Marianne bought these beautiful examples of Kumihomo braiding when she was in Japan. It is a braid in a hollow inside; similar to the braids you might have done as a kid with a spool loom. (Remember it had the nails at the stop). This type of braiding is also done for silk braids for jewelry. In Japan, the braids are used to secure the obi in space. The braids are just stunning.
