Vintage Japanese Wedding Kushi Kanzashi Set 2 Combs Hairpin Velvet Box Inlay For Sale

A vintage Japanese bridal hair ornament set with two decorative kushi combs and one silver-tone kanzashi hairpin. It comes in its original purple velvet-lined presentation box with one two-sided handwritten provenance card.
The set includes:
• Faux tortoiseshell kushi comb (approx. 4 1/8" wide x 2" tall). A slightly arched rectangular comb in amber-toned faux tortoiseshell. It is decorated with red-orange lacquered plum blossom (ume) panels, black lacquer sections with gold scroll and wave designs, gold-leaf cherry blossoms, and small iridescent abalone/mother-of-pearl blossom inlays. It has fine, closely set teeth.
• Black lacquer half-moon kushi comb (approx. 3 5/8" wide x 2 5/8" tall). A rounded comb in glossy black. It has three inset roundels: two red lacquer panels, one with a pine and gold branch design and one with gold chrysanthemums, plus a cluster of carved mother-of-pearl and abalone chrysanthemums and blossoms. Iridescent shell banding outlines the panels, and there is an additional carved shell blossom accent.
• Hirauchi-style kanzashi hairpin (approx. 7" long; flower disc approx. 1 1/4" across). A two-prong hairpin in brass with a round peony (botan) medallion. The front has a chased, textured center, and the reverse shows an engraved peony and leaf. It is topped with the traditional small ear-spoon (mimikaki) finial.
• Original presentation box (approx. 8" x 5"). A white paper-covered box with a purple velvet lid top and sides and a purple velvet-lined interior tray.
• One handwritten card. One side reads "Kan-zashi / Kushi / For Hair / Used by my mother wedding day." The other reads "Wedding Hair Ornaments / Kushi – 3 pieces set w/ 2 pcs Kanzashi / Ink Holder / This go to Lorraine." The cards are in the original writer's spelling, with some words crossed out. They are a sentimental family record of the set being worn on a wedding day.
This is a lovely piece of mid-century Japanese bridal adornment. It suits collectors of Japanese hair ornaments, kimono and geisha accessories, lacquerware and Asian antiques, and it would display beautifully in its velvet box.
The card mentions two kanzashi. One kanzashi hairpin and two combs are included, as described above. Please review all detailed photos for full condition, as they are part of the description.
Condition:Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear:
• Faux tortoiseshell comb: No missing or broken teeth observed. Light surface wear to the lacquer and gilt, with minor darkening and residue at the tooth bases. Inlays are present.• Black lacquer comb: No missing or broken teeth observed. Scattered light surface scratches and scuffs to the black finish, with light residue on some teeth. Inlays and roundels appear intact.• Hairpin: Tarnish and dark patina spots along the prongs and on the medallion. It is structurally sound.• Box: Shows its age. There is edge wear, paper scuffing and fraying along the rims, one small area of paper loss on a lid edge, and a darker discolored area on the underside. The velvet shows crushing and pile wear, with some loose threads.• Cards: Toned, with light soiling and handling.
Specifics:• Type: Kushi (hair comb) and kanzashi (hairpin) set• Region/Country of Origin: Japan• Occasion: Wedding / bridal• Era: Vintage, mid-20th century (estimated)• Materials: Faux tortoiseshell (celluloid-type), lacquer, mother-of-pearl/abalone inlay, gilt decoration, brass• Motifs: Plum blossom, cherry blossom, chrysanthemum, pine, peony• Color: Amber, black, red, gold, purple (box)• Number of pieces: 3 hair ornaments, plus box and 2 cards• Comb 1: approx. 4 1/8" W x 2" H• Comb 2: approx. 3 5/8" W x 2 5/8" H• Hairpin: approx. 7" L, medallion approx. 1 1/4"• Box: approx. 8" x 5"• Original box: Yes
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