“The Ayatake-dai is a 40cm square wooden frame equipped with feathers and segment sticks, which are attached to the front of the stand at a 40 degree angle to prevent the threads from getting tangled. You operate the loom by moving threads on the feathers (hane) up and down. Surugadi is another name for the ayatake-dai, used because of the historical connection between Suruga (today part of Shizuoka Prefecture) and armor. Craftsmen needed very long braids for odoshi or armor lacing. The ayatake-dai was devised because it allowed braiders to work more quickly. Braids made on the ayatake-dai are usually sturdy, with less give than braids made on other equipment. For this reason, the ayatake-dai is used to make braids that serve as fasteners for haori or obidome (ornamental clasps attached to obi). More than any other kumihimo technique, the ayatake-dai techniques resembles loom weaving.” (1)
- Sakai,Aiko, &Tada, Makiko: Kumihimo The Essence of Japanese Braiding, Translated by Connie Prener and Ethel Kawamura, Lacis Publications 2004, Berkeley, CA.
KEY COMPONENTS OF AYATAKE-DAI
TORI – (toh-ree) – Named for its resemblance to a shrine gate
TOME-BO – (toh-meh-boh) – stopper or brake
KUBUN-BO – (koo-bahn-boh) – space rod
KUWAKE-BO – (koo-wah-keh-boh) – space rod
HANE – (hah-neh) – feather
ASHI- (ah-shee) – leg
HERA-TOU –(heh-rah-too) – sword
UDE – (oo-deh) – arm
MAKI-AGE-BO –(mah-kee-ah-geh-boh) – braid roller – take-up roll
HYOJUN-BO – yoh-joon-boh) – sword bar