What is Sanada Himo cord?

Last time I told you about Echizen Washi paper, but when I think about it carefully, I haven't written much about the origins other than Tamahagane which are sold in our shop.

So I would like to tell you about "Sanada Himo cord" this time!

【Origin of the name】

The origin of the name "Sanada" is not actually one.

One is the theory that famous military commander Sanada Yukimura's father, Masayuki Sanada, used it by wrapping it around a sword or armor and made achievements on the battle, so other warlords imitated it and named it "the string used by Sanada".

Another theory is that the thin woven string called "Sanohata" was changed to call "Sanada", and the name is used among the people.

【History】 The origin seems to be a mystery, but one theory is that the narrow textiles woven by the Tibetan people came into Japan as the same time Buddhism was brought.

Another theory is that the Sanada clan, who lost in the Battle of Sekigahara, was imprisoned by Mt. Koya and it is said that the servants were weaving cords as an internal job.

Originally, it was a livingware for ordinary people. It was used to tie up luggage because it is hard to stretch and has excellent durability.

The armor of the Heian and Kamakura periods was flashy with many decorations, but in the Warring States period, it became easier to move and practical, and Sanada Himo cord was also used because it was durable.

In addition, it is said that Sen no Rikyu, a great tea ceremony master, also used Sanada cord to tie a paulownia box containing tea utensils. Since then, it has come to use its own pattern like a family crest.

The custom still remains as a culture of "promise string" that proves one's own belongings or work, and there are rules on patterns and tying methods depending on the school of tea.

Sanada Himo cord has been loved and used by a wide range of people, including samurai, ordinary people, and tea masters. It is also very beautiful in appearance. It is an "artistic traditional practical product"!!

Even now, a person called "Sanada Himo cord master" who specializes in making Sanada cord has handed down the technique.

【The characteristics】 It's easy to be mistaken for string, but Sanada Himo cord is said to be the narrowest woven fabric.

Yes, it is actually a woven.

By the way, there is a string called Kumihimo braid in Japanese traditional crafts. A Kumihimo is a "braided string" of three or more threads.

On the other hand, as you can see, the Sanada Himo cord has a vertical and horizontal weave compared to Kumihimo braid thread. Kumihimo braid has threads running diagonally.

Because of such a difference in how to make it, the Kumihimo braid is elastic, and Sanada Himo cord has almost no elasticity and is durable.

It was also used to hang heavy objects, attach armor or harnesses in the days when there were no various strings.

It seems that it was used in daily life in the Meiji era (1868-1912), but after that, the demand for swords decreased due to the abolition of swords, which made it impossible to have swords. In addition various strings have become to make other than Sanada braid.

Nowadays, there are only few places in Japan that make Sanada braid.

However, I definitely want to inherit such wonderful traditions and techniques!

Please enjoy the lineup of Sanada Himo products.

Click here for earrings & ↓

Other colors are also available!

This is a Sanada cord brooch↓