Structural Analysis for Replicating Japanese Cultural Property Braids

ABSTRACT

Historic Japanese textiles from over 1000 years ago generally show marked deterioration and only very rare examples show their original forms and much information about textile reproduction has been lost. The replication of textile braids lacks systematic methodology and is still being practiced by only few individual braiding experts. The recreation of original braids as close as possible to original braids is a part of Japan’s intangible cultural heritage. The aim of this study is to clarify the decision-making procedure through which the braiding experts can decipher the original braiding structures. As a preliminary study of this project, interviews of a braid researcher and a replicating expert, Makiko Tada were performed regarding her working practices. It is important to clarify the braiding parameters for structural analysis such as the number of transits and the balance of ridges, and it became clear that the orientation of multiple colored threads plays an important role. The expert’s replicate works were also analyzed using a text-mining statistical technique to clarify the relationship of braiding parameters. The relationship between each braiding parameter and production method such as loop manipulation and Taka-dai became clear. As a result, the process of deciphering the original braid structure has been compiled in simplified workflows, which could contribute to the standardization and improvement in efficiency of replication of cultural property braids.