Hana kanzashi, also known as flower kanzashi are most often worn by geisha. The long fluttering flower variety is characteristic of the apprentice geisha (maiko). Flower kanzashi are created by Japanese artisans from squares of silk by a technique known as tsumami. Each square is multiply folded with the aid of pincers and cut into a single petal. These are attached to backings of metal to create whole flowers, or attached to silken threads to create strings of blossom. Butterflies and birds are also common in this art form. Additional detailing of stamens is created by the use of mizuhiki. Mizuhiki is a strong thin twine made from washi paper, and is often coloured and used for decorative works.
Geisha wear different hana kanzashi according to the month, or public holiday. In the summer months (June to September) jade kanzashi with white or silver themes are worn. During the winter months (October to May) tortoiseshell and coral kanzashi are worn. See Seasonal kanzashi.
Kanzashi are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles.
Nowadays, kanzashi are most often worn by brides and professional kimono wearers such as geisha, tayu and yujo or adepts in Japanese tea ceremony and ikebana.
Kanzashi are fabricated from a wide range of materials such as lacquered wood, gold and silver plated metal, tortoiseshell and silk, and recently, plastic.
Kanzashi first appeared when women abandoned the tradional taregami hairstyle where the hair was kept straight and long, and adopted coiffured nihongami hairstyles.
Kanzashi are fabricated from a wide range of materials such as lacquered wood, gold and silver plated metal, tortoiseshell and silk, and recently plastic also.
Types of kanzashi include: Bira bira flutter kanzashi, Ougi princess kanzashi, Kushi kanzashi, Kogai kanzashi, Obi dome kanzashi and Hanaflowerkanzashi.
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