Kanzashi - Japanese hair ornaments

Traditional, beautiful, elaborate hair ornaments from Japan are called Kanzashi. They have been worn since the Edo period and are still seen today during Japanese wedding ceremonies, on traditional Kimono wearers and they are gaining popularity in modern culture.

There are many types of Kanzashi and the style and placement on a Geisha could tell the audience their position in society.

Kanzashi comes in all forms, colours and shapes. They can be long and dangly, short and neat, have fabric, shells, pearls, etc. Imagination is the only limit.

The majority of the Kanzashi I see when I browse Etsy and other sites are made with from fabrics. Usually silk. The creations are folded and glued onto a hair comb or fork. The art is almost like fabric origami.

Hanatsukuri is an Etsy artisan that has a variety of Kanzashi up on her site. Her Kanzashi comes in muted pastels and bold, vibrant colours.

These pieces are definitely eye catching and worth looking into if you want to spice up your hair style or are getting ready for a formal occasion.

The Kanzashi piece that first caught my eye was particularly astounding, both in the colours and form but also the photography.

It was featured in Make Magazine and is a visual delight. I believe, but have not confirmed, it is made by Etsian artist KurokamiKanzashi.


Check out this web page for learning more on Kanzashi.