Someone else asked this question at the same time, so I’ll answer you both here ^^
The “Kanzashi Queen” is an informal title given to certain maiko who consistently order their own kanzashi, often with unique and rare designs. As stated earlier, Hisamomo of Pontocho was the last one to hold the title. Early on in her career she teamed up with kanzashi maker Maya (you can see some of their creations for her here - you can hit the “next page” button to see more) to put some interesting twists on traditional motifs.
Prior to her, the title went to Katsutomo of Gion Kobu, who not only ordered a few from famous Tokyo kanzashi makerMeikoukai (specifically, the goldfish, the cherry blossoms, and autumn leaves, to name a few), but also ordered some unique designs such as a water lily and a phoenix for her sakko period.
Prior to Katsutomo there was Toshikana of Miyagawa Cho. I’m having issues pulling up specific photos for her, so you can just Google “maiko Toshikana” to see some examples. Some of her notable ones include a tsumami butterfly, a sunflower (both clusters and a single large one), lily of the valley, and a unique slightly weeping plum blossom piece.
As mentioned before, their kanzashi were great, but so far no one can touch Kotoha’s legacy (I believe Hisamomo has come closest though). Many of her pieces have been handed down through the Tama okiya since her retirement and the majority of those designs are still in use today. They were almost all unique and designed in part by her. Some of the greatest hits include:
Willow with wagasa and chidori
Realistic narcissus
Maple leaves with ribbons
Cherry blossoms and bonbori
Realistic chrysanthemums
Chidori and waves (this one was donated to a museum)
Bell flowers, grass, and moon bunnies
Silver grass
Sakko sensu with shochikubai and cranes
She actually had two sakko kanzashi (the other was a basic crane as every -ha girl has worn one for their erikae). There’s some others that I just can’t find decent images for, like the morning glory and pampas grass duo and the maple leaves with musical instruments, and that’s mostly because instant image sharing wasn’t a thing when she was active; so, we only have older photographs to go on.
A notable mention also has to go to Mameroku, besides that Arai has been known for some unique kanzashi over the years, especially for the chestnut piece she ordered from Meikoukai.
We’ll have to wait and see who will be the next to hold the title, but I currently have high hopes for Ichiaya of Pontocho.
