A collection of three vintage Japanese hair pins and ornaments with floral design

CONDITION: good vintage condition with acceptable wear

 

SIZE: approx 3½ x 3 ins (9 x 7.5 cm)

 

APPROXIMATE AGE: early 20^th century

 

MATERIALS: metal, jadeite, resin

 

DESCRIPTION:

 

Here are three vintage Japanese hair ornaments of the type called Kanoko dome. Kanoko dome are worn at the back of some traditional hairstyles featuring a bun, with the kanoko dome placed in the bun's centre. They are typically made in flower shapes.

 

The amber coloured flower spray hair pin is made from resin and has a hinged top with two prongs that it may be adjusted. The other two ornaments with a single prong are made from ceramic or jadeite. The floral design one is very pretty and is made in a number of layers.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION:

 

Western style jewelry such as rings, necklaces and bracelets was not worn in Japan until the modern era. Instead, women decorated their hair with a variety of ornaments which are completely different in character. In the Taisho and Showa eras Japanese traditional hairdressing became simplified into the “hisashi-gami” or low pompadour with a generally rounded form and a doughnut chignon at the back. Kanzashi style hair pins were stuck into the chignon at all angles in order to better display them.