Mizuhiki kanzashi

The kanzashi worn for the sakkou and yakko shimada hairstyles, during the few weeks before eri-kae, is a combination of one bira-bira kanzashi and a celebratory kanzashi made of mizuhiki, or twisted paper chords. Often a design of cranes and pines are seen, but sometimes turtles or boats are used as well.

Because eri-kae - "the turning of the collar" (when a maiko becomes a geiko) - is such an important event, the maiko will first wear the yakko shimada hairstyle, which is the most formal hairstyle for all maiko. Then, after about a few days to a full week, the maiko will start wearing the sakkou hairstyle. This very elaborate hairstyle is worn only during the last few days/weeks before a maiko will become a geiko.

This product is meant to be used in combination with the sakkou and the yakko shimada hairstyles.