Hi hi! Jess here!
If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m a huge fan of both kimono and DIY, and this week’s video was a fantastic opportunity to combine those passions! I set to creating my own handmade accessory to decorate my obi with, known as obi-kazari…or is it?
As I went into a little bit in the video, obi-kazari, or sash accessories, have their roots in netsuke, artfully crafted mini-sculptures that once functioned as toggles to keep your money purse, tobacco container, or other personal effects from slipping out from your obi as you went about your day. Varieties of netsuke are vast, and I really encourage you to look up some examples, such as those found at sites like netsuke.org and netsuke.com (simple enough sites to remember!).
The International Netsuke Society at netsuke.org even has their own Pinterest board!
Today, the practical function of netsuke has pretty much become obsolete, but their decorative function still lives on in obi-kazari (lit. “kimono sash decoration”)—though some still refer to these modern-day accessories as “netsuke”, irritating some old-school netsuke artisans and enthusiasts. I’m staying out of it. I just want to look cute in my kimono.
I’ll just keep my opinion to myself this time.
Whatever you feel it’s best to call them, obi-kazari are a great way to jazz up your ensemble, whether they serve a practical function or not (because some still do!). Today I’d like to share some of my favorite obi accessories I’ve found around the web, and maybe inspire you to create your own! Perhaps you can find a way to incorporate it into your own style regardless of whether you’ve ever even touched a kimono.
Let the list begin!
