Seasonal Kanzashi - Suisen(daffodil)

It's time for beautiful seasonal kanzashi! This time it is Suisen or Daffodil - seasonal flower of March, which is available at Tlalli: The Fair Around The World - March 7th - 21st - East Asia Round.

It is worth mentioning that daffodils are native flowers in Europe and Northern Africa, while in Japan they arrived about 700 years ago. They became symbols of respect, mirth and joyfulness. You can see them as handpainted designs on kimono as well as kanzashi. Interesting thing is that Daffodil kanzashi are specially reserved for Senior Maiko, while Juniors get to wear colorful Nanohana(rapeseed flower).

Photo at Kyoto Kagai sim, in Kitano tenmangu shrine: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/37/32/32

For March Tlalli event, Kisetsu has prepared 4 different color styles of Suisen Tsumami Kanzashi - Gold, Yellow, Pale and White. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a flower bridge with several flowers. A perfect decoration for your hair in spring, ne?

Hair decoration: Tsumami Kanzashi - Suisen
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at Tlalli: The Fair Around The World - March 7th - 21st - East Asia Round (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ATLaGeL%20TuRKiYe/137/130/23)
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

Seasonal Kanzashi: Sho Chiku Bai

First kanzashi post of the year! Yaaaaay!!!! Sho Chiku Bai kanzashi by Kisetsu, available at SaNaRae from 26th of December till 17th of January. An iconic kanzashi of Winter, that will definitely crown your hair.

Let me shortly explain why i called these kanzashi iconic and why they are suggested as January decoration. To start with, Sho Chiku Bai is an ancient and auspicious Japanese motif, that combines pine, bamboo and plum. Its origins can be found in the Chinese phrase “saikansanyū,” which means "three friends of winter". These plants endured cold winters and therefore became it's symbols and "friends". In Japanese culture, "Sho-chiku-bai" is considered auspicious motif and are alo known as "three elements of Happiness".
The smaller kanzashi on the left is called inaho - ear of rice with a plum blossom and pigeon. Painting the eyes on the pigeon on New year is said to bring luck! Have you tried?

For December 2019/January 2020 SaNaRae event, Kisetsu has prepared 2 different color styles of ShioChiku Bai Tsumami Kanzashi - Classic and Pastel. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi that for this special month is inaho - dove with rice grains, and a flower bridge. A perfect decoration for your hair in Winter, ne?

Hair decoration: Tsumami Kanzashi - Sho Chiku Bai
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at SaNaRae: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/192/136/4013
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

Autumn Kanzashi Gacha by Kisetsu

Hurry up to the The Gacha Garden! Kisetsu has Gatcha with delicate yet eye catching kanzashi pins. They are extremely detailed and look like RL items! There are Ginko tree pins, two pins with rabbits, two styles of tama balls and susuki pns(ones with pampass grass). These are all commons available in silver and gold. There are two rares, definitely worth winning. Thy consist of 2 pieces - Chrysanthemum hanakanzashi piece and maezashi with metal dangling parts called bira-bira. Available in Silver and in gold.
No matter which ones you win, they all are beautfiul accessories made with love and care for the details. All of those can be worn during autumn and some - might be even multiseasonal.

Available at Gacha Garden event (August 2019th): https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gimme%20Gacha%20Productions/127/135/26
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

Seasonal Kanzashi - Kikyou

It's time for beautiful seasonal kanzashi! This time it is Kikyou or Chinese bell-flower - seasonal flower of September, which is available at SaNaRae from 26th of August till 17th of September.

It got its name from its looks as before it opens, the petals form the shape of a hanging bell. This colorful flower belongs to "Aki no nanakusa" (seven grasses and flowers of Autumn) so we can even call it "the first flower/bell of Autumn". Also, it is worth mentioning that this flower means unchanging love, honesty and obedience. And, what is important, you can wear those as a hair decoration even if you are not maiko - they suit even a simple hairdo.

For August/September SaNaRae event, Kisetsu has prepared 5 different color styles of Asagao Tsumami Kanzashi - Indigo, Indigo&Pink, Pink, Pink&Blue and Violet. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a flower bridge with several flowers. A perfect decoration for your hair in Autumn, ne?

Hair decoration: Tsumami Kanzashi - Kikyou
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at SaNaRae: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/192/136/4013
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

Seasonal Kanzashi - Asagao(Morning Glory)

Kisetsu continues to shower us with beautiful seasonal hair ornaments. As we are close to August, the time has come for Asagao or Morning glory kanzashi hairpins, available at SaNaRae from 26th of July till 17th of August.

Morning glory is bit of odd flower - not considered majestic, nor regal, nor auspicious, nevertheless you can see it all around Japan. It blooms around July-August. It is said to have been brought to Japan from China way back during Nara period and was a beloved flower of the Edo people, who bread it in large quantities. Nowadays, this unique flower one of the few flowers that recognized as a perfect summer motif .

For July/August SaNaRae event, Kisetsu has prepared 6 different color styles of Asagao Tsumami Kanzashi - Blue, cool mix, pink, purple, sweet mix and teal. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a flower bridge with several flowers. A perfect decoration for your hair in August, ne?

Hair decoration: Tsumami Kanzashi - Asagao
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at SaNaRae: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/192/136/4013
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

Seasonal Kanzashi: Matsuri/sensu

Summer is here, with sunny days, warm evenings, strolls in the parks, fresh berries and of course festivals. During summer months RL as well as Second life flourishes with events as does hydrangea blooms in the gardens.

So many questions come into your mind before even going anywhere: what to wear? how to make your hair and what decorations to use? This means only one thing..SHOPPING! And SaNaRae event comes right on time.

And for this month's SaNaRae event, Kisetsu has prepared 6 different color styles of Matsuri/Sensu Kanzashi - Soft, Cool, Kikyou, Tropic, Rain and White. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a flower bridge with several flowers. So elaborate! If you are maiko or geiko, you can wear it as July summer Kanzashi or just during Gion Matsuri. If you're not, what is important, you can wear those as a hair decoration even if you are not maiko - they suit even a simple hairdo.

Hair decoration: Matsuri/kanzashi
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at SaNaRae: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/192/136/4013
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

Maiko Kikumaru wearing Matsuri/Sensu Kanzashi by Kisetsu
Photo taken at Kyoto Kagai sim 

Seasonal Kanzashi: Botan(peony)

Peonies or Botan were originally introduced to Japan from China during the Nara period, however it didn’t become a popular flower right until the Edo period. It is during the Edo Botan was finally acknowledged as the king of flowers, and became considered as an appropriate floral offering for the Buddha. Normally botan is associated with summer (especially early summer) as that is when the flowers bloom naturally. However, during the Edo and alter periods, Japanese have created different breeds of peonies that bloom in winter, spring, and autumn as well.
It is important to mention that this flower is also considered auspicious so you can see peony motif on many bridal kimonos as well as ones that are less formal.

Model - Maiko Kikumaru of Hanafusa okiya

This April, Kisetsu has prepared 6 different color styles of Botan(Peony) Kanzashi - Golden cream, Golden pink, Purple fade, Red Fade, Soft Gold and Soft Pink. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a flower bridge with several flowers. So elaborate! And, what is important, you can wear those as a hair decoration even if you are not maiko - they suit even a simple hairdo.

Hair decoration: Botan(Peony) kanzashi
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at Fantasy Faire event: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tensors%20Flying%20Market/103/121/121
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

Seasonal Kanzashi: Sakura

If Japan ever decided to have an official flower i think that Sakura would be announced as one of the main candidates for this title. It has been cherished and admired since Heian period when Nobles gathered to write poetry and enjoy the short-lasting beauty of the Sakura. Cherry Blossom (Sakura) with it’s distinctive notched petals, blooms though a brief period of time and is fragile. It symbolizes new beginnings, renewal (as it blooms in early Spring), beauty and the transience of life(the short period of bloom). During the early mentioned Heian era, Sakura also becomes closely associated with Japanese philosophy of mono no aware(transience of life and an appreciation for fleeting beauty).

Model: Maiko Kikumaru of Hanafusa okiya
Photo taken at Maruyama Park of Kyoto Kagai sim
(http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/105/224/33)

This April Nix san has prepared 5 different color styles of Sakura Kanzashi - deep pink, mix, soft pink, white and deep pink. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a flower bridge with a tiny sakura flowers. So cute!

Hair decoration: Tsumami Sakura Kanzashi
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at Sanarae event: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/25/76/4012
After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

We welcome you to enjoy the blooming Sakura with the kanzashi pieces created by Kisetsu

Seasonal kanzashi - Matsu Take(December)

It's time for winter kanzashi and today i am going to talk about December seasonal kanzashi, why they look like this and why there are two small boards or maneki on it. So lets go!

The main event in December, that involves all 5 hanamachi in Kyoto, is Kaomise Soken. During the first week of this month, maiko and geiko from all hanamachi visit the Minamiza theater to watch kabuki plays. I need to mention, that this year the Minamiza theater was going though the earthquake proofing and was reopened in November, right before the Kaomise Soken. Now, this is the reason why maiko san, both junior and senior, have these blank makeki boards. After the play, they go behind the stage and have these boards signed by their favorite kabuki actors - black ink is used by the actors who perform male roles and red ink by those who perform as onnagata (female roles). So, before the play maiko san wear blank maneki on the hanakanzashi and after the event they proudly wear the signed ones. Side motifs on the kanzashi are pine, bamboo, lucky charms, event small makeni neko. Everything depends on the senority - juniors wear childish ones while seniors get the mature one, such as the style worn on the photo.

This December, Kisetsu has prepared 3 different styles of Pine/Bamboo Kanzashi - frost, green and soft. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a kushi(comb) with a tiny pine needle. So elaborate!

Hair decoration: Pine/Bamboo Kanzashi

Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)

Available at Sanarae event: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/25/76/4012

After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

In this photo Maiko Kkumaru is wearing Pine/Bamboo kanzashi(green) 

Seasonal kanzashi - Momiji (November)

Photo taken at Kyoto Kagai sim
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/147/160/31
by Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth)

What first come to mind when we think of Autumn? Of course, the beautiful red, orange and yellow colors of the leaves. In Japan, momijigari or autumn leaves viewing(we can also say hunting) takes place from around middle October to the beginning of December. In Kyoto, the leaves turn red and yellow around November so no wonder that the seasonal kanzashi worn by Kyoto maiko during this month would reflect the "autumning" nature.
 Some would wear yellow momiji with tiny red, some would enjoy wearing yellow leaves with green edges - no matter what are your tastes, for November Kisetsu shop offer 6! different styles of Momiji Kanzashi for those who would like to reflect the beautiful Japanese autumn. It consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the 3 momiji leaves at the front), small kanzashi and flower bridge. You can wear it with kimono or as a simple hair decoration - it will not loose its Autumn charm!

Hair decoration: Momiji Kanzashi
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at Sanarae event: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/25/76/4012