Kanzashi hair sets

Kanzashi were first used in Japan during the Jōmon period. At that time, it was believed a single thin rod or stick would have mystical powers that could ward off evil spirits, this lead to people wearing them in their hair. During the Jōmon period, some of the first predecessors of the modern Japanese hair comb began to appear.

Kanzashi were in wide use during the Edo period, when hairstyles became larger and more extravagant, using a larger number of ornaments. Artisans began to produce more finely crafted products made out of rare materials such as ivory and tortoiseshell, including some hair ornaments that could be used as defensive weapons. During the latter part of the Edo period, the craftsmanship of kanzashi reached a high point, with many styles and designs being created.