Mizuhiki by Hare - the symbolic knot reimagined for everyday living

The Art of Mizuhiki – The art of tying meaning into every knot

In Japan, the simple act of tying a knot is elevated to an artform. Mizuhiki is a traditional craft using fine cords made from tightly wound washi paper, coloured and stiffened to hold elegant, sculptural shapes. These cords are twisted and tied into symbolic knots, each with a quiet purpose—celebration, protection, longevity, connection.

You’ll see Mizuhiki on envelopes for weddings, baby gifts or New Year’s greetings. But beyond their ceremonial beginnings, today’s makers are reimagining Mizuhiki as modern accessories—delicate earrings, hairpins, and small works of wearable art that carry with them centuries of meaning.

We love how Mizuhiki uses such precise weaving to create delicate forms.  Every curve and loop is a quiet meditation on beauty and intention.

Why we love this brand

Hands On Workshop is now stocking a new collection of handmade Mizuhiki  pieces for crafted for note cards, hair accessories and jewellery. From Japanese artisan brand, Hare, each piece brings with it a story of craftsmanship, culture, and care—perfect for thoughtful gifting or for those who appreciate the beauty in detail.

About the Maker 

Tanaka Anna – Mizuhiki Artist & Founder of  artisan brand, hare.
In Japanese, hare (written はれ) is pronounced: "ha-reh"

Based in Tokyo, Tanaka Anna is the creative force behind hare, a contemporary brand bringing new life to the centuries-old art of Mizuhiki knotting. Drawn to traditional Japanese crafts since childhood, she discovered the elegance and expressive power of Mizuhiki in 2017 and began her journey as a maker, teacher, and designer. Through hare, Anna designs handcrafted Mizuhiki accessories, homewares, and seasonal decorations, and she runs workshops to share this intricate tying technique with others. Her published works—such as Mizuhiki Recipes Connecting Life, Events, and Special Days and Decorations for the 24 Solar Terms—reflect her deep connection to the rhythms of Japanese culture and its seasonal rituals. Anna also collaborates on product development, editorial features, and promotional campaigns, with a mission to preserve and celebrate the beauty of Japan’s traditional crafts. Every piece she creates is a thread in the fabric of cultural storytelling—designed to be both timeless and shared.