Thank you for viewing. This is a metalwork and Higo Zogan (Higo inlay) ring-connected hairpin. The deep silver color of smoked silver, with chrysanthemum patterns using pure gold, creates an elegant appearance. Chrysanthemums are a symbol of good fortune, representing "nobility," "longevity," and "good health," and have been cherished since ancient times. The clear shine of the silver is beautiful. From the magazine "SALAi" Nunome Zogan, which began to be widely used in metalwork such as weapons and ornaments after the Momoyama period. The weapons, which symbolized the dignity and aesthetic sense of the samurai, saw a decline in demand with the abolition of the samurai class in the Meiji era, and many craftsmen lost their jobs. What saved them from this predicament was the exhibition at the World's Fair, and export products were created one after another for Europeans and Americans who were fascinated by the superb techniques. Nunome Zogan is a technique in which the surface of hard metals such as iron is roughened by making cuts from various directions, and then thin plates of gold and silver are inserted. This technique, which originated from gold and silver inlay work made in Damascus, Syria, before the Christian era, was later called "Damascene" and was transmitted to Japan via the Silk Road. Otojiro Komai of Kyoto learned Nunome Zogan from Higo craftsmen and produced many products for export during the Meiji period. Komai's works gained popularity overseas and were called "Komai Work," and later "Damascene Work." In Edo, the first Kazuma Ichibu invented a technique of applying Nunome Zogan to shibuichi and akado grounds instead of iron. The family of Kazuma Ichibu and his brother, Kazuma Ichitani, established a unique style that distinguished them from other Nunome Zogan artists and were active both domestically and internationally. Antiques are originally few in number and of high value. Furthermore, metalwork is not easily damaged and the quality does not easily deteriorate. Because of this, they are passed down through the ages. If you want to own something permanently, metalwork is a good purchase. #koudo #香堂 #こうどう #japanese #kimono #jewelry #かんざし #簪