Antique Japanese Kanzashi Hairpin Openwork Geometric Form in Imitation Tortoiseshell – 4¾"5

Antique Japanese Kanzashi Hairpin – Openwork Geometric Form in Imitation Tortoiseshell – 4¾"

Description

Elegant kanzashi (簪) hairpin of late Meiji to Taishō period design, shaped in a clean geometric openwork form carved from translucent tortoiseshell-patterned resin. The design reflects the refined simplicity that emerged in the early 20th century—where bold silhouette and material clarity replaced the ornate lacquer and makie embellishment of earlier Edo fashions.

The amber and dark brown marbled tones emulate natural bekkō (鼈甲, tortoiseshell), prized since the Edo era for its warmth and light-diffusing depth. Its angular, modernist shape suggests adaptation to yōfuku (Western-influenced) hairstyles popular among Meiji and Taishō women, while maintaining the balanced symmetry of traditional Japanese ornament.

A beautiful example of transitional Japanese adornment bridging classical form and modern elegance.

PLEASE NOTE CONDITION IN PHOTOS

Dimensions: approx. 4¾" (12 cm) long
Materials: Imitation tortoiseshell resin (bekkō fū), hand-carved
Period: Late Meiji to early Taishō era (c.1890–1920)

kanzashi, Japanese hair ornament, bekkō, tortoiseshell, Meiji, Taishō, yōfuku, geometric, minimalist, bijin, Japanese antique accessory