| Mizuhiki is the traditional Japanese art of knot | | | | carp and crane are greatly used to symbolize |
| tying. It is made by tightly winding washi | | | | strength, grace and longevity. |
| (japanese paper) into a thin cord, then using that | | | | By using basic knot techniques combined with |
| cord to tie a series of knots. Sometimes the | | | | weaving or even a crochet style, it is possible to |
| individual cords are adhered to one another to | | | | create beautiful pieces of art like floral bouquets, |
| make a wide strip and then knotted. | | | | life-sized sculptures (like carp, butterflies and |
| The mizuhiki knots and cords create intricate | | | | flowers), or even functional items like place mats, |
| bows and flowers for decoration, and even | | | | utensil rest, baskets, hair and clothing accessories |
| creative frames or woven/knotted baskets. | | | | or lovely decoration that wraps around glassware. |
| In the past, mizuhiki was used as decoration for | | | | Another important thing to consider is the colour |
| special cards, letters and gifts for important or | | | | combination. In Japan, colour combinations have a |
| high-standing people, and in some cases, to tie the | | | | specific meaning for many occasions, so mizuhiki |
| Samurai top knot hairstyle. | | | | decorations must also follow the theme. For |
| Today, mizuhiki is widely used for decorating | | | | example, special joyous events like weddings use |
| cards and gifts for occasions like weddings, baby | | | | red and white or gold and silver. For births, |
| showers, graduations and many other important | | | | graduations, house warming and other happy |
| events. | | | | occasions, a simple red and white combination is |
| Growing in popularity both in Japan and overseas, | | | | used, and finally sad events (like funerals) use |
| mizuhiki is also being used for table settings, home | | | | black, white and silver. |
| decor, and even fashion accessories. | | | | Today, mizuhiki has such a wide range of colours |
| Some mizuhiki artists can create beautiful life-like | | | | and patterns, it's simple to use it for anything |
| animals and other creative sculptures for display | | | | your can think of from art, decor, fashion and |
| or as a wonderful addition to gift wrap. | | | | more! |
| The most common decorations are flowers, | | | | For more information or to see some mizuhiki |
| bows, Japanese cranes, butterflies and carp for | | | | examples, check out Miho's mizuhiki page . |
| both beauty and symbolism. For example, the | | | | |