excels at flat, firm cords; the ayatakedai, which lightly expresses diagonal patterns — Iga kumihimo uses various braiding stands as appropriate for the use and design. Through thread color combinations and regular hand movements, delicate, deep expressions such as geometric patterns and gradations are born.

From obijime and haori cords to bracelets and straps

Matsushima Kumihimo Shop offers a wide range of items — fine obijime and haori cords for formal wear, casual obijime easy to match with everyday kimono and yukata, kumihimo bracelets, key holders and straps. From traditional patterns to modern color combinations, it proposes braids easy to bring into everyday fashion, not just "wa."

A store with an attached workshop, and easy-to-enjoy kumihimo experience classes

At the store in Iga City, in addition to selling products, it holds "kumihimo experience classes" where you can actually experience braiding using a marudai. With staff support, you can make a one-of-a-kind bracelet or strap. It is recommended not only as a travel or sightseeing memento but also for parent-and-child memory-making and group experiences.