The appeal and types of tortoiseshell hairpins

The appeal of tortoiseshell is not only the beauty of its naturally occurring yellow and brown hues, but also its hardness and lightness, with a texture that fits comfortably in the hand.
Tortoiseshell, now designated as a national traditional craft, has long been used to decorate Japanese women's hair as hair ornaments. In the Edo period, women did not own any accessories, and the only ornament they wore was the hair ornament. Tortoiseshell was expensive even back then, but because of its ease of use, common people also flocked to get their hands on it.

"Hon tortoiseshell" refers to the original tortoiseshell, as many substitutes have been made due to the scarcity of tortoiseshell today. In addition to the unique warm feel of genuine tortoiseshell, its appeal lies in the way it subtly changes shape with heat, adapting to the wearer's body.
Tortoiseshells come in a variety of colors, from transparent yellow to yellow with dark brown spots. The amber-colored white shell, which is taken from the inside of the belly, is considered particularly valuable, but the unique spots on each tortoiseshell are also part of its charm. Regardless of value, try to find the texture that you like best.

"Paste tortoiseshell" is a material made by thinly slicing rare and expensive tortoiseshell and pasting it onto celluloid using a special technique.
Not only does it have the warm feel that is characteristic of tortoiseshell, but each piece has a different texture and is non-slip when inserted.
The tortoiseshell hairpins from Kanzashiya Wargo are individually handcrafted by artisans in Asakusa. You can easily enjoy the luxurious texture that is quite different from resin.

This is a tortoiseshell-style hairpin made from a synthetic resin called acetyloid. Although it is made of resin, each piece is hand-carved by a craftsman, giving it a unique look. This is a hairpin that is recommended not only for Japanese clothing but also for everyday use. While treasuring the unique elegance of tortoiseshell, it is easy to care for and available at an affordable price.

After using your Kanzashi, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth, such as the one you would use to clean glasses, before storing it. Because it is made of natural proteins, it may be eaten by insects. If you are storing it for a long period of time, it is a good idea to put an insect repellent inside to prevent direct contact with it.
It does not like heat or dryness, so store it in a place away from air conditioning and direct sunlight.
Tortoiseshell is perfect for everyday use, but as it is a natural material, it requires some care when handling. Because it is made up of protein, it does not tolerate acids well, and if it is left with sweat or hair products on it, it may lose its luster. Avoid using hairspray or other products while wearing a kanzashi. Remove it when using a sauna or swimming pool.

Also, if it does break, if it is made of genuine tortoiseshell, it may be possible to repair it by gluing it back together in the same way. Please feel free to contact us.

Tortoiseshell is a very rare material made from the shell of the hawksbill sea turtle. It is made by thinly slicing the shell into many pieces and gluing them together with heat and water. This technique requires great skill, and it has been designated as a traditional craft of Japan.
Tortoiseshell has been prized in Japan as the jewel of the sea since the time of Prince Shotoku. Loved for its unique, transparent color and supple texture, it has long been used as a material for crafts and ornaments. Its versatility has led to its use in not only ornaments but also tools and everyday items such as earpicks and eyeglass frames.
Currently, trade in the raw material, hawksbill turtles, is restricted and prohibited by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), so only products made from raw materials remaining from before the Convention was enacted are in circulation.