Tied paper cords

水引 mizuhiki

Tied paper cords

Mizuhiki are stiff paper cords tied around gifts; the knot carries the giver's wish and binds people together.

Tradition dates it to the Asuka period (7th century); Iida (Nagano) craft from the Genroku era (1688–1704)

Tradition says the custom began when an envoy from Sui China brought gifts tied with red and white hemp cords. Cords of twisted, starched washi later replaced them for gift envelopes and betrothal gifts. In Iida, papermaking for motoyui (cords that tie a topknot) began in the Genroku era. When the Meiji haircut edict ended topknots, makers turned to mizuhiki, and the craft spread among ordinary people.

Used on New Year envelopes, wedding gifts and funeral offerings. Iida makes about 70% of Japan's mizuhiki, and three-dimensional pieces such as cranes and pine are now popular.

Technique catalog · draft for review

Every way to wrap, carry and wear a furoshiki.

The furoshiki.com archive, sliced into annotated steps with plain directions, plus techniques found in research.