Kanzashi (簪)

BLOG: サロンブログ

2019.11.03Hair Styling

Kanzashi (簪)

Kanzashi is a hair ornament used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense.

In English-speaking countries, the term “kanzashi” is sometimes applied to folded fabric flowers traditionally decorated with a pinch or traditional technique used to make them.

Kanji was first used in Japan during the Jomon period. In the meantime, a single stick or stick was thought to have a mysterious power to drive away evil spirits, so people put them on their hair. This is also when some of the first pioneers of modern Japanese hair combs began to appear.

In the Nara period, various Chinese cultural aspects and items such as mountains (Kanji written in the same Kanji) and other hair ornaments were brought into Japan. During the Heian period, the traditional style of wearing hair was changed to be worn longer and tied back. At this time, hairpins were used as a general term for all hair ornaments, including combs and hairpins. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the hairstyle changed from “drooping hair” to more types of “Japanese hair” (Japanese hair), and more hair ornaments were used.

Kanzashi was widely used in the Edo period when the hairstyle became larger and more complex and used more ornaments. Artisans began producing more finely crafted products, including hair ornaments that could be used as defensive weapons. In the late Edo period, the craftsmanship of Kanzashi reached its climax, and many styles and designs were created .

Recently, hairpins are often worn by brides. Professional kimono wearers such as geisha, tayu, orchid. Or by masters of “Japanese tea ceremony” and “Ikebana”. However, there is now a revival among young Japanese women who want to add an elegant touch to business suits. There are various types and styles of hairpins. The geisha’s way of wearing a Kanzashi immediately shows her status to an informed audience, depending on the type and location of the Kanzashi. Mai (apprentice geisha) usually wears more elaborate hairpins than advanced geisha, and is promoting several hairstyles that must be worn in a fixed pattern.