This is a kanzashi, a Japanese traditional-style hair decoration. This one was made for the bride to wear in a traditional wedding.
The design includes typical good omens such as chrysanthemum flowers and bamboo etc.
This kanzashi has a part called “Bira” or “Birabira” consisting of small dangling pieces of metal that sparkle when you move.
There used to be a lot of craftsmen who made hair jewelry such as this, about 100 years ago when most Japanese women still wore kimono with traditional hair styles.
But there is no longer much demand, and kanzashi craftsmen have mostly disappeared.
I bought this one from a hair dresser who specialized in Japanese traditional hair styling and worked for wedding ceremonies, who retired a few years ago.
This kanzashi was made in the 21st century for use in weddings.
This type was not distributed on the market. It was made for hair dressers to use in styling the bride’s hair for a traditional wedding.
Genuine carved pink coral chrysanthemum flowers are used in this hair decoration (please see the 10th picture)
Red chrysanthemum flowers and pearls are faux coral and faux pearls.
I do not know the material of the metal, but it seems to be gold plated brass.
Some real coral beads are used, as a vestige of the high value these ornaments had for women who would wear such precious jewelry only once in their lives.
Size:
Total Length: about 17cm
Ornament parts:about 55x50mm
coral flowers:about 13mm
