Aioi Knot Pierced Earings / Pink&Blue

Product Description

Product Story

General Product Information

The Aioi knot means to “spend life together until death do us part.” It is used for celebration such as weddings and marriage ties. The rope ends are unraveled forming a tasseled finish. 

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1300 years ago / 700AD / Nara period in Japan

Decorative knots and Kumihimo
Knots have applied, religious, and decorative elements. 
"Decorative knots" was brought to Japan from China along with Buddhism. During the Heian Period, Japan developed its own graceful and diverse knots that were used widely by aristocrats. Knots were also used to ward off evil in shrines and temples, as well as above the sumo wrestling ring, which is considered sacred. From old times, people believed that gods live in knots.
In Japanese decorative knotting, kumihimo (braided rope), a traditional craft of Japan, is used. It is made of several threads braided together and is strong. Due to its braided structure that scatters light at various angles, it has a characteristic shiny look.
In modern life, we seldom have a chance to see decorative knots. However, in places such as shrines, temples, tea ceremony, incense ceremony, where Japanese tradition has been passed on over generations, it is still used to ward off evil, or as ornaments and tools.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Keiko Ishii
I began decorative knotting in 2012. Attracted by the intricate methods of knotting and the beauty of kumihimo braided ropes, I decided to become an artist because, despite being a traditional art, decorative knots are not well known and there are few artisans. In 2015, I held my first exhibition at Banshu Kiyomizu Temple, because knots are deeply associated with Bhuddism. In addition to traditional designs, I make earings, necklaces and other accessories, as well as interior decorations for restaurants and historic hotels (ryokan).

Craftsman Passion

Carrying on the tradition

There are over 100 knots in decorative knotting and artwork made by combining the knots seems infinite. I find wonder in the endless possibility of decorative knots. A unique characteristic of Japanese decorative knotting is that it uses a single, continuous rope from beginning to end, without cutting or joining. This comes from the culture of valuing something that is long and continuous, and avoiding discontinuity or interruption, for example with relationships and personal contact. Some artwork uses 10~20 m of rope and it requires much concentration and perseverence to continuously tie it. It is tough work, but I value such Japanese tradition and strive to make my artwork from single, uncut rope.
In my work, I honor tradition while striving to create artwork that will add color to modern life. Decorate your room or wear the knots to ward off evil or as a symbol of happiness.

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width : 2.5cm
Height : 7cm
Weight : 2g

Material & Caution

Materials

Sillook
The kumihimo ropes are made of Sillook® threads manufactured by Toray, a Japanese textile company. It was developed to closely resemble natural silk and is washable and durable. It is of premium grade among artificial silk textiles. Sillook is also used to make Japanese kimono.

Caution

If this product is out of stock, please allow approximately one month for production.