Oakashi

About Tsumami Zaiku

Tsumami Zaiku (つまみ細工), translated to “pinch work” in English, is a traditional craft involving the folding of cloth into decorative patterns and flowers. Tsumami Zaiku traces its roots back to 1780’s Kyoto, when a noble by the name of Lord Yasuteru took scraps from his wife’s old kimonos, folded them into petals, and decorated the end of a kanzashi (hair stick) with intricate cloth flowers. Today, the craft encompasses various types of jewelry and decorations, including earrings, hair combs, kusudama, and bouquets.