Another amazingly rare light green metallic Japanese Fiber braid. This is a unique braid taught by Makiko Tada a world renowned master teacher of kumihimo. Having learned with her this braid I am thrilled to showcase a second and new color - as imaginative and breathtaking as the first.
All 24 strands were braided together to create 3 separate braids then combined into one Coral Statement Design. As beautiful on the neckline or walking into the Met Gala (a dream I see this achieving). You will never see this anywhere else in the world. It was made in September 2024 and has been a Show Stopper on display at events held on Maui and soon at the Praxis Fiber Workshop in Cleveland Ohio as part of their "Threads of Mastery- Textile Art Exhibit" coordinated by Bob Galivan.
This particular necklace is comprised of separate Coral Pattern Necklace strands merged into one design woven on our Marudai stand - an ancient weaving stand originally used to make sashes for Samurai Warrior belts used to hold their swords. This design was created by Makiko Tada (the world's most prolific author, educator and researcher on Kumihimo). We finished this off with another rare Sterling Silver Magnetic End Cap designed by Melodie Owen Art Jewelry (a silversmithing expert based in New Mexico). Her other fantastic designs may be found at her shop: https://www.melodieowenartjewelry.com/shop
This extraordinary necklace was woven together using metallic fibers imported from Japan. This unique Coral look is created by braiding together 8 cords of fiber using two different techniques developed by Makiko Tada. The use of these techniques lends itself to this Coral look and is only achieived by advanced braiding techniques. We used 3 separate ‘bunches” of fiber in this design and of this Green Metallic is no long available. Altogether there are hundreds of strands that comprise this piece.
Akalei is Hawaiian for "bead reflections" which describes our normal necklace lei design style made only here on Maui. We reinterpret and illuminate traditional Hawaiian Lei using a vast assortment of glass and natural beads, Japanese metallics/silk and synthetic fibers, and a wide variety of braiding techniques and inspirations from across the globe.
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braid making technique that creates beautiful and strong interlaced cords. This art form goes back hundreds of years as braids were made for use in armor of Japanese samurai warriors. In modern times these braids are designed as belts (obijime) that are worn as a belt with a kimono.
Customized orders are welcomed - these braids can be made using Japanese Silks and various small (4-6mm) size pearls or semi-precious stones. Please contact me at info@akaleidesigns.com.
