Antique Japanese Kogai Hair Ornament – Red Lacquer with Etched Chrysanthemum on Amber Celluloid – Signed – 8¼"

Antique Japanese Kogai Hair Ornament – Red Lacquer with Etched Chrysanthemum on Amber Celluloid – Signed – 8¼"

Description

Striking late Meiji period kogai (笄) hair ornament featuring deep red lacquer over wood with translucent amber-tone celluloid ends. Each end is delicately etched with kiku (菊, chrysanthemum) motifs—symbols of longevity and elegance associated with the Imperial family and autumn season. The warm transparency of the celluloid contrasts beautifully with the rich vermilion lacquer, a pairing that became popular in the 1890s as modern materials began to complement traditional Japanese design.

The piece separates at the center to reveal a bamboo tang, characteristic of finely made kogai that were inserted through the hair to balance elaborate nihongami styles. A gold signature reading 「美峰」 (Bihō) appears along the shaft, identifying the craftsman—an uncommon feature among later kogai of this type.

A refined example of late Meiji decorative sensibility, merging traditional form, modern material innovation, and the enduring artistry of the lacquer workshop tradition.

PLEASE NOTE CONDITION IN PHOTOS

Dimensions: approx. 8¼" (21 cm) long
Materials: Lacquered wood, celluloid, bamboo tang, gold signature
Period: Late Meiji era (c.1890s)

kogai, Japanese hair ornament, kanzashi, makie, kiku, chrysanthemum, Bihō, Meiji, celluloid, lacquer, nihongami, Japanese antique accessory