• Tsumami Zaiku (つまみ細工) is a traditional Japanese craft that involves creating delicate ornaments from small squares of fabric, traditionally silk. Each square is carefully folded, much like origami, to form flower petals and other decorative motifs. These pieces are often used to adorn hair accessories, particularly kanzashi, which are worn for traditional ceremonies and festivals.

• Tsumami Zaiku requires great patience and meticulous craftsmanship. There are two main techniques: maru-tsumami, which creates rounded shapes, and ken-tsumami, which creates pointed shapes. Today, this traditional craft is also used to create contemporary items such as jewelry and decorative objects.

Techniques