Handcrafted accessories using premium silk-wrapped Mizuhiki, a centuries-old Japanese art form.
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For centuries, Mizuhiki – Japan’s art of ceremonial cord-tying – has graced the nation’s most treasured moments. Today, we’re bringing this timeless craft into contemporary fashion, creating accessories that carry the weight of tradition while embracing modern aesthetics.
Each piece in our Shima collection tells a story of artistry and innovation. Our designer Marina works closely with skilled artisans to transform traditional Mizuhiki patterns into wearable art, creating pieces that seamlessly blend into your daily life while making a unique statement.
Plum Blossom Barrette
Inspired by the plum blossom, a symbol of resilience and new beginnings in Japanese culture, each barrette is meticulously crafted using our exclusive premium silk-wrapped Mizuhiki. This special material, unique to Shima, incorporates silk through a proprietary technique to achieve an exceptional luminosity that sets it apart from traditional Mizuhiki. This refined sheen can only be achieved through the expertise of master artisans who have mastered our distinctive processing methods.
Each intricate knot captures the elegant form of plum blossoms while providing secure and comfortable wear for all hair types.
Specifications:
Size: 3cm × 9cm
Weight: Approximately 15g
Available in three selected colors: Pink, Blue, and Orange
Tassel Earrings
A statement piece that harmoniously blends traditional Mizuhiki elegance with contemporary sophistication. The golden flower base adds a touch of luxury to the Mizuhiki knot work, creating a stunning focal point from which the elegant tassel gracefully descends. Our premium silk-wrapped Mizuhiki provides an exquisite sheen that enhances the wearer’s natural radiance.
Featuring hypoallergenic resin posts for sensitive ears, these earrings offer both comfort and style. The lightweight design combined with eye-catching movement makes them perfect for both daily wear and special occasions.
Specifications:
Length: 12cm
Weight: Approximately 8g
Available in four sophisticated colors: Red & Black, Orange, Jade Green, and Navy
Available in both pierced and clip-on styles
Pearl & Mizuhiki Earrings
Where classical elegance meets Japanese artistry. The harmonious combination of our exclusive premium silk-wrapped Mizuhiki’s refined luster and carefully selected pearls adds a special touch to everyday elegance. These earrings feature hypoallergenic resin posts, making them suitable for sensitive ears while ensuring all-day comfort.
The lightweight design and timeless aesthetic complement everything from office attire to evening wear, gently enhancing the wearer’s personal style.
Specifications:
Length: 5cm
Pearl size: 8mm
Weight: Approximately 4g
Available in five elegant colors: Red, Pink, Beige, Blue, and Black
The premium silk-wrapped Mizuhiki used in each piece requires significantly more intricate techniques than traditional Mizuhiki. This material can only be handled by select artisans with specialized skills. Through innovative technical development, Shima has successfully transformed this beautiful material into contemporary accessories while preserving its traditional essence.
For over twelve centuries, Mizuhiki has been woven into the fabric of Japan’s most joyous occasions. These elegant knots, which first appeared in the Nara period (710-794), began as a simple way to tie formal gifts. They soon evolved into an art form that carries deep meanings and well-wishes.
At traditional Japanese weddings, Mizuhiki adorns gift envelopes and decorations, symbolizing the binding of two families and their hopes for a prosperous future. During New Year celebrations, it graces seasonal decorations, representing the ties that connect us through time and the fresh beginnings that each year brings.
The various knot patterns each carry their own auspicious meanings. The plum blossom knot, featured in our signature barrette, represents renewal and perseverance. The traditional ‘musubi’ knot symbolizes the unbreakable bonds between people, while the ‘cho-musubi’ (butterfly knot) represents the wish for happiness to multiply.
Our journey to transform this sacred art into contemporary accessories began with our designer Marina’s encounter with traditional Mizuhiki at her own wedding. Captivated by its elegant forms and profound meanings, she spent three years studying under master artisans in Kyoto, learning not just the techniques, but the heart and soul of this craft.
“Each Mizuhiki knot carries wishes for happiness and prosperity.” Marina explains. “By bringing these meaningful designs into everyday accessories, we’re allowing people to carry these beautiful intentions with them always.”
With a background in contemporary jewelry design and a deep respect for traditional crafts, Marina bridges the gap between past and present. Her designs maintain the authentic techniques and meanings of traditional Mizuhiki while reimagining them for modern wear.
In our sunlit workshop in Japan, time moves at a different pace. Here, our artisans work with unwavering focus, transforming delicate strands of silk-wrapped Mizuhiki into pieces of wearable art. Each creation begins with premium materials – Mizuhiki so fine it measures just 1/10000mm in thickness – and evolves through a series of precise steps perfected over generations.
The journey of each piece starts with careful material selection and preparation, where artisans consider factors like humidity and temperature to ensure optimal handling. As the basic structure takes shape, layers of intricate knot work are added, each requiring absolute precision and patience. The final touches involve meticulous quality checks and adjustments, ensuring each piece meets our exacting standards.
Our commitment extends beyond creating beautiful accessories. We’re preserving a cherished art form by making it relevant for contemporary life. Through our unique approach to production, we’ve created opportunities for skilled artisan mothers to work flexibly while raising their families, ensuring these traditional techniques will be passed down to future generations.
Every Shima piece carries with it this rich story of tradition, innovation, and purpose. When you wear our creations, you’re not just wearing jewelry – you’re becoming part of a continuing story of Japanese craftsmanship, one that bridges the past and present while looking confidently toward the future.
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