Watch How Japanese Hikihaku Obis are Woven from Precious Metals, Mother of Pearl and Lapis Lazuli

Japanese traditional wear includes the obi, the sash or belt worn around the waist. The obi can be made from a variety of different materials depending on the occasion. The hikihaku is a kind of obi reserved for very special occasions because these ceremonial sashes are woven from precious metals and even mother of pearl shell and lapis lazuli! Such sashes are quite stiff to wear but oh, the luxury!

The craftsmanship and skill level boggles the mind.  

Alas, this is a dying art – all the artisans featured are over 70 with no young person to replace them. There is only one person left able to maintain some of the specialized looms and no one for the remaining ones.

Before You Go:

Disclosure 

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