Traditional Culture: Japanese Handmade Knot Jewelry
January is all about the Japanese traditional culture of new beginnings and starting anew. Our January Earring of the Month Club focused on the joy of a new year by working with artisan Yuki of Ciclo. Yuki studied Studio Art at a university in the U.S. and when she returned home to Japan, she became interested in the Japanese arts and crafts- especially traditional knots and the meanings they have. In the Japanese tradition, everything has its place and a special meaning. The traditions of knots in fashion is no different. She says: "Every knot has its own meaning. I make my accessories praying that they will bring happiness and good luck to whoever wears them." This is her wish and prayer to you every time you wear her earrings.
Each month, Earring of the Month Club members get to pick their piece out of two options. Yuki designed these pieces exclusively for Mariposa Skies Earring of the Month Club members and each piece has an important meaning in traditional Japanese culture. (picture of both pieces)
Traditional Culture: The Japanese Knot Meanings
The first design features the Myoga Knot, named after how its shape resembles Japanese ginger (myoga). "Myoga" also means "God's protection." During the Japanese Civil War period, Samurai warriors put on "myoga" emblems when going into battle, praying for God's protection. It is my prayer that whoever wears the "myoga" knot has God's protection over them. The Myoga Knot earrings come in a beautiful chive green with an aquamarine bead. These colors are meant to bring refreshing and restorative healing in the new year.
The second design features the Shaka Knot, named because it looks like Shaka's (Buddha's) head. “I make these wishing Shaka will protect you and be kind like Shaka. The tassel below will protect you from evil.” The Shaka Knot Earrings in flame scarlet are meant to exude confidence and determination in 2020.
Which one is your favorite? Comment below!
Earring of the Month Club members directly impacts the artisan by:
- Supporting one independent artisan each month
- Directly impacts her and her business providing steady income
- Creates a more sustainable life for her, her family and her community
We only open the Earring of the Month Club a certain number of times a year- so be sure to put your name on the waitlist so you know when we open again!
About the Earring of the Month Club
The Earring of the Month Club is a monthly subscription that's all about YOU! Each month you get to choose between only two earring selections that are handmade by one of our independent, international artisans. It's a monthly subscription that not only makes you look good but makes you feel good too because you support a different artisan each month build a more sustainable life for themselves, their families and their communities.
Check out some of our current members rocking their picks.
More About the Artisan
Traditional Culture: Learn more about Yuki and her designs
At a kitchen table late at night, one woman's dreams are born. As she twists and turns the Japanese cord into form, she thinks of the person who will wear her jewelry. With each tuck and pull, she wishes “blessings upon them."
Yuki is a mom of three beautiful children. She works full time and creates her knot accessories at night after her children have gone to sleep. Her journey started when she studied Studio Art at a university in the U.S. After she returned home to Japan, she became interested in the Japanese traditional culture of arts and crafts- especially traditional knots and the meanings they have. In the Japanese tradition, everything has its place and a special meaning.
The traditions of knots in fashion is no different. She says: "Every knot has its own meaning. I make my accessories praying that they will bring happiness and good luck to whoever wears them." This is her wish and prayer to you every time you wear her earrings. Yuki's dream is to be able to work on her craft full time and create a life for her family where she is able to stay home with her children. You are making that dream a reality!
I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about the traditional culture of Japanese knots and a look inside January’s Earring of the Month Club. Please feel free to share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest. Thank you for taking the time to read it!