Kanzashi (Hair Ornament)

(Part of a set)
This rectangular wooden cabinet has four drawers inside which are small boxes for cosmetics. Above the drawers is an open space topped with a fixed shallow tray with raised sides. Every visible surface is decorated with floral scrolls in sprinkled gold (makie) against a black background. The cabinet is fitted with a round covered box for perfumed oil, a round two-tiered box, an oval tray for water, and two square covered boxes, all with the same pattern of floral scrolls that decorates the cabinet. In one of the drawers is a document stating that the set was acquired in 1819 for a young bride residing in the area that is now Iwate prefecture in northern Japan. The quality of the artisanship and the refined design suggest that the bride's family was wealthy.