hanakanzashi

　Hanakanzashi (traditional Japanese flower-decorated ornamental hairpins) have seasonal flower motifs. Such hairpins, particularly high-class ones, have adorned the hair of Japanese women since the Nara period. They are associated with modern-day Kyoto, in particular, with the maiko apprentice geisha of the geisha district.
New hanakanzashi are made when a maiko makes her debut. The maiko wear different hairpins each month. There are hairpins for each special event, such as the Gion Festival. There are set designs for each geisha quarter and for the hairpins worn at dance meetings held in the spring and the fall, and hairpins can also be chosen to match individual performances or costumes.