Mizuhiki - Adorning Life

Evolution and Historical Significance

Mizuhiki is an ancient Japanese art of knot-tying. It is made by twisting thinly-cut washi (Japanese traditional paper) strips to form a string and then hardening this with starch. This makes it not only pliant, but it also has a sturdiness preventing it from breaking easily and allowing it to be tied into various forms.

A traditional Japanese art form, Mizuhiki traces its origins back to the Asuka period (592-710 AD) when it was introduced to Japan from China along with Buddhism. Initially, Mizuhiki was used exclusively for religious ceremonies and rituals, where it adorned offerings and gifts as symbolic embellishments.

Motoyui wo Tsukuru Musume - Katsushika Hokusai, 1760-1

The gracefully swirling Mizuhiki seen on holiday gifts and New Year’s decorations originated from motoyui—strong, flexible paper cords used to tie up hair into traditional topknots. As the samurai era faded, the skills used to create motoyui were transformed into an art form, encompassing vibrant colors and decorative shapes. It has been said that after an elegant red and white design was presented to the Emperor, Mizuhiki gained favor in the world of gift-giving.

This 3-piece set of betrothal gift, including a crane (alcohol gift), a turtle (snack gift), makes it a perfect addition to handmade wedding ceremony.

During the Heian period (794-1185 AD), Mizuhiki became intricately linked with the art of gift wrapping, adding a touch of elegance and symbolism to presents exchanged during auspicious events like weddings, births, and New Year celebrations.

A bottle of wine wrapped with Mizuhiki
A Mizuhiki Gift Box

An abundance of pure water and kozo (the Japanese paper mulberry tree) was found in the town of Iida in Nagano. Combined with its dry climate, this region fostered a comfortable environment for the production of paper cords. Today, 70% of Japan’s mizuhiki materials come from Iida, which greatly helps to preserve this ancient craft. Mizuhiki creates a sense of care and thoughtfulness. It acts as a seal, promising that the gift has remained unopened. It also acts as an amulet, warding off bad spirits. Most importantly, mizuhiki knots symbolize the connection between the gift giver and receiver, creating strong ties between them.

Symbolism and Technique

One of the most fascinating aspects of Mizuhiki is its rich symbolism. Each knot and twist of the Mizuhiki cord carries deep meaning, conveying well wishes, luck, and blessings to the recipient. For example, the crane knot symbolizes longevity and good fortune, while the tortoise knot represents longevity and steadfastness.

The technique of Mizuhiki involves meticulously twisting, braiding, and shaping thin strips of washi paper or silk into intricate designs and knots. Skilled artisans painstakingly craft these delicate creations, showcasing their expertise and attention to detail.

 

Typically, the number of Mizuhiki strands used differed depending on whether the occasion was a celebration such a marriage or the birth of a child, or a commemoration such as a funeral.

In Japan, it is the custom to give cash at celebrations and commemorations, which is wrapped in paper with a Noshi attached and then tied with Mizuhiki. Odd numbers are thought to be auspicious, so combinations of odd numbers of Mizuhiki such as 3, 5, or 7 strands were used for celebrations, and even numbers were used for commemorations. However, these days sets of 5 strands have become commonplace for both celebrations and commemorations. For weddings only, sets of 10 strands are often used – as 10 is the double of 5 and is therefore thought to be doubly auspicious.

Gold and silver Mizuhiki are used for celebrations such as wedding ceremonies etc., and are tied with inextricable knots (Kyukyodo)
Black and white Mizuhiki are mainly used in ceremonies to commemorate the deceased. Cash is handed to the bereaved family as a mark of condolence.

In terms of color, “red & white” or “gold & silver are used for celebrations, while “black & white” or “yellow & white” are used for commemorations.

The most characteristic feature of Mizuhiki is the way they are tied. Broadly speaking, the style of tying Mizuhiki can be divided into “musubi-kiri” (a style of fixed decorative fastening) and “chou-musubi” (a butterfly knot); with different styles indicating a belief in superstitious omens. 

The Musubi-kiri is a tough knot that is hard to undo and is also called the Ma-musubi or Hon-musubi. It means “hope it does not happen again” and is often used for weddings, visiting the sick and when there is a tragic event.
Chou-musubi is used in the events such as celebrating newborns, education success, birthdays and opening of new businesses. Also called the Hana-musubi or Ribon-musubi, signifying “happy every time it happens."

The musubi-kiri incorporates the idea that “something should never be repeated a second time” and that one tie of the knot will produce a bind that never unravels. As a result, musubi-kiri is used not only for celebrations such as marriage, but also generally for occasions that we hope will only happen once – such as in get-well wishes and condolences.

On the other hand, chou-musubi can be undone and unwound with the pull of a string, and this style of Mizuhiki is used for celebrations such as childbirth or admission to college etc; the idea being that the occasion “is a joyful one, no matter how many times it occurs” and that “it may be repeated time and time again”. Even when Mizuhiki are tied in the same way, the use of different colors can reflect the purpose of the gift.

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