Kyoto's braided cords came into their own as fashion accessories for the nobility, 1,000 years ago. Elegant and practical, they were highly prized, and used in religious and formal settings. They came to be deployed in samurai armor, and their use then spread to the common folk, stimulating production. Today braided cords, with their fine detail, shine as bit players in various occasions in daily life. Discover the allure of Kyoto braided cords and the ancient culture of elegant fastenings.