Kanzashi
Kanzashi are traditional Japanese hair ornaments. They are usually seen in the form of long hair pints. While researching obon-themed hair pieces, I came across some antique metal kanzashi (such as the one pictured to the left).
Metal Kanzashi (簪)
Antique example from research
Sakura blossom kanzashi in copper,
created for obon season
After sketching out different ideas to create a modern take on the kanzashi forms, I started hand-cutting metal pieces and fusing them together to create a series of flowers.
This series is a study of shapes and tradition. Exploring how subtle changes can shift aesthetic perception—ume flower to sakura blossoms—and how materials (silver/copper) change the overall expression of each piece.
Ume blossom kanzashi in silver, created for obon season
