Source: Aogiku 蒼菊 (@aogiku_tsumami) - images used with permission

Japanese artist makes realistic flower ornaments from cloth with traditional craft technique

Tsumami zaiku: cloth pinching craft

Tsumami zaiku つまみ細工 is a traditional Japanese craft that dates back to the Edo Period used to create beautiful ornaments, typically as kanzashi 簪 hairpins but also other accessories and pins which were typically paired with kimono. To make these ornately crafted works, square pieces of cloth are delicately and painstakingly pinched and folded to create beautiful patterns and designs.

Aogiku: Tsumami zaiku artist

Aogiku 蒼菊 (which means "blue chrysanthemum") is a Japanese artist following the tradition of tsumami zaiku, making kanzashi and other accessories, but also taking the art form to inventive new directions, pursuing unprecedentedly realistic designs inspired by the natural world and also having fun with her craft, creating designs inspired by popular culture. She also personally enjoys wearing kimonos.

While Aogiku is known for making stylized family crests called ® Tsumamimon ® つまみ紋 (registered trademark #6175120), she has recently been getting attention online for her gorgeous realistically designed flower ornaments as well.

Realistic flower ornaments

Can you believe that these flowers are made of cloth?

Reproduced with permission from Aogiku (@aogiku_tsumami)

Hydrangeas:

Reproduced with permission from Aogiku (@aogiku_tsumami)

Carnations:

Reproduced with permission from Aogiku (@aogiku_tsumami)

White chrysanthemum:

Reproduced with permission from Aogiku (@aogiku_tsumami)

Aogiku also creates gorgeous ornaments which combine different sizes, colors and types of flowers for a beautiful effect:

Reproduced with permission from Aogiku (@aogiku_tsumami)

Hair comb type ornament:

Reproduced with permission from Aogiku (@aogiku_tsumami)

Here you can see how she combines the realistic type of flower with the more traditional type in the same ornament:

Reproduced with permission from Aogiku (@aogiku_tsumami)

® Tsumamimon

As an example of her ® Tsumamimon art, here is hidari-mitsudomoe 左三つ巴 (left three-fold swirl):

Reproduced with permission from Aogiku (@aogiku_tsumami)

Inspired by popular culture

And finally, to show you her more playful side, here is a collection of ornaments inspired by the characters of a certain famous manga and anime franchise. Can you guess what it is?

Reproduced with permission from Aogiku (@aogiku_tsumami)

If you guessed Demon Slayer, you're right!

More information

Aogiku has currently stopped taking commissions but plans to resume them this fall. If you'd like to learn more about Aogiku and see examples of her gorgeous craftsmanship and artistry, peruse the following links:

By - Ben K.

Tags:
/ / / / / /