August Kanzashi Feature

This section is a part of kanzashi feature, providing a more in detail look at the symbolism, style, colorings, and design of the kanzashi that are traditionally worn during that month - in this case, August. The month of August is the last bit of relaxing Summer days and fun. August winds up with the last burst of Summer heat and then steadily cools to make way for the oncoming Autumn with traces of plants popping up that are suitable to both the Summer and Autumn seasons, which are celebrated in the last bit of colorful Summer festivals.



Pampas Grass (susuki)

August is the last bit of pure relaxation for many students and businessmen out on holiday. While there may not be quite as many famous festivals as there are in July, the upbeat mood carries over into August and then quietly winds down near the end of the month as many people prepare to go back to work or school. All across Japan, and especially in more rural areas, you'll find pampas grass growing in fields and various corners in cities reminding people of Summer days. Known as susuki in Japan, the pampas grass can grow to be quite tall and is notable for it's wispy spray of feathery flowers at the top countering the sharp slender leaves coming from it's tall stem.

While the plant itself isn't eaten by people, many use it's long slender leaves and feathery top for ornamental decoration in various floral arrangements after they are dried. The image of susuki blowing in the gentle Summer breeze is seen in many traditional Japanese works of art and craft, especially wood block prints. The grass itself is highly resilient and not killed easily making some people believe that it is similar to a weed, while others appreciate that the plant returns every year. There are many varieties of pampas grass around the world, but the Japanese variety is noted for it's starburst of spiny leaves and it's very slender frame.

Susuki kanzashi are created from many types of materials, but most commonly are created from highly reflective iridescent paper or tsumami fabric. The colorings most commonly used are bright pinks, silvers, and occasionally reds. For apprentice geisha a silver color is used, but the back of the spiny leaves are painted with a shiny pink causing a reflective sparkle of shimmering pink and silver on the already shiny kanzashi.

The design of the susuki kanzashi itself is usually of many spikes of leaves, representing the grass, spiking outward in a layered spiraling pattern. The center of this spiking grass spiral may sometimes be accented with sparkling crystals to balance out the piece by giving it a more floral appearance. Other details spotted are small dangling bells or bira bira underneath the main design. While mostly seen as one large spiraling grass group, you may occasionally find pampas style kanzashi in little groupings of three or more.



As you can see, all of the kanzashi found in the month of August are quite beautiful and represent the feelings natural aspects of the month with grace, much as their natural counterparts do. Every month holds a uniqueness about it that is better captured in the art of kanzashi than is usually noticed in today's fast paced world. I hope you have enjoyed reading about August's traditional seasonal kanzashi. Expect more articles to be added for each month in the future!

Author: Skye Altamirano
Date: August 2008
Contact: tantaga [at] tantaga.com

Kanzashi Artist/Photographer: Amaebi79 (Pampas Grass Kanzashi)

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