About Kikuya Kanzashi
Kikuya Kanzashi are designed and created by Kirsty.
I have been interested in Japanese culture and tradition for a number of years. This has led to my passion for designing and creating tsumami kanzashi hair ornaments inspired by those worn by the Maiko and Geiko of Kyoto. I use traditional materials and techniques to make authentic Japanese tsumami kanzashi but have also developed my own style to create modern, wearable pieces.
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Kirsty
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My interest in kanzashi stems from my fascination with the traditions and culture of the Maiko and Geiko of Kyoto.
Maiko can be translated as 'child of dance' and it is the title given to an apprentice Geisha. Geiko (Kyoto dialect for 'Geisha') can be translated as 'woman of art'. Maiko and Geiko spend years training in various arts including traditional dance, tea ceremony and the shamisen (traditional three stringed instrument). They entertain clients in exclusive tea houses and are a symbol of Japanese beauty and elegance. As part of their attire, Maiko and Geiko wear priceless silk kimono and beautiful handmade flower hair ornaments called tsumami kanzashi. The kanzashi worn by Maiko and Geiko change each month and feature seasonal motifs. The Kanzashi that the Maiko is wearing in the picture on the right is sakura (cherry blossom), the one of the kanzashi designs worn during the month of March. |
Kirsty with Maiko Korin from the Kaden okiya in Miyagawacho.
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Geisha: Flowers of Kyoto
Geisha: Flowers of Kyoto is a short film shot in April, 2012.
It features the Maiko and Geiko of Miyagawacho, Gion Kobu and Pontocho. Film by Kikuya Kanzashi in collaboration with Studio Exile Films. |
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