[Kanzashi and Earpicks]

Kanzashi, a hairpin, beautifully adorns tied-up Japanese hair. Kanzashi is one of the traditional Japanese ornaments that are inserted into tied-up hair to keep the hairstyle in place or serve as hair decorations. Kanzashi has existed since the Jomon period and developed alongside changes in hairstyles, becoming a common hair ornament after the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868) when the variety of Japanese hairstyles became abundant.

From the Edo period to the early Showa period, women wore their hair tied up daily. Before this, long hair was usually worn down, and the custom of tying hair began in the early Edo period to make it easier for common people to move around. Kanzashi, originally an ornament inserted in the hair of samurai women, spread to merchants in the late Edo period and eventually became popular. A wide range of materials were used for kanzashi, including lacquer-coated boxwood, paulownia, cherry wood, metals such as gold and silver, and ornaments like coral, agate, and jade.

Now, regarding the title "kanzashi and earpicks." These two items seem completely different, but if you look at a picture of a kanzashi, you will see an earpick attached to the tip of the hairpin. Why do kanzashi have earpicks? There are several theories. One theory is that common people were not allowed to decorate their hair with combs or hairpins as accessories due to laws prohibiting extravagance. To bypass these regulations, people attached earpicks to their hairpins. Another theory is that a merchant, advised that attaching earpicks to kanzashi would be popular, made one as a trial, and it became very popular. As a remnant of this practice, many kanzashi still have earpicks attached to the tips or are designed to be curved like earpicks.

Now, let's talk about earpicks as a practical product. Silver, one of the softest metals, is gentle on the delicate skin inside the ear. It is also an excellent heat conductor, so it does not have the cold feeling characteristic of metal. Silver, with its moderate elasticity, durability against bending, and strong antibacterial properties, is also hygienic for use on delicate areas. The smooth feel is so comfortable that once you use it, you may become addicted to it.

The earpicks are available in three different motifs: pine, bamboo, and plum, symbols of good fortune; the slender, simple bamboo; and the golf putter earpick, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste. Packaged in a special paulownia wood box, the earpicks are recommended for both personal use and as gifts. Why not give the gift of a relaxing and comforting experience that an earpick can bring?

Miyamoto Shoko's Silver Earpick
https://www.shokunin.com/en/miyamoto/mimikaki.html

References
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%B0%AA
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%88%B6%E3%81%AE%E6%97%A5
https://tabunka.tokyo-tsunagari.or.jp/useful/life_in_tokyo/article/2021/04/lit-article16.html