An unusual find for us, concentrating on French antiques as we do. This set we found in France, and as rare as red coral has become, it just spoke to me. It is, in fact, a Kushi and Kanzashi set - the beads and pic employed in ornamenting the elaborately up-done hair of a Japanese Geisha. Probably someone's souvenir of a c.1900-1920s visit to Japan, it appears to have never been out of its original presentation box, never used. The sheer size of the carved red coral balls is of interest. The large one is 19mm in diameter, and the 7 smaller ones are each 13mm. A bit of an Art Deco feel to them, isn't it tempting to string them on a fine gold chain as a bold necklace? Japan souvenir. Maiko Yakko Shimada Beads.
Tama Kanzashi - Age:1912-1926 (Taisho Period)
Very good to excellent condition, appear to have never been out of box, never used. I find no damage at all to the beautifully carved and polished natural red coral beads. The original presentation box attends, as shown, and does show some age and evidence of storage. Silk satin interior, a velveted exterior. Full measurements noted on the photos.
