In the “Amigurumi” (Japanese crochet or knitted stuffed toys) and “Mari Ball Charms” (decorative ball-shaped charms inspired by traditional Japanese handballs) that I’m exhibiting at Japan Expo, I’ve incorporated “Tsumami Zaiku,” a traditional Japanese fabric-folding craft.
Since “Tsumami Zaiku” may be unfamiliar to many people outside Japan, let me explain a little more about it here✫
What is Tsumami Zaiku?
Tsumami Zaiku is a traditional craft that involves folding small pieces of fabric and combining them to create shapes. It’s primarily used to depict Japan’s seasonal flowers, birds, and landscapes, and is commonly found in traditional accessories like combs and hairpins.
This craft dates back to the Edo period (around 1800 CE), where it became popular as a decorative fashion item for girls.
Tsumami Zaiku: Past and Present
Historically, Tsumami Zaiku has been an important craft used in special events, traditional ceremonies, and festivals.
It was particularly popular for adorning girls during Shichi-Go-San (a traditional celebration for children aged 3, 5, and 7), coming-of-age ceremonies, and weddings. Today, Tsumami Zaiku has been updated with modern designs, making it more accessible and popular as a craft and fashion item for everyday use.
In Conclusion
I’m incorporating this “Tsumami Zaiku,” which is now gaining popularity among the younger generation, into my amigurumi creations as well. It’s also featured in my “Mari Ball Charms,” where I use it to create an inverted heart shape.
There’s actually a deeper meaning behind this design… but I’ll explain that in another article!
Stay tuned to learn about the symbolic meaning behind the inverted heart shape!
