Mizuhiki: Japanese Decorative Knots – Gourd Frame Art

For our Mizuhiki class on September 13th, you will shape gold and silver paper cord into a gourd — a Japanese emblem of good fortune — and frame it as a small work of art.

Mizuhiki has been woven into Japanese life for centuries, most familiarly as the decorative cord that adorns gifts and envelopes for weddings, celebrations and other important occasions. Anyone who has seen a shūgi-bukuro, the traditional envelope used for monetary gifts, will recognise its distinctive forms.

Made from washi, mizuhiki is a remarkably versatile material: a simple paper cord that can be tied, shaped and transformed into intricate forms. In September you will explore that quality through the form of the gourd. Harvested from summer into autumn, the gourd is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, where its distinctive silhouette has long been associated with good fortune, appearing in kimono designs, traditional crafts and seasonal decorations. Using gold and silver mizuhiki, you will create this graceful form by adapting the awaji knot, one of the fundamental knots of mizuhiki. Your finished design is set against Japanese paper and framed as a small work of art to take home.

Although the finished piece may look intricate, the basic technique is approachable even for those completely new to mizuhiki. As the cord gradually takes shape in your hands, you will discover how a traditional material becomes line, form and artistic expression.

No experience is necessary
All materials are included
Take home your finished framed artwork

Taught by Satoi Adams of Mizuhiki Global Links. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration closes 2 hours before the session. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the session are nonrefundable.