As certain coiffures came into fashion in the middle of the Edo period, ornamental combs and hairpins began to be used widely. These combs and hairpins come in a variety of designs. They are as diverse in materials employed ( tortoiseshell, coral, wood, ivory, glass, metal, horse hooves, etc. ) as in decorative technique uses ( lacquer with gold, silver and mother-of-pearl inlay, marquetry, openwork and gilding. ) These hairdressing items represent the very best of the craftsmanship of those days. Designs are somewhat associated with those employed in textiles. Flowers and birds, auspicious symbols, and motifs inspired by old literature are at times exquisitely executed, at other times, these same designs are rendered in a bold or simple fashion.