comb and kougai sets

[Sue]

I have just started my collection, and am now the proud owner of two sets which look BEAUTIFUL now that they are displayed properly.
Are there any other enthusiasts out there, as my knowledge is negligable

[Kiyoaki]

Sue,

After such a pause ;D, I decided to add my two cents worth. I bought a set once for my sister. I didn't expect her to get much use out of the kogai (hairpin), but the comb could have been useful since she wore her hair very long hair.

On the informative side most of them are made either of wood, tortoise shell, or plastics. The practical ones used by professional hairdressers are plain wood and come in a bewildering variety of shapes. The ones worn with kimono are often lacquered and may have shell inlay as well. Since only women wear the decorated types, the motifs are mostly floral.

The kogai and kanzashi are functionally similar, but the former is an essential part of a formal coiffure, whereas the kanzashi is more of an afterthought. the two together, in conjunction with the comb, tend to be worn by young girls and younger women (geisha excepting). In that regard they (the kanzashi) can be worn in pairs or alone.

Kiyoaki

P.S. if you post some pictures, perhaps I could offer more specific comments

[chiiyo]

Where do you get them? Have you ever tried wearing them?

[Sue]

Hello Chiiyo,

I bought all my sets of kougai and kanzashi from Ichiroya. I now have four, all mounted in deep-set, Japanese looking frames. They certainly are a talking-point when people walk past them, and are beautifully decorative.
I haven't worn them myself. I work in a girls school in London, and they have been worn by my students when they are studying Japan - its art and culture- along with the kimonos and obi that I also got from our wonderful friends at Ichiroya.

[chiiyo]

Wow! That's really cool...

I wonder where I can find instructions on how to wear them... most of the kimono magazines nowadays only have instructions for modern hairstyles...

[Sue]

Hi Chiiyo
eBay often have books for sale dedicated to pics of orthentic Japanese hairstyles showing how the hair accessories are worn. Most are written in Japanese, but all you need is the picture (and a bit of ingenuity) to achieve the effect.
Good Luck !!! ;D