Antique Japanese Geisha Comb Kushi Hairpiece Kanzashi Gold Makie Panenquin Cart 3"

This is an antique late Edo Era (c. 1800-1850) Japanese hairpiece called a kushi. A Japanese comb is about much more than just styling your hair. Japanese kushi such as this one have been used since the prehistoric Jomon period. Some 400 years ago, Japan refined and transformed it into an elegant beauty accessory that became a work of art. Japanese kushi became expressions of a woman's character, social class, religion, and people could even tell what neighborhood someone lived in by looking at their hair ornaments. According to an ancient Japanese proverb, "A woman's hair is her life" (Kami wa onna no inochi), and from the early 1600's until the beginning of the modern era, decorative combs have been an important part of Japanese fashion. Today, kushi and other traditional hair ornaments are typically worn with the kimono during traditional Japanese ceremonies, and pieces of such exquisite age, artistry and quality as this one are becoming quite rare.

This special comb is made of genuine bekko covered with gold makie lacquer (raised gold) and decorated with shell inlay flowers.  It measures 3 1/2" long by 1" tall  (8.5 x  2.5 cm). The thickness is approximately 1/8". Showing minor signs of past use and some beetle damage, at nearly two centuries old it still remains in fine condition.  See photos for additional condition and description details. A highly collectable piece of functional art from Japans distant past.