#okatome

Geiko Hinayu (Okatome okiya), Maiko Fukuna (Kawayoshi Okiya) and Geiko Umehina in December 2020

This one has a very interesting history, so we’re going back to Gion Higashi to take a look!

Image courtesy of Wakasa15thfd. Materials: Silver, Coral, Jade, and Rubies Motifs: Grapes and Grape Leaves Owned By: Man (まん) in Gion Higashi This one is quite simplistic compared to others, but it’s hiding some unique secrets! The first secret is that this pocchiri has changed hands over the years! It was originally owned by Okatome (岡とめ), but was given to Man (まん) recently upon its imminent closure. Man has already been putting the piece to great use too! The second is that the jade parts were most likely one whole obidome at one point. You can tell that they’d make an almost perfect oval and seem to fit together. It’s possible that this once broken piece was recycled for use in a new one. Its motifs are fruits and leaves, so it fits well into the new piece! The rubies may have been recycled too as it’s a bit odd to see such different cuts for a simple design. The silver leaves that serve as a base also appear to have been gold plated at one time, but this has dirtied and worn off at the edges. The coral that make up the grapes themselves are still in good condition, albeit slightly worn. It’s a great way to make something old and broken new again with an nice design to match! Here you can see it being happily worn by new maiko Masanao (満彩尚):

Playful Geiko Hinayuu (Okatome okiya) and Maiko Umehina

Geiko Hinayuu (Okatome okiya) with Maiko Umehina in front of a temple

Early summer in Kyoto: Geiko Hinayuu (Okatome okiya) from Gion Higashi and Maiko Umehina from Kamishichiken

Photoshoot in Kyoto with Maiko and Geiko of various districts. Kamishichiken: Maiko Umehina (Umeno okiya) in yellow Gion Higashi: Geiko Hinayuu (Okatome okiya) in green Miyagawacho: Geiko Toshimana (Komaya okiya) in cream