| 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. |
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| 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).
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 |
