Comb (kushi) and Hair Stick (kogai) Decorated with Nandina and Chrysanthemum
1866-1911
Scroll
Comb (kushi) and Hair Stick (kogai) Decorated with Nandina and Chrysanthemum
1866-1911
Physical Qualities
Black lacquer or resin, jade (?), coral, shell, Comb: 2 1/16 × 3 7/8 × 1/4 in. (5.2 × 9.8 × 0.6 cm.)
Hair Stick:1/2 × 6 9/16 × 3/8 in. (1.3 × 16.7 × 1 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. R. Austin Tydings
Object Number
1978.89.8
Japanese texts from the 8th century describe the magical
transformative properties of combs, specifically their
ability to change into torches or clumps of bamboo. More
intimately, it was thought that a comb embodied the spirit
of its owner. Their special nature led to ceremonies
honoring used combs. One such ceremony is held each
September in Kyoto.
During spring and fall migrations, waterfowl are present
in great numbers in the grassy marshes that are a familiar
feature along the coasts and rivers of Japan.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1978; Mr. and Mrs. R. Austin Tydings, Baltimore
BMA, "Diamonds in the Rough: Seldom Seen Objects from the BMA's Collection," June 20-August 13, 1989.
Frances Klapthor, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "The Poetic Imagery of Japanese Art," February 22-August 8, 2010. (Levy Rotation)
Frances Klapthor, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "The Poetic Imagery of Japanese Art," February 22-August 8, 2010. (Levy Rotation)
