Plum Kaga Mizuhiki Decorative Rubber Band

This is a decorative rubber band with a plum knot mizuhiki by the Tsuda Mizuhiki brand, "knot". The gold color of the knot, which is typical of Kanazawa, is gorgeous, and combined with the red or white color, it creates an elegant and celebratory atmosphere.

The ume (plum) knot is the basic knot and is considered auspicious in Japan, along with "Sho-chiku-bai" (pine, bamboo, and plum). The plum flower is tied tightly and is difficult to untie, which means "strong bond and longevity".

It can be used in a variety of ways, including as a decoration for lunch boxes, napkin holders, and wine, as shown in the photo, to add a Japanese flair. You can also insert hairpins to make a cute hair ornament. Mizuhiki motifs are often used as hair ornaments when wearing kimonos. It is also a good idea to use it as a gift ornament to accompany gift wrapping.

The rubber band is replaceable, so you can customize it yourself. An elastic band or string can be threaded through the back of the mizuhiki.

Tsuda Mizuhiki "knot"

"knot" is the brand of Tsuda Mizuhiki, a long-established company that originated Kaga Mizuhiki. Because the spelling and pronunciation of knot and not are similar, the name was given with the meaning of being different from traditional mizuhiki and "not" the same as before. At the root of this naming is their confidence that the essence of mizuhiki will never change.

It expresses their strong desire to pass on the tradition and culture of mizuhiki while designing items that can be accepted by a wider generation, such as modern colors and small items that can be easily incorporated into daily life. 

The techniques of Kaga mizuhiki, based in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, have a storied history. Around 1915, the first generation, Tsuda Sokichi, innovated off of the typical two-dimensional string folds of mizuhiki knots to create new three-dimensional forms. Ume Tsuda, the second generation, inherited the technique and established Kaga mizuhiki craftsmanship as a definitive art form. The company has now been passed down to the fifth generation, and continues to evolve while preserving and passing on the true essence of mizuhiki.