Kyo Kumihimo (plaited cords) Plaited cords made of ten or more colored threads intricately woven together. A product used in more than 77 ways such as obijime (obi cord), cords for haori (Japanese-style half coats) and for religious ceremonies. This craft was taken on in the Nara period from Tang China and developed in the Heian period for Buddhist ceremonies and for kimono. Demand for such items came mostly from the aristocrats, warriors and temples and shrines until the modern period, but even in the Momoyama period, it began to spread among the masses and in the Edo period, its use as well as its styles increased leading to a rise in its demand. In the Taisho period, power generated from the canals of Kitashira and Lake Biwa were used for reeling these cords. After World War II, mechanization progressed and the complex hand-woven patterned cords were somewhat simplified, creating a new flavor and elegance. BACK