On October 9th Maiko Kikune started wearing Yakko Shimada, which means that she is on her way to become Geiko san. This is super news as there have been little women who debuted as geiko in the Second Life Karyukai and even less maiko who decided to continue on and become ones. Hanafusa okiya has a very good record of Maiko who decided to become Geiko: in 2018 it has been Kikune's oneesan, Kikutsuru san, who had her erikae and in 2019 Kikumaru san had hers.
It has been almost 6 years since Kikune san entered Hanafusa okiya - she was officially accepted as shikomi on December 6th 2015 and debuted as maiko under Kikutsuru san on July 15th 2016. A long way! Now let's have a look at her kitsuke as it is definitely worth a fortune.
Hairstyle: This stage is often called "yakko shimada" because of the hairstyle worn. As you already know senior maiko wear yakko shimada during formal events but they also wear it during the period before switching to the last hairstyle of a maiko - Sakkou.
Kanzashi: The Daikan or front hanakanzashi should be auspicious, that's why most of the maiko choose to wear ones that feature pine, crane/heron, golden or silver pine needles etc. Basically the motif must be auspicious. Maiko Kikune has decided to wear a beautiful matsu(pine tree). In Japan, pine tree motif represents longevity, virtue and youth.
The small maezashi on the left consists of precious stones and again is used for only special occasions. The comb is made of bekkou (tortoiseshell) and is a relic of the Okiya while the hairpin at the back, also made of bekkou, is a gift from her oneesan.
Kimono and Obi: Hikizuri that is worn by Maiko Kikune was custom made for her. It has matsu, kumo (cloud) and tsuru(crane) design. Truly masterpiece! The color of this hikizuri is dark purple. You can notice the mon(crest) of Hanafusa okiya on the sleeves and chest.
The obi is light and the pattern on it is created with a golden silk thread which makes it very valuable piece. At the bottom you can spot the crest of the okiya Kikune san is from. As the Kimono has crests the Juban(underskirt) must be formal too - the one worn by Kikune san has golden squares and matsu pine needles.
Footwear: As all Maiko, Kikune san is wearing Okobo as soon she will have to put them aside and switch to more comfortable zouri or geta. which are worn by Geiko.
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