Kongo Gumi: A Cacophony of Spots - Coils - Zags - Lines

128 pp. Foreword by Shirley Berlin, Chair of the Braid Society. Documents the layouts and designs of the 1,157 unique 2-color patterns for the 16-element Japanese braid known as Kongo. It details and illustrates the process for determining that this is the definitive number of patterns available in the braid structure, and provides instructions for creating each one. The evolution of the kumihimo braid shows pattern spots ranging from 1 through 8 spots, after which the designs are duplications of previous patterns. An historical perspective of the braid is included along with a comprehensive bibliography for kumihimo instruction, as well as a listing of selected titles for kimono, samurai armor, Japanese history, and the general subject of fiber arts.