• Top kanzashi bar, thickest, has kanzashi at each end, which come off to put in place on bridal wig; this is the top row in bottom of case (see left), just below the comb.The rows of kanzashi below that are 4 in number
• Design is traditional * tsurukame , cranes and tortoises with flowers (please see cultural background information below).
• We are not sure of the age, but it is at least from the 1960's, if not a bit earlier.
• The kanzashi and comb are made of what looks like celluloid, but we don't think it is. Probably made of some kind of plastic; color is amber and material is somewhat translucent.
• Original case has wear and very slight dirt but kanzashi are in excellent condition. The white label gives the type of design for the bridal set of accessories, namely,cranes and tortoises.
  
  
  

  *Cultural Background Information: The tsurukame is a popular traditional motif seen in many types of traditional art of Japan(also in China). The word means, crane (&) turtle. There is a proverb in Japan, tsuru wa sennen, kame wa mannen, "cranes (live) a thousand years, turtles (live) ten thousand". This connotation within various Japanese traditional contexts signifies longevity and in the case of these kanzashi serve as symbols of good luck and long life (for the bride and groom).

Measurements:

• Case Dimensions: 13 inches X 11 inches X 4.5 inches deep (33cm X 27.9cm X 11.4cm)
• Kanzashi: largest is 1 foot(30.5cm) in length; smaller ones about 8 inches (20.3cm).