ALEXCIOUS

Traditional Japanese craft into modern accessory

A simple chain accented by a combination of Swarovski bead and awaji-musubi knot. Just the right length to draw attention to the decolletage, it’s the perfect accent for garments such as shirts and T-shirts.

Yuriko Hirose

Mizuhiki are traditional decorative cords fashioned from strips of handmade washi paper that are wound together, starched, and then colored. Because they retain their shape when bent, mizuhiki lend themselves readily to the creation of three-dimensional ornaments. Ten years ago, artist Yuriko Hirose visited New Zealand on a cultural exchange trip and introduced mizuhiki to her friends there. Their response inspired her to teach herself everything there was to know about mizuhiki, and to begin making them as works of art. She has found that combinations of the awaji-musubi, the basic mizuhiki knot, are a simple way to add a bit of flair to everyday settings, and her products range from home décor goods to fashion accessories. With the elegant presence of precious metal yet so lightweight, the necklaces featured here embody traditional craftsmanship applied to modern, versatile forms.