Mizuhiki (水引,lit. 'water-pull') is an ancientJapaneseartform ofknot-tying, most commonly used to decorateenvelopes, calledkinpū, which are given asgifts during holidays likeJapanese New Year (and are then calledotoshidama) or for special occasions such as births and weddings (shūgi-bukuro) or funerals (kōden-bukuro).[1][2] The colour of the cord depends on the occasion, or may signify the religious denomination of the giver at funerals.[3]
The stiffwashi paper cord that is used, also calledmizuhiki,[citation needed] is created by twisting lengths of washi paper together tightly, before starching them for strength and stiffness, and colouring them withmylar or thin strands of silk, or simply by painting the cord.
The art ofmizuhiki dates back to Japan'sAsuka period, during which an envoy from theSui dynasty brought gifts embellished with red and white hemp strings.[2]
Other forms ofmizuhiki include using the cord to create paperjewellery, or creating three-dimensional art with different forms used for different auspicious meanings; cranes, frogs, fish, dragons and turtles are amongst the most popular.[citation needed]
In 2019, the Modern Mizuhiki Association was founded in Tokyo.[2]
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