{"product_id":"1800s-antique-japanese-kogai-hairpin-edo-samurai-artifact-signed-muneyoshi","title":"1800s Antique Japanese Kogai Hairpin Edo Samurai Artifact Signed Muneyoshi","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"617\"\u003eThis \u003cstrong data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"329\"\u003eauthentic antique Japanese kogai (笄)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a rare and historically significant hair ornament dating from the late Edo period into the early Meiji era (19th century). Sourced directly from an official Japan government auction, this piece represents the refined craftsmanship and cultural depth of traditional Japanese metalwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"916\"\u003eKogai were traditionally used as both \u003cstrong data-start=\"657\" data-end=\"692\"\u003efunctional and symbolic objects\u003c\/strong\u003e, worn in the hair or inserted into the fittings of a samurai sword mounting (koshirae). They were often associated with \u003cstrong data-start=\"813\" data-end=\"861\"\u003esamurai culture and high-ranking individuals\u003c\/strong\u003e, reflecting status, identity, and personal aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"1207\"\u003eThis example is crafted from \u003cstrong data-start=\"947\" data-end=\"968\"\u003ehand-forged metal\u003c\/strong\u003e and features delicate engraved detailing, including a finely rendered \u003cstrong data-start=\"1039\" data-end=\"1062\"\u003eseated figure motif\u003c\/strong\u003e, likely representing a spiritual or cultural subject. Such imagery was commonly associated with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1159\" data-end=\"1206\"\u003eprotection, guidance, or personal symbolism\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1265\"\u003eNear the end of the piece, the engraved signature reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1267\" data-end=\"1482\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1267\" data-end=\"1285\"\u003e宗喜 (Muneyoshi)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1285\" data-end=\"1288\"\u003eThis is believed to be the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1338\"\u003eartisan’s signature\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating the maker rather than the original owner. Names such as Muneyoshi are consistent with traditional metal artisans of the Edo period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1484\" data-end=\"1690\"\u003eThe surface shows \u003cstrong data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1545\"\u003enatural aging, patina, and signs of use\u003c\/strong\u003e, all of which confirm its authenticity and historical character. This piece has not been altered or restored, preserving its original condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1692\" data-end=\"1695\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1j60jkt\" data-start=\"1697\" data-end=\"1718\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1718\"\u003e✨ Key Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"2111\"\u003e✔ Authentic Edo–Meiji period Japanese kogai\u003cbr data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1766\"\u003e✔ Traditional samurai-associated hair ornament\u003cbr data-start=\"1812\" data-end=\"1815\"\u003e✔ Hand-forged metal with fine engraved details\u003cbr data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1864\"\u003e✔ Features seated figure motif (cultural\/spiritual theme)\u003cbr data-start=\"1921\" data-end=\"1924\"\u003e✔ Signed by artisan \u003cstrong data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"1962\"\u003eMuneyoshi (宗喜)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1962\" data-end=\"1965\"\u003e✔ Natural patina and age wear consistent with period\u003cbr data-start=\"2017\" data-end=\"2020\"\u003e✔ Sourced from official Japan government auction\u003cbr data-start=\"2068\" data-end=\"2071\"\u003e✔ Rare and highly collectible artifact\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2113\" data-end=\"2116\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1m4fxeh\" data-start=\"2118\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2121\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003e📏 Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2144\" data-end=\"2433\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1k4e7qq\" data-start=\"2144\" data-end=\"2165\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2146\" data-end=\"2157\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"m8xghe\" data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2217\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2168\" data-end=\"2176\"\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late Edo to early Meiji period (1800s)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"7pkvsr\" data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2253\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2220\" data-end=\"2233\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-forged metal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ewfcsr\" data-start=\"2254\" data-end=\"2287\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2256\" data-end=\"2270\"\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 宗喜 (Muneyoshi)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"tszc1t\" data-start=\"2288\" data-end=\"2365\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2290\" data-end=\"2304\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Antique condition with visible wear, patina, and age marks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1xn2klf\" data-start=\"2366\" data-end=\"2433\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2368\" data-end=\"2377\"\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kogai (traditional hairpin \/ sword fitting accessory)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2435\" data-end=\"2438\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1rip0ja\" data-start=\"2440\" data-end=\"2479\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2443\" data-end=\"2479\"\u003e🎎 Cultural \u0026amp; Historical Context\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2481\" data-end=\"2689\"\u003eThe kogai was an essential accessory in traditional Japanese culture, particularly within \u003cstrong data-start=\"2571\" data-end=\"2590\"\u003esamurai society\u003c\/strong\u003e. Beyond its practical use, it often reflected the owner’s \u003cstrong data-start=\"2649\" data-end=\"2688\"\u003estatus, taste, and personal beliefs\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2691\" data-end=\"2879\"\u003eSigned pieces like this are especially valued, as they provide a direct connection to the artisan. The inclusion of engraved motifs further enhances its cultural and artistic significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2881\" data-end=\"2964\"\u003eToday, authentic kogai are increasingly rare and are sought after by collectors of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2965\" data-end=\"3033\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"yszy8l\" data-start=\"2965\" data-end=\"2986\"\u003eSamurai artifacts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10fd7dr\" data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3009\"\u003eJapanese metalwork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1biwcq6\" data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3033\"\u003eEdo-period antiques\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3035\" data-end=\"3038\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"10gdyfk\" data-start=\"3040\" data-end=\"3061\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3043\" data-end=\"3061\"\u003e🏡 Perfect For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3063\" data-end=\"3264\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1bo1h8m\" data-start=\"3063\" data-end=\"3106\"\u003eSamurai and Japanese history collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"7w55hk\" data-start=\"3107\" data-end=\"3146\"\u003eAntique weapon fittings enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"itsh13\" data-start=\"3147\" data-end=\"3180\"\u003eCultural artifact collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6stnh5\" data-start=\"3181\" data-end=\"3230\"\u003eDisplay in wabi-sabi or traditional interiors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"35aiv2\" data-start=\"3231\" data-end=\"3264\"\u003eInvestment-grade collectibles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📢 Important Shipping Policy Update\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📦 Condition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📌 Please see all photos carefully before purchasing, as they are part of the description. Size and additional details are shown in the images.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Timeless Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50785735606558,"sku":"LL7","price":329.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/3998\/6462\/files\/AntiqueJapaneseKogaiHairpinEdoMeijiHandEngravedSigned1_174f19e1-997d-46f1-8a91-9ddf28b55d1c.jpg?v=1776151555","url":"https:\/\/www.realtimelessvintage.com\/products\/1800s-antique-japanese-kogai-hairpin-edo-samurai-artifact-signed-muneyoshi","provider":"Real Timeless Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}