Effects of Braid Production for Scrolls on Appearance and Mechanical Properties

In Japan, there are braids attached to the scrolls of valuable cultural assets. During the future replication of these braids over several generations, they should be fabricated considering their cultural significance. Thus far, the quality of braid replication has primarily depended on the skill level of braid experts and there is limited systematic research on the replication of braids based on their original use. To facilitate consistent replication of the braids attached to the scrolls of cultural assets, it is necessary to rediscover braid replication techniques and reorganize the process as objective knowledge. In this study, the effect of differences in the braided yarn angle and the bobbin mass of Taka-dai on the appearance and physical properties were investigated and statistically analyzed for the production of flat braids attached to scrolls. It was established that the difference in the applied tension to the braiding point during production caused by the balance between angle and bobbin mass affected the appearance of the braids and their physical properties. Because the appearance and mechanical properties affect not only practical performance, but also ridge arrangement exposed on the braid surface and design, a balance between the choice of an appropriate angle and bobbin mass is important. Based on this research, it is likely that useful knowledge will be obtained during the process of replicating the braids of cultural property scrolls without relying on skilled workers in the future.