Maiko Kikune is now wearing Sakkou!

 Amazing news coming from Hanafusa okiya - Maiko Kikune was spotted wearing formal attire and with her hair styled into Sakkou hairstyle. This means that in about a month Hanafusa okiya will have new Geiko. Kikune san's erikae celebrations will take place in beginning of winter and we encourage You to come and witness this extremely rare event in the life of the Second Life Karyukai

Now lets have a look at the outfit that Kikune san will wear during her "sakkou" stage:

Hair: during this last month as a maiko, a very special Sakkou (also known as saki kogai) hairstyle is worn and that is why this stage if often referred to as "sakkou". Before it was adopted by Karyukai, it was worn by the brides-to-be during the Edo era and it signified a dedication for a future husband. Nowadays, by wearing sakkou geiko-to-be shows her dedication for the profession and willingness to continue as part of the Karyukai. As you can see, from the front it does remind a normal Maiko hairstyle(such as ofuku or wareshinobu) but if you look at the back you will notice how extravagant this hairstyle really is - elegant and smooth lines of hair, decorated with silver wires and red bands. Truly, a masterpiece! 

Kanzashi: specially ordered custom made daikan kanzashi crowns the hair of Maiko Kikune - it features crane flying upon a pine and a bekou fan that has Hanafusa mon (crest). all of these elements are considered lucky and are to bring good fortune. 2 bekkou hairpins and kushi were gifted to her by her oneesan Geiko Kikutsuru 

Make up: Formal make up with three lines at the back is worn and you can notice that there is more black and almost none pink, meaning she is now a mature lady

Eri(collar): with formal sakkou looks also comes special eri that has red background with beautiful golden embroidery(small golden dots)

Kimono and obi: as Sakkou stage is considered a highly formal occasion, Kikune san will be wearing most ceremonial, custom made black kuromontsuki that has 5 Hanafusa crests on it. This masterpiece features peonies. Peony (Botan) is known as the 'King of the Flowers' and symbolizes good fortune (wealth), high honour (nobility) and ageless beauty. It is tied golden obi that has noble cart motif. .

Maiko Kikune posing near tokonoma at Ichirikitei chaya (Kyoto Kagai sim)