Beginning-Mid September kitsuke

 Long awaited post about September kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya members has finally arrived. This month is bit different from other months because this month Hanafusa okiya members had 2 kitsuke styles - one summer ro from the beginning till mid September, and lined kimono from mid September onwards.  

Geiko Kikutsuru

Geiko Kikutsuru's semiformal ro features gorgeous river and willow design on a beige background. For centuries Willow was associated with Geiko and Maiko world and is a symbol of grace and strength. This kimono is exclusive and one of the kind, and belongs solemnly to Kikutsuru san.

Green obi, with Kikyou (bell-flower) and several Asagao (morning glory) flower design, holds the kimono close. Both flowers are used in summer kimono and obi designs and patterns right up until end of September. The obi is tied in Taiko Musubi knot

Her Juban (underskirt) has a design created in Shibori technique (is a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique, which produces patterns on fabric). 

Her katsura (wig) is decorated with small maezashi hairpin, kushi made from light wood and jade tama at the back.

In her hands she is holding a tray that represents Otsukimi or moon viewing celebrations

Geiko Kikumaru

Geiko Kikumaru's semiformal ro ensemble for the beginning of September features refreshing stream on a light background. Golden holds the kimono close. 

The obi is woven, features seashells and sea stars, and is tied in Taiko Musubi knot. It is a standard style for Kyoto Geiko. On the other hand, Tokyo Geisha let the end of the obi hang down.

As all Geiko wear wigs styled in style worn by married women in Edo, the decorations are also limited - maezashi at the front, a comb and seasonal tama at the back. For September Kikumaru-san has chosen a maezashi with a momiji leaf.

Also her juban undergarment has blue summer flowers Nadeshiko, which is also a unique piece. 

In her hands you can see she is holding a summer uchiwa fan with her name written in Kanji, as well as her okiya's name.

Maiko Kikune

Most senior Maiko in Hanafusa okiya, Maiko Kikune, is wearing delicate beige ro hikizuri with green Pampas grass tied with green summer obi. The green color of the obi sash resembles the color of the Pampas grass. 

As she is a senior maiko, she is tying her obiage and tucking it into the obi - in Miyagawacho Maiko do this after becoming Senior (in other districts they might do it several moths before they become Geiko).

Her hairstyle is Ofuku and is decorated with seasonal Kikyou or bellflower kanzashi. She wears Single Kikyou Hanakanzashi which is reserved for those seniors maikos who have become seniors more than a year ago. 

To accompany her summer image, in her right hand she is holding a summer fan, known as uchiwa, that is used for cooling oneself during hot Kyoto summers. During summer events Geiko and Maiko can gift those to patrons.

Maiko Kikushino

In the first part of September you can see Maiko Kikushino wear delicate white ro hikizuri with goldfish, fallen green leaves and a water stream. This piece can both refresh the viewer and gently remind that autumn is not that far away.

This magnificent kimono is tied with a woven summer obi, that is similar to one that is worn by Maiko Kikune. 

Her hairstyle and seasonal kanzashi are same as her older sister's, Kikune san, except the hanakanzashi is different. Maiko Kikushino's mizuage or transition from junior to senior maiko was not that long ago - only last month therefore she is wearing 3 midsized kikyou flowers. 

There will be many events and celebrations in the nearest future therefore Kikushino san has a tray with perfectly whisked macha for every guest and patron, who will arrive to Kyoto Kagai sim as a token of hospitality. 

Minarai Kikuyae

The youngest member of the Hanafusa okiya, Minarai Kikuyae, is wearing light hikizuri with colorful "tonbo" or dragonfly design all over the kimono. Another old name for dragonfly is “katsumushi” - victory insect, which made dragonflies symbols of courage, strength, and happiness. As a seasonal symbol, the dragonfly is associated with late summer and early autumn. The Darari obi, worn by Kikuyae san, is bright orange with dancing fan motif. 

Her hair is styled in Wareshinobu (this hairstyle is only worn by minarai and junior maiko) and is decorated with fashionable seasonal kanzashi(this month it is Kikyou or Chinese bellflower). It has been a month ago since Kikuyae san had her minaraia celebration, therefore she is wearing hanakanzashi with dangling part and painting her lower lip. Kikuyae san looks extremely cute as minarai!