“Tsumami-kanzashi”, made of habutae (thin silk), which is called “hana kanzashi” is a hair ornament for Maiko (young geisha). It changes every month, so you can always feel Japan’s four seasons just by looking at the maiko.
Check out this tiny tsumami-kanzashi!
This kanzashi is a miniature reproduction of “hana kanzashi” for maiko. Hana kanzashi that the doll wears is so small and delicate, yet so charming that it’s a breathtaking sight to behold.
We interviewed Ms. nonoco, the artist of this miniature hana kanzashi.
Artist name: nonoco
Instagram: amat_ukaze
Q1. How did you start working on Tsumami-zaiku? (Or did you get involved?)
I started making Tsumami kanzashi for my daughter’s coming of age day ceremony. Originally, I collected dolls and made kimonos and dresses, so naturally I started making tsumami kanzashi for dolls as well. During my challenge of making tsumami kanzashi for dolls, I started learning how to arrange Japanese coiffure by using dolls.
Q2. What are your commitments to your work and what do you care about?
There are detailed rules for the Maiko’s tsumami kanzashi, costumes, and belongings depending on the season. I figure out that even the doll can be the same and would like to recreate them as realistically as possible.
Q3. What is the attractiveness of Tsumami-zaiku for you?
By folding small squares of cloth, there are so many different kinds of flowers that can be created. Tsumami zaiku has an ability to produce flowers for all seasons and to work on making tsumami zaiku, you only need small space and little time.
Q4. What do you think about the future possibilities of Tsumami-zaiku?
I started Instagram and found a number of artists and fans in Japan and abroad. and recognized that there are so many great pieces of works. There are so many innovative techniques and original designs being created one after another from traditional techniques, and I am really amazed. I’m especially interested in the small, cute accessories.
Q5. What do you want to make in the future?
Right now I’m working on a 1/6 size doll, but if I have time, I’ll would like to challenge more smaller ones like 1/12 size, the doll sized pieces, My tentative goal is to make 12 months of Maiko’s tsumami-kanzashi in a cute little box
Can you imagine more half-size like this??
How precise will it be? I’d love to see it.
