Comb (kushi) and Hair Stick (kogai) Decorated wtih Flowers, Leaves, and Grasses
1899-1911
Scroll
Comb (kushi) and Hair Stick (kogai) Decorated wtih Flowers, Leaves, and Grasses
1899-1911
Physical Qualities
Black and gold lacquer, silver, shell, Comb: 1 7/8 × 3 3/4 × 3/8 in. (4.8 × 9.5 × 1 cm.)
Hair Stick: 1/2 × 6 3/8 × 3/8 in. (1.3 × 16.2 × 1 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. R. Austin Tydings
Object Number
1978.89.7
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.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1978; Mr. and Mrs. R. Austin Tydings, Baltimore
Inscribed: Kogai: 2 character signature
