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KOYORI NEWSLETTER
2023 September 21
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KOYORI ANECDOTES: KOYORI-'TWISTED PAPER CORDS'
KOYORI’s brand name was named after a Japanese word meaning 'twisted paper cords' and is the main material of Mizuhiki, the durable and decorative paper strings traditionally used in Japan for wrapping gifts, especially on festive and ceremonial occasions. We are going to delve into the history behind “Koyori” and "Mizuhiki" in forthcoming chapters of the KOYORI ANECDOTES.
Throughout ancient times, the Japanese people upheld the practice of presenting offerings to the divine by wrapping gifts in fabrics crafted from hemp or cotton. This ceremonial tradition gradually evolved into societal norms within Japan. When papermaking technology was introduced to the country, cotton, which had previously been processed into thread, transformed into a raw material for paper.
Paper was highly valuable and mainly used for writing official documents related to Shintoism and Buddhism. It was during the Heian period (794-1185) that this material began to gain popularity among the aristocrats. In addition to writing waka poems and diaries, paper began to serve a wide range of purposes in court life, including folding and wrapping. One of these purposes was the creation of Koyori. Among the aristocrats, there appeared to be a custom of sending letters to each other and sealing them by tying them with a Koyori string.
To be continued.
Explore other ANECDOTES.
Image Courtesy of FRAGILE BOOKS
Reference: Nihon Mizuhiki written by Chie Nagaura
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