Tortoise-shell hairpin ornament in shape of peony and birds

This kind of hairpin is called ‘Kōgai’ which was originally a simple rod used for pinning up one’s hair or scratching one’s head without collapsing the hairdos. But it gradually became more luxurious with ornaments attached to its both ends, rather than practical use. Especially the kōgai made of tortoise shell seems to have been preferred by women of samurai families.