September 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, September. The month of September is when Autumn finally sweeps in to bring in a quiet coolness with the change in seasons. Leaves may not have started falling yet, but many of Summer's flowers are long gone giving way to the unique atmosphere of Autumn.



Japanese Bellflower (kikyo)

September heralds the start of Autumn and many changes. Summer break is over and many people in Japan are back in school or work steadily going about their days. Many of Summer's flowers are gone, but others have taken the light of the show and hope to give a final burst of color before Autumn sets in full. The Japanese Bellflower, known as kikyo in Japan, is one of these flowers that is well noted for it's beauty and bright colors during this time.

The Japanese bellflower is also known as platycodon, Chinese bellflower, common balloon flower, or just as balloon flower. It has many names depending on it's location due to it being a native plant found throughout East Asia, to the countries of Japan, China, East Siberia, and Korea. Throughout Asia, the root of the plant is used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory to help with treating coughs and colds.

The flower itself, is typically of a vibrant blue color, but can be found in other color varieties such as whites and pinks. The flower also features five pointed petals leading to it having associations with Abe no Seimei and the Five Chinese Elements. Interestingly, in Japan the pentagram is at times known as the "Bellflower seal" due to it's shared five pointed nature and it's use as the symbol for the Onmyoryo, meaning Bureau of Taoist Geomancy.

Kikyo kanzashi can be created from many types of materials, but most commonly are created from tsumami fabric.  The kikyo kanzashi itself is designed to imitate the five petal look of it's live inspiration, featuring slanted petals coming to a point, circling around a center of stamens. The most commonly used color for this kanzashi is of a vibrant blue shade, but you will also see a white and pink variations and even a mixing of both the pink and white. The kanzashi design itself can be found in many ways such as a large single flower, small groupings in a circle pattern, and a bridged designed with many flowers. Smaller accessories such as bira bira or little leaves may be present, but for the most part the Japanese bellflower kanzashi is usually just presented as the pretty flower that it is.



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

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

Kanzashi Artist/Photographer: Amaebi79 (Japanese Bellflower Kanzashi)

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