The Oshidori

Named after the Aix galericulata or mandarin duck, this hairstyle is intricate and filigree, emulating the lush plumage of the iconic bird. But the Tayuu of old have also conveyed another imagery with this hairstyle: That of two lovebirds. The phrase “Oshidori fufu” is used to describe a happy couple and as wives for one night, the Tayuu adopted this pun as a visual cue into their hairlook.

Source: Uemurakiichi on Instagram

Mandarin ducks are a symbol of long lasting relationships in Japanese and Chinese culture and it is said that if separated, the ducks will pine for each other in misery and even die of loneliness. A sentiment that a great Tayuu definitely was to propagate to her lover, to encourage him to return soon and often. By wearing this hairstyle, a message was sent to her generous client and he might have interpreted this as a sign that her heart was only his to own. Many stories and plays suggest that even though it was common knowledge that the girls of the pleasure quarters sold their bodies, many a visitor to the district hoped they would be the only one in their heart nonetheless. A romantic notion that the women capitalized on.

Source: Kitsuneyajp on Flickr



As the third Nihongami a Tayuu gets to wear, it eludes a more sophisticated flair. The Tayuu has now graduated from the rounded styles of more junior looks and has started playing with romantic symbolism so important to her charm and pull but as with the other styles we’ve explored there is a catch to this one too:

Remember the Tomesode-Shinzo we discussed in the Ohatsu post? Well the Oshidori is another style so indicative of their rank. Why so? Outside of the walls of Shimabara a young townsgirl between 15 and 20 years of age might have worn this style to signal her maturity and eligibility for marriage. It was also the first hairstyle she wore after her engagement, so even if she wasn’t wearing it until then, that change in look absolutely meant a rite of passage for young girls during the Edo period.

So to represent the Tomesode-Shinzo’s early stream of steady customers and her acquiring some financial rewards (which she had no control over and had to reinvest into her retinue) she made her hair up into the Oshidori and this trend was copied by many working girls in the pleasure quarters so this lovely style became quite common. A Nihongami with this rich a history has to be kept alive so i’m delighted that modern Tayuu have maintained this style in their repertoire.

Source: Yaa-yori