What’s That Thing? Part 26
On The Second Day of Fun I present... another recent ask! This one is really informative and I was eager to save it for this series ^^ Anonymous asked: “Could you please tell us more about pre-sakkō hairstyles in Pontocho?” Pontocho goes through a wide variety of hairstyles during the pre-sakko period. This is just one way to show that a big change for a big commitment is coming. The pre-sakko stage of hairstyle changes usually lasts for 2 months, in which a maiko goes through approximately 4-6 different hairstyles, each being worn for 1-2 weeks on average. The following is a list of the various styles that are worn during this time: Edo Sakkō 江戸先笄
Image courtesy of Afrigole. A slight variation on the traditional sakkō hairstyle, it features a colorful kanoko with a bekkō kogai inserted through the center. It harkens back to the old Edo hairstyles that involved the punctuation of bekkō kogai throughout the hair. This style is also worn during Setsubun. Suisha 水車
Image courtesy of Sakuchan. A more complex hairstyle that also features a kanoko and a kogai, it’s a cousin of the oshidori style. It’s accented underneath with a string of tama kanzashi that match the current season (red for October to May and green for June to September). While rare, it can be seen sometimes during Setsubun. Mitsumage 三つ髷
Image courtesy of Sakuchan. One of the rarer pre-sakkō styles, it’s defined by its upright mage and twisted knot kanoko found pinned at the base. Although it can be worn during Setsubun, I have yet to see a maiko do so. Yuiwata 結綿
Image courtesy of Yoshifumi. One of the classical Edo hairstyles, it’s characterized by a high mage that’s then tied with a knotted kanoko. The kanoko is usually red, but other colors can sometimes be seen. This is a somewhat popular style with senior maiko during Setsubun. Kikugasane 菊重ね
Image courtesy of Crazy Blue Panda. A more intricate version of yuiwata, the kanoko in this case is tied through the mage as well as around it. Like the others, you can find it worn during Setsubun, but only by the most senior of maiko. Oshidori - Mesu おしどり雌
Image courtesy of Haginon. Another rare style, it’s simple in its execution with a lengthened mage tied together and topped with a tama kanzashi and finished off with a kanoko tied underneath. It’s also very rare during Setsubun. Oshidori - Hina おしどり雛
Image courtesy of Shigemori. One of the most popular styles due to its intricacy and iconic look, oshidori hina is known for its knotted kanoko that’s tied through the middle of the mage that’s accented by shiraga tonbo tied through the middle of the kanoko! It’s like the turducken of styles! It’s also extremely popular during Setsubun and can be worn by both maiko who are about to be senior and senior maiko alike. Oshun お俊
Image courtesy of Toshiworth. Very similar to oshidori hina, it adds a kanoko through the top part of the mage along with shiraga tonbo tied in and an ichidome bar holding down the hair extention. It can also be found during Setsubun, but is not as popular as its oshidori cousin. Osafune 長船
Image courtesy of Crazy Blue Panda. The most complex style that’s also an iconic Edo Period style, osafune adds in thin nemaki on top of kanoko and a bekko kogai to make a truly intricate work of art. During Setsubun it is worn by only the most senior maiko in each district as a sign of seniority.
