July 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, July. The month of July is a time of many prominent festivals and celebrations, as well as a time of relaxation, as this is a time many students are off on break. As such, many kanzashi are quite festive and lively.



Round Fan (uchiwa)

Summer is in full swing, meaning lots of festivities, fun, and relaxation. All across Japan during this month of July you'll find many interesting activities taking place. In relation to kanzashi, the most prominent event would undoubtedly be the Gion festival. This event lasts quite a while, as it spans the whole month. However, the most famous time period is the three days leading up to July 17th and July 17th itself for it's parade known as Yama-boko Junkō, in which large floats, dancers, traditional musicians, and traditional performers such as the geisha march and dance down through the traditional districts in Kyoto.

The fan kanzashi represents the Gion festival quite well as many customary events, such as the traditional dances of the geisha, are related to fans during the festival. Each year, the design of the particular fan being used in the kanzashi changes so that it may match the theme that is being used that year for the festival. As such, you'll find many different varieties of fan kanzashi that have been used throughout the years, as well as more personalized fan kanzashi that may match a particular year. The most common fan design seen is of the rounded type, known as uchiwa in Japan, that is commonly seen as an accessory worn with the Summertime yukuta kimono and used for cooling off from the July heat.

Fan style kanzashi may be made from a great many materials ranging from wood pieces, tsumami fabric, mizuhiki cords, or natural objects. Usually, round fan kanzashi are seen with mizuhiki cords acting as the fan base and handle, with a sheer fabric stretched across to act as the fabric portion of the fan. The sheer fabric usually has a sort of decoration on top, with the most popular being tiny tsumami-e flowers. The fans may also be mixed in with tsumami flowers or leaves. Other details spotted are small dangling bells or  bira bira underneath the main design. While mostly seen in little groupings of three or more, you may spot fan styled kanzashi featuring one large fan.



As you can see, all of the kanzashi found in the month of July 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 July's traditional seasonal kanzashi. Expect more articles to be added for each month in the future!

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

Kanzashi Artist/Photographer: Amaebi79 (Round Fan Kanzashi)

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