Work in Progress
Iga KumihimoAtang Tshikare
Iga Kumihimo, Mie Prefecture
Iga Kumihimo, or Iga Braided Cords, are a traditional craft of Mie Prefecture, distinguished by their vividly dyed silk threads that shimmer as they intertwine. The hand-braiding method, known as tegumi-himo, is particularly renowned. The techniques of cord braiding were first introduced from China along with Buddhism, so the cords were mainly used for robes worn by Buddhist priests and decorating scriptures. Later, samurai adopted them for armor and sword fittings. By the Edo period, they had become essential for obijime (kimono sashes) and haori-himo (fasteners for haori jackets), solidifying their place in traditional Japanese attire.
Designer
Atang Tshikare
Designer from South Africa, Atang, is renowned for blending contemporary art with cultural roots, exploring the intersection of art and design. He takes an experimental approach to working with primal matter, reflecting Southern African heritage. Exhibited globally at venues like the New York Metropolitan Museum and Design Miami/Basel. The Peo e Atang show (2021), dedicated to his firstborn son, deepened his understanding of both local traditions and global design trends.
Artisan
Tomoyuki Matsuda, Itogo
Mie Prefecture Kumihimo Cooperative Vice Chairman and 4th-generation CEO of Itogo. Founded in 1954, Itogo specializes in machine-braided Iga Kumihimo, traditional Japanese braided cords, one of Japan's nationally designated traditional craft products. While traditionally used for kimono obijime (sashes), over the past decade, Itogo has expanded its applications into new fields, including products such as face masks, shoelaces, anime-related merchandise, architectural and construction materials, medal cords used in international competitions, and souvenirs for global events like the G7 Summit.