hairpin (kanzashi) with turtle

hairpin (kanzashi) with turtle , Edo period (1600–1868)

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: coral; silver; gold

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.0251

Not on display

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Nature/Natural

Kanzashi are ornamental hairpins that were worn by courtesans in the late Edo period. This kanzashi is decorated with a tortoise, a symbol that, in Daoist belief, stood for long life. Under this belief tortoises live to an extraordinary old age at which point they develop flowing white tails and exhale special vapors that conjure up sacred jewels. The flowing tail of the tortoise on this hairpin signifies this creature’s symbolic status.

Archive Label 2003:
Kanzashi are ornamental hairpins that were worn by courtesans in the late Edo period. This kanzashi is decorated with a tortoise, a symbol that, in Daoist belief, stood for long life. Under this belief tortoises live to an extraordinary old age at which point they develop flowing white tails and exhale special vapors that conjure up sacred jewels. The flowing tail of the tortoise on this hairpin signifies this creature’s symbolic status.