What is Mizuhiki and Mizuhiki-ART

Mizuhiki indicates the material itself as a paper cord, and also indicates the ornament or the work that are made of mizuhiki paper cords.
Nowadays, the most opportunity to encounter the Mizuhiki ornament is at the reception desk of wedding reception, where the invited guest hands over the Syugi-bukuro which is a Money envelope decorated with Mizuhiki ornament to a receptionist.

The custom that binds a gift with colored cords and defines the significance of its shape is a traditional culture of Japanese that have been lasting 1400 years, and it is said that its custom had come from China originally.

But to have applied a WASHI( Japanese ) paper as a material of Mizuhiki cord and to have defined the complex rule of Mizuhiki ornament to suit to old regulations that Samurai and Aristocratic society of those days obeyed must be Japanese original ideas, which were able to express an intention of sender more in detail.
(note: Originally,when its custom was imported from China, the cord was made of linen.)

Although Mizuhiki is made of WASHI paper which was cut into long strips and was twisted into strings. Because it is covered with glue made of seaweed and white clay to stiffen it, the Mizuhiki has enough strength and moderate elasticity, that make it possible to make a three-dimensional ornament easily and to maintain its shape for long time.

As mentioned before, because the culture of Mizuhiki which includes a rule of gift is the one that reflect the social system of old times, nowadays, it seemed that frequency of using Mizuhiki as traditional practice is on the decrease.
But, because its physical character is effective even Now, the application of mizuhiki paper cord, such as materials of handicraft or the alternative ribbon of gift wrapping, is expanding.

Mizuhiki Art is one of the modern handicraft which uses mizuhiki as main material as mentioned .
Incorporating other modern handicraft technique and materials, Mizuhiki Art features not only traditional works such as crane or turtle ornaments which symbolize long life but also modern works like seasonal artificial flowers or accessories etc.

Thus, the works of Mizuhiki Art contain ranging from traditional Japanese craft products to modern Japanese small articles.
Those works are most suitable as a gift to foreign countries and a souvenir of the Japanese stay.

And, merchandise of this shop that were produced by Ms.Seika Kaji who is the originator of Mizuhik-Art except Books and raw materials such as Mizuhiki paper cord and craft wire etc.
And all of them are hand made.