Braided Japanese Chili Pepper String (“Ami Takanotsume”)
Handcrafted from natural rice straw, this Braided Japanese Chili Pepper String—known as “Ami Takanotsume”—features a cascade of ten vividly red, sun-dried tōgarashi (Capsicum frutescens) peppers woven into a tightly plaited braid. Each pepper is selected for uniform size and color, then carefully threaded through the straw braid to create a balanced, decorative garland that evokes both rustic charm and auspicious symbolism. Hung in kitchens or entryways, it serves as a talisman for good health and warding off evil, while showcasing the deep red hue that symbolizes protection and warmth.
The contrasting textures of smooth, glossy peppers against the matte, golden straw braid create a striking visual. Over time, the peppers age to a deeper, brick-red patina, and the straw naturally weathers to soft honey tones—each piece evolving into a unique folk-art heirloom. Lightweight and easy to hang by its looped top, the Ami Takanotsume combines practical storage for dried chilies with an elegant nod to traditional Japanese agrarian crafts.
