Asian Straw: Spirit and Symbols Shimenawa are sacred rice-straw rope. They are made to mark the sacred from the profane. In Japan you will often find a rock in a lake that has sacred rope around it. This marked rock is believed to be a sacred space or habitat of the gods. Often more elaborate ropes are made to be placed on gates or doors of temples. This has developed into a folk art of some renown in Japan. This Shimenawa was created by folk artist Honma Sakuzo of Yamagata, Japan. This close-up gives us a view of the traditional rice-straw rope and the tassels that accompany them. This close-up shows the intricacies of the Shimenawa and is a trademark of Sakuzo's work. Although a difficult section to make, it has the pure and simple lines that make this Shimenawa so beautiful. This piece is a gift of Ted Cohen. All information, photographs and other artwork contained in this site are Copyrighted by The American Museum of Straw Art. Reproduction of any material is prohibited without prior written permission.