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Basic Kanzashi
This section
contains information and images on what are considered the more "basic" styled
kanzashi. This section has information on the following styles: Tama, Hirauchi,
Fan Shaped, Ōgi, Kanoko
Dome, Bira Bira, Kogai, and one of my favorite Kushi Kanzashi.
* Kanzashi Images Still To Be Added.
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Two Tama with Vivid Colors
Kanzashi
photographer:
ChissPrincess |
Tama - One
of the primary basics, which most frequent kimono wearers will have in their collection, as
it works well both in formal and casual settings.
The tama kanzashi
features a long stick that is inserted in the mage (bun) in traditional
hairstyles or in various places in more modern up-do styles.
Tama have
decorative round balls near the upper portion of the pin, which are made of
various materials such as plastics, precious stones, jewels, gold, silver, or lacquered
wood. The end of the hair pin usually features a curved oblong or triangular shape that is
slightly bent at an angle.
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Hirauchi Sakura Motif Plastic Kanzashi
photographer:
ChissPrincess
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Hirauchi -
Also one of the primary basics and very similar to the tama kanzashi. Works well
both in formal and casual settings.
The hirauchi features a long
stick that is inserted into the mage (bun) in traditional hairstyles or in
various places in more modern up-do styles.
Hirauchi have rather than a
round ball, a flat circular design as it's focal point, which can be made from
various materials such as
plastics, precious stones, jewels, gold, silver, or lacquered
wood.
They too have an end
point that usually features a curved oblong or triangular shape that is slightly
bent at an angle.
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Fan Shaped Traditional &
Art Nouveau Kanzashi
photographer:
ChissPrincess |
Fan Shaped
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As the name implies are kanzashi that feature a fan shaped top portion. They
typically feature two hair pin prongs
coming down from the base of the fan or design,
to
insert into the hair in the mage (bun), or in various places in more modern
up-dos.
Traditional style fan shapes usually have motifs on them
of common Japanese seasonal flowers, from the traditional lifestyle, and
folklore. Modern styles bring in elements from tradition, but also incorporate
aspects of Western styles and of modern life.
They can be made from materials ranging from plastics,
gold, silver, or lacquered wood and fit both formal and informal occasions.
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Ōgi
Fan with Pearl Accented Streamers Kanzashi
photographer:
ChissPrincess |
Ōgi
- Are also known as the Princess style.
They are variously sized, usually small metal
fan-shapes, featuring kamon (emblem/motif) imprinted
kanzashi that typically have the added accent of dangling
aluminum
streamers
similar to bira bira style attached to the fan design - all of which is held in place by a
long pin to insert into the hair.
You will often see this style worn by maiko in
the hair area just above the temple on one side. Very junior maiko wear two on each
side of their hairstyle. The style is also relatively popular for regular kimono
wearers at formal events and special occasions.
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Kanoko
Dome
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Are generally rounded in shape, but can also be found in popular shapes such
as flowers or butterflys. They are typically heavily accented with jewels and
crafted the following elements: gold, silver, tortoiseshell,
jade, coral, pearls and other semi-precious stones.
As such they can be the most
expensive you will find. You will most frequently see that the kanoko dome
kanzashi is worn at the back of the wareshinobu hairstyle of the junior maiko
and has two prongs that hold it securely in the "mage" (main head bun in the
back).
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Bira
bira
- also known as the Fluttering or Dangling style. This kanzashi
element is composed of small metal strips attached by looping rings to the body
of the hair ornament so that they move independently, to create a pleasant
tinkling noise when the wearer walks.
Sometimes, small bells are used in
addition to the small metal strips. Often times you'll also see long strings of
silk flowers called shidare dangling as well.
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Kogai
- Are usually made of becco (tortoise shell or an imitation as modernly used due
to laws) or other materials such as various ceramics or metals in the shape of a
rod.
Kogai Kanzashi resemble a pin and sleeve, with the pin sliding into the
small sleeve like a sword in it's sheath much as it is named after (as kogai
means "sword" in Japanese). You will see them most often sold as part of a set
with an accompanying kushi comb.
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Hanagushi Kushi Comb Kanzashi
artist/photographer:
amaebi79 |
Kushi
- Also known as the Comb style, these as the name implies are rounded
comb kanzashi. They are oftenmade of tortoiseshell, lacquered wood, and plastic.
They often feature inlaid
mother of pearl or
gilding as
their accent design. The spine of the comb is often wider than the bottom so as
to allow the maximum amount of space for the design, and in some cases the
design may even extend into the teeth.
There is also a sub style known as
hanagushi or "flower-combs" which are similar to tsumami kanzashi in being
that they are made of silk folded and glued - in this case to a wooden comb
base. This style is placed into a mage (main bun in traditonal
hairstyle).
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