A beautiful matched pair of Japanese kanzashi style enamel hair pins

 

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear

 

SIZE: 1½ ins w x 6 ins h (4 x 15 cm)

 

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1970s – 1980s

 

MATERIALS: metal, enamel, rhinestones

 

DESCRIPTION:

 

Here is a beautiful vintage Japanese hairpin set of the type called “kanzashi.” This is a kind of umbrella term used for a number of different types of hair accessory which are distinct from combs or “kushi”. Typically kanzashi have a long shaft with some kind of ornamental heading.

The ornaments were originally part of a bridal set which would have included another two hairpins similar in design, as well as other ornaments. They were usually stuck into the coiffure in such a way that the ornamental heading stood out proud from the hairdressing by several inches.

They are made of gold coloured metal and the ornamental headings take the form of a floral spray with leaves and flowers. The flowers are executed in blue and red enamel, with green enamel leaves intermixed. Each flower has a clear rhinestone set into the centre. This lovely hairpin set was built up in a three dimensional manner as shown in the illustrations.

The collage picture shows an apprentice geisha who is wearing a full set of ornaments of a similar character in her traditional coiffure.