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Kanzashi

Eye-catching Kanzashi: Japanese Hair Ornaments

Kanzashi are beautifully intricate hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. They were initially used in Japan during the Jōmon period, when Japanese believed that a stick could ward off evil spirits. So, people would wear them in their hair.

History

The Nara period brought about the influence of the Chinese culture, including hair ornaments. During the Heian period, new styles entered the scene. Instead of the usual putting up of hair, it became fashionable to wear it down and tied back. At this point, kanzashi become a general term for any hair ornament such as hairpins and combs.

The Azuchi-Momoyama period introduced wider varieties of hairstyles that gave women an opportunity to make use of more elaborate hair ornaments. The Edo period showed the birth of more finely crafted hair ornaments as Japanese hairstyles became larger and more complex. Kanzashi were even made to be weapons of defense. Nowadays, with Western influence, kanzashi are used for more traditional occasions such as Shinto weddings and as accessories for traditional kimono attire. But many modern women are starting to revive kanzashi by using them as accent pieces for more modern clothing.

Maiko in kimono

Tsumami Kanzashi

Tsumami kanzashi is a kind of kanzashi that literally means “folded fabric hair ornament.” They are usually made from silk. Silk is cut into squares and are origami-folded into flower petals. The number of petals can range from a modest five to a lavish 75-petal piece.A cluster of flowers is called a hana kanzashi. A bira-bira is a long stream of petals made to look like hanging flowers.

Tsumami kanzashi was considered a traditional Japanese handicraft in Tokyo in 1982. Artisans have to undergo extensive training that usually lasts five to ten years of apprenticeship to be a trained professional. Still, the petal folding technique has become a popular hobby among a growing audience. Numerous instructional books, kits, and lessons are available for anyone interested in learning the craft.

Check out this YouTube video on how to make kanzashi:

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