Antique Komai style Japanese hatpin with dragon finial

This fabulous and rare Komai style damascene inlay hatpin features a complex landscape design on the top  and a dragon around the finial. Out of curiosity, I took it in for XRF testing and it came back at over 29% gold with the remaining metal mostly copper and a small amount of silver. 

Did you know that in the early 20th century many countries passed laws to restrict the length of hatpins? Women had begun to use them to protect themselves from unwanted advances from men, sexual harassers that were often described at the time as mashers. While many would certainly have been an effective deterrent this one is on the smaller side, but potentially easier to handle. 

Please look closely at the photographs as they form an important part of the description. If you are based in Wellington, free delivery is available in the central, southern and eastern suburbs, or for $5 in the northern and western suburbs. If you would like further information, please get in touch directly (contact@eldercroftandsons.co.nz).