~ Fancy Knots from Japan ~



~ Alaska Museum of Fancy Knots ~

~ Fancy Knots from Japan ~




~ Japanese Doll ~
sent by:
Jeffrey Gilbert
The flanking knots at either end in this two strand lanyard of doubled silk cord are Agemaki, said to be named after a woman's hair style. It is tied as Ashley 2419 The Sailor's Cross. I notice however that the symmetry is reversed. The left side overhand knot begins as an inside turn. The right side overhand enters the left side parallel to the working end of that knot then makes an outside turn. I don't know if this is consistent throughout Japan. It is present in the next example which comes from a different source, location, and century. It is often found tied as a decorative bow on ceremonial and important objects. This regal visage is the central figure in a set of dolls used in the Doll's Festival or Hinamatsuri the third day of the third month of the year. She was created in Kyoto in the mid-nineteenth century. The central knot is Hanamusubi or Flower Knot [Ashley 2437] curiously enough the symmetry is again reversed.

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~ Samurai ~
sent by:
Jeffrey Gilbert
Another example of Agemaki decorating a suit of Samurai upper-body armor or Do.


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~ Japanese Bamboo Fence ~
sent by
Jeffrey Gilbert
The garden fence in Japan, most often of bamboo, is a ubiquitus structure with infinite variety, subtle gesture and unlimited degrees of quality and workmanship. I also see variations of the crossing knot employed, but the primary start is a clove hitch with the two ends walled over the crossing turn. With practice the starting end is carried out to the proper length and the standing part is cut. The standing part is also slipped sometimes. Another variation being to tie the knot with a doubled line. The favored rope employed for the task is made from palm fiber. Sometimes it is dyed black. Sometimes it is treated with kakishibu a durable finish and preservative made from fermented green persimmons. Kakishibu is traditionally used by fishermen on their nets and boats as well as many other uses. The color runs to deep purplish brown


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~ Japanese Bamboo Gate ~
sent by
Jeffrey Gilbert
Garden Gate