Mask & Eyeglass Cord / Iga Kumihimo

These eyeglass/mask strings are handmade one by one by skilled craftsmen.
The product is available in a wide variety of colors and has a cute look with a built-in chain as well as a string.
These eyeglass/mask strings are woven in a special way and are very strong and will not tear by ordinary means.
It is a versatile item that will keep your glasses/mask in place!

Length：70cm ( 27.5 inch )

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.

KUMIHIMO HIRAI

"Enthusiasm that you will be able to do it will create a good flow."

Having married into his wife's family business, he did not have the mindset that he "had to" do crafting, but that he would do it if he decided to do it. When it comes to crafting, you can move forward by overcoming one by one what you cannot do in front of you. I also believe that it is important to have the mindset of believing that you can definitely do the things that you cannot do.

ARTISAN STORY

Kumihimo Hirai / Michitaka Hirai A craftsman with an unusual background, he became a system engineer after graduating from university before assuming the position of the fifth generation of Kumihimo Hirai. We are developing unprecedented products in the hope that more customers will use our products. We hope you will enjoy our product development in line with modern needs.

IGA KUMIHIMO / IGA BRAIDED CORD

About 1,300 years ago / 700s / Nara Period (710–794)

Braiding techniques reached Japan with Buddhist culture and were used by the Nara period for sutra bindings, ceremonial robes and court dress. In the warrior age, demand grew for sword cords and armor lacing. Iga later refined these techniques and became especially important as a modern production center for obijime, the cords used to secure kimono sashes.

For Japanese people, kumihimo is most familiar as an elegant but functional part of kimono dress. Color combinations can express season and formality, while contemporary makers now apply the same structures to bracelets, straps, bag handles and other accessories.

What looks like a simple cord can be astonishingly complex. Anywhere from a handful to dozens of threads cross in strict sequences to create flat, round or square sections. In recent years the word kumihimo itself has become internationally familiar through film and popular culture, inspiring craft enthusiasts far beyond Japan.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.