JAPAN 1890 Meiji Period Kanzashi Hair Stick In Gild Sterling With Red Coral

A hair Kanzashi stick from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912).

Beautiful decorative Kanzashi hair decoration from the Japanese Imperial Meiji period, circa 1890. This hair double stick has been meticulously crafted in .915/.999 sterling silver with 18 and 22 karats gilding decorations, and embellished with an extra-large bead carved from natural red coral. This Kanzashi is decorated with the figure of a fish, in Japan when it comes to amulets, charms, or Omamori associated with luck and fish, you might encounter designs featuring koi fish as symbols of good fortune, perseverance, and positive energy.

Kanzashi

Kanzashi are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. The term kanzashi refers to a wide variety of accessories, including long, rigid hairpins, barrettes, fabric flowers and fabric hair ties. In Japan, hair sticks—or kanzashi, which can also refer to hairpins—were believed to ward off evil spirits. Dating back to the Jōmon period, these small hair accessories were seen as protective charms.

The Meiji Imperial Period

This is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keiō era and was succeeded by the Taishō era, upon the accession of Emperor Taishō.

Coral: Mount in a bar setting, with 1 round spherical cabochon cut of 20 mm carved from natural red coral.

Weight: 31.60 Grams, (20.3 Dwt.).

Measurements: 172 mm by 20 mm, (6.75 x 0.79 Inches).

Condition: This Meiji period piece is in great antique condition, with traces of wear. All parts and the coral are secured in the settings. This hair decorated stick has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: P032725ZCNM/1.127