Fuji Kanzashi Set. Wisteria Hairpins in silk.

Wisteria (fuji) are unique kanzashi in many ways...instead of having individual flowers at the top, the focus is all on those distinctive falls (shidare). Putting it together is so fun, too, because you can really see the flower it is inspired from...

So, this is my first full katsuyama kanzashi + sagari kanzashi set. ^^ I don't usually get asked for these, as my specialty is usually more modern or unique flowers... but wisteria caugth my attention. but I adore wisteria. So! A new design for me, inspired by the maiko kanzashi (maiko are the apprentice geiko, also called geisha in English) made by artisan kanzashi makers in Japan ( the living-treasures who create the traditional kanzashi).  I've been collecting photographer's photos of Maiko on my pinterest... www.pinterest.com/hanatsukuri/… (<-- here. I like to try and get their names where possible, and add notes about their kanzashi)

thoughts?

Closeups:

Similar to my other wisteria: (<-- this one features hand dyed gradation). I don't have a phhoto of this one in the hair yet, but this one is similar: 

On etsy here: www.etsy.com/transaction/11450…  

Interested in learning to make kanzashi? Why not join ? There are tutorials there, and we love seeing new kanzashi artists' work! Also, we are working on a book publishing project too, with even more pictures and advice for making this traditional art...but with a modern twist or two.

Other maiko sets: