Japanese Kanzashi - Combs

C

ClareBk

Sempai

26 May 2023

115

58

• 28 Jul 2023

• #1

We have three Japanese combs which belong to Kanzashi. They have both the comb and pin and silk cover.
The brown one has a signature, can anyone please help decipher the signature please?
The three have different themes, brown - japanese peacock, butterfly, chrysanthemum and peony? What season would this relate to please?
Beige - Crane and Chrysanthemum, bamboo? What season would this relate to please?
Red-Swallow and willow? What season would this relate to please?
If anyone can refer me to a museum that could help me with more information about these combs that would be most appreciated.
Kind regards
Clare

 

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mdchachi

Moderator

Moderator

Twenty-year veteran

6 Mar 2003

9,317

9,444

• 28 Jul 2023

• #2

This is what Bing thinks but take it with a grain of salt.

• The brown comb has a theme of peacock, butterfly, chrysanthemum and peony. These are all symbols of beauty, elegance and prosperity in Japanese culture. Peacock is also associated with love and immortality. Butterfly represents transformation and joy. Chrysanthemum is the flower of the imperial family and a sign of longevity and nobility. Peony is the king of flowers and a symbol of wealth and honor. This comb might be suitable for any season, but especially for spring or autumn.
• The beige comb has a theme of crane, chrysanthemum and bamboo. These are all symbols of good luck, longevity and strength in Japanese culture. Crane is a sacred bird that is said to live for a thousand years and bring happiness and peace. Bamboo is a plant that bends but does not break, representing resilience and flexibility. This comb might be suitable for winter or new year celebrations.
• The red comb has a theme of swallow and willow. These are both symbols of spring and renewal in Japanese culture. Swallow is a migratory bird that returns to Japan in spring and brings good news and hope. Willow is a tree that grows near water and has graceful branches that sway in the wind. This comb might be suitable for early spring or summer.

 

C

ClareBk

Sempai

26 May 2023

115

58

• 4 Aug 2023

• Thread starter
• #3

Thank you so much for the information. Enlightening! These combs are referred to as Kushi in the Kanzashi family. So will look further.

 

C

ClareBk

Sempai

26 May 2023

115

58

• 4 Aug 2023

• Thread starter
• #4

I have another comb depicting floral spray, vine tendrils, small bird in flight to left of front spine. Can you assist with this one too please? This one also has a signature.

 

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J

johnnyG

Sempai

Donor

Fifteen-year veteran

23 Dec 2010

3,144

5,053

• 4 Aug 2023

• #5

These combs are sold in shops in kyoto , or can be sourced on the internet if you (a) have someone to help you search, and (b) can find a place that then sells online. One of my sisters (chicago) was looking for some a couple years ago, and we got her hooked up--she has an assortment of them framed and hung in her condo.

I doubt these are collector's items, nor rare, tho depending on where you are, they might appear to be.

 

C

ClareBk

Sempai

26 May 2023

115

58

• 11 Aug 2023

• Thread starter
• #6

I am awaiting a reply from the Kanazashi museum who specialises in these kushi. Thank you for assisting!