Ochirin, Bases, and Findings: Turning a Flower into a Kanzashi
Once you can fold a petal, the next wall arrives: how do you turn a finished flower into an actual piece?
This is where a lot of people get stuck. In our classes, we get more questions about bases and findings than about the petals themselves.
They look like minor parts. They change the finished piece more than you'd expect.
Ochirin — the base a flower is mounted onto
This is the part that makes or breaks a tsumami-zaiku piece. Each folded petal is mounted (a process called "fuku" in Japanese) onto this base disc, one at a time.
A single size difference in the ochirin changes how the whole flower reads. Too small, and the petals crowd each other. Too large, and the center looks empty.
That's why we carry sizes from 12mm to 30mm — choose one to match the flower you're building. Wired versions are useful when you're bundling several flowers together into a larger arrangement.
You can also make your own base from a round cardboard disc and washi paper. Very thin washi keeps the finished piece light.
Findings — for wearing the piece in your hair
These are the parts that turn a finished flower into a hair ornament. Choose by use:
- Comb — for traditional Japanese hairstyles or updos. Available with 10 or 15 teeth; choose by the size of the flower.
- Clip — an easy way to wear it. 16mm flat-dish style, or 20/28/45mm bowl style.
- U-pin — for scattering small flowers through the hair.
- Snap clip (three-pin style) — secure even on a young child's fine hair. Often used for Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese celebration for children ages 3, 5, and 7) hair ornaments for three-year-olds.
- Two-pronged kanzashi base — for a formal, traditional kanzashi.
Bira, tassels, and bells — where "kanzashi" actually happens
A flower on its own tends to sit quietly. This is where that changes.
- Bira — thin, strip-like metal ornaments that hang from a kanzashi and catch the light with every movement.
- Kiri-fusa (cut tassels) — pure silk tassels that hang softly and make the back view of a piece beautiful.
- Horai bells — a small sound and a small glint of light.
- Gold and silver cord (kinmoru/ginmoru) — placed at the center or edge of a flower to sharpen its expression.
A flower by itself can end up feeling static. Add one moving element, and it starts to feel alive.
Wire — for gathering flowers into shape
When you're assembling several flowers together, floral wrapping wire takes the place of a stem. The gauge changes what it's good for.
- #20 (thickest) — holds firmly and resists bending. Good for longer pieces.
- #22 (standard) — easy to bend and then hold its shape. The gauge we use most.
- #24 (slightly thin) — bends easily. Good for shorter pieces.
- #26 (thinnest) — the most flexible, bends freely into any shape.
If you're unsure, start with #22.
Why we keep every small size in stock
There's a reason we carry ochirin, clips, and wire in such fine size increments. Every piece calls for a slightly different part. There will always be a moment when you need an ochirin exactly 1mm smaller than what you have. If it's not there, the piece has to compromise.
So even the sizes that move slowly, we keep on the shelf.
Browse tsumami-zaiku bases and findings
About Oharibako's findings (Kyoto)
Every base and finding we carry is something we actually use in our own workshop. Oharibako has been making kanzashi and kimono accessories in Nishijin, Kyoto, for 80 years.
If you're not sure which parts suit your piece, feel free to ask us.