In awe of these wire and resin hairpins by Tokyo-based artist Sakae:
In their earliest and simplest form, kanzashi were made of a simple stick or rod meant to protect the wearer from evil spirits. Over time, they evolved to include combs and a wide range of materials, becoming widely popular during the Edo period when hairstyles became more elaborate.
Sakae’s contemporary iterations connect to her rich cultural heritage, adorning customary hairstyles during special occasions like ceremonies or weddings. She creates the luminous surfaces of insect wings, flower petals, and dew drops by using dip resin, a type of liquid material that can be applied between strands of wire and solidified with heat.
