The symbol of KYOTO and Japan!! MAIKO is traditional, female Japanese entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance. Maiko is an apprentice of Geisha. Though the word, Geisha is the most famous Japanese word in the world, as Geisha was called at Edo (in what is now Tokyo), Geisha and Maiko are difference exactly. MAIKO is the symbol of KYOTO.  Tsumami is traditional Japanese hair-ornament for MAIKO. MAIKO are usually using TSUMAMI. TSUMAMI is a beautiful traditional item for MAIKO. Ornamental hairpin says Kanzashi in Japanese. Kanzashi is the word that was corrupted from "Kami Sashi (insert into hair)". Ancient Japanese people believed that something pointed has sorcery power. So, especially women had it as an amulet. Also, Kanzashi became a weapon instead of sword for women. Kanzashi itself has long long history, but TSUMAMI Kanzashi was produced in the latter of Edo period (1837 - 1853). TSUMAMI is one of Kanzashi which is using crepe and silk cloths. Flowers and birds are expressed with these little cloths. It's very sophisticated works. We can see TSUMAMI at old Ukiyoe (wood block print). TSUMAMI let us feel a sweet beauty, tenderly and beautiful seasons. Unfortunately, antique TSUMAMI, however, are not remaining except metal part. Because the material of TSUMAMI are cloths, paper and starchy paste (not suited for preservation). Contenporary TSUMAMI are able to preserve. Because the quality of materials are raised good. The pictures of this column are provided by Lovelon Ltd,. and OPR designs     Please click the picture. You can see detailed item descriptions and large pictures. Nowadays, there are not only Tsumami Kanzashi but many kinds of Tsumami items. (for example, you can use it as fashion accessories and table settings...) Pin Brooches Hair clips Comb Pierced Earrings(ss) Pierced Earrings Pin Brooches(s) Pierced Earrings(l) Changing Comb Comb (s) Rings Scarves Rings Brooch & Beads Brooches (Above) Practical Use Series (Below) Traditional Use Series Fune Fuji Tsuru Dragonfly on Hat Kanzashi set Nanten Matsu & tsuru Fuji Nano-Hana Kanzashi Set Kanzashi set Fuji   Unfortunately, we have a bad news about Tsumami.   TSUMAMI craftsmen are decreasing now. Especially, supreme artisan who is authorized from Tokyo metropolitan government are four persons!! I mean, if they are gone, TSUMAMI culture would be vanishment. And MAIKO culture would be decline in the near future.     The supreme artisan: MINORU HOZUMI He is one of four TSUMAMI super artisan (who is authorized from Tokyo metropolitan government). He has 58 years careers. Maybe you can't help being astonished by his sophisticated and beautiful works!! "Craftsmanship is keeping producing something new as protecting old thing" he said. In fact, he has got a patent on tool of TSUMAMI.   (3% of price are donated to NPO) Tokyotrad is supporting to NPO, "Made In Japan Project (in Japanese only)" that is supporting and taking care of Japanese craftsmanship, manufacture and creation. Therefore, buying this item is donating and helping traditional manufacture and culture!!