NIPPON Kichi - 日本吉

2006/12/18

水引 Mizuhiki Mizuhiki

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Mizuhiki is decorative paper twine often tied around an envelope containing a monetary gift on an occasion of celebration or sorrow.  Mizuhiki is made from washi (traditional Japanese paper) cut into long thin strips which have been twisted into string. It is then stiffened by coating with glue. It originated as long ago as in the Asuka period (6 - 8 century) when it was used to tie an offering during religious services.
Often one or two combinations of colors are used in Mizuhiki which is said to be originally based on the ancient Japanese dress code of social standing or the Chinese Yin and Yang principles. Each color, number of twines used, and the way of tying has a subtle but significant meaning. Though there are regional differences, in many cases, a combination of red and white or gold and silver is used for an occasion of celebration while black and white or silver and white for a more somber or sorrowful event. A bow tie Mizuhiki, which can be retied easily, means “we want this joyful celebration to happen again many times”. Expressing ones feelings discreetly through Mizuhiki is a beautiful Japanese tradition.

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kanazawa-shi Ishikawa ,Japan




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