Braided cords have been used throughout the ages for all different sorts of purposes, but production of these became an occupation of the warrior class during the Edo period (1603-1867) with Tokyo being one of the largest producing areas of them all. Tokyo kumihimo, drawing on that long tradition, are known for their intersecting braids and their more wabi-sabi-esque, somber and subdued hues, standing in stark contrast to the ostentatiousness of Kyoto’s Kyo kumi himo and their association with nobility.