Cross-Knot Charm

This cross-knot charm is made from Japanese cord called “kumihimo.” Traditionally braided from silk threads on special looms, the cords were used primarily to reinforce clothing, including samurai armor, priest robes, aristocratic attire, and obi belts on kimonos. Depending on its color or knot pattern, a kumihimo could have been used to proclaim one’s social status, gender, or to celebrate a joyous occasion. Because of the RYUKOBO knot’s similarity to the Japanese characters for “dreams come true,” it's considered a good luck charm.