Comb
1800-1880 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Object Type
This is a typical 19th-century Japanese ornamental comb. Combs were often made of luxurious and eye-catching materials, in this case lacquered wood. The design of the moon behind a tree cleverly continues around the back, encouraging the viewer to turn it over.
Ownership & Use
This type of comb was meant to be used as a decorative hair ornament rather than as something useful for actually combing the hair. Combs became popular with the emergence of elaborate hair-dos during the 17th century. They complemented the elegant kimono of the wearer and were usually used in combination with ornate hairpins and bodkins.
Time
In the mid-1850s Japan was opened up after more than two centuries of seclusion from the rest of the world. The passion for all things Japanese that this triggered in the West was termed 'Japonisme'. Japanese art objects were avidly bought by Western collectors, artists and designers from specialist dealers or from shops such as Liberty's. Kimono and dress accessories were regarded as the embodiment of Japanese femininity.
This is a typical 19th-century Japanese ornamental comb. Combs were often made of luxurious and eye-catching materials, in this case lacquered wood. The design of the moon behind a tree cleverly continues around the back, encouraging the viewer to turn it over.
Ownership & Use
This type of comb was meant to be used as a decorative hair ornament rather than as something useful for actually combing the hair. Combs became popular with the emergence of elaborate hair-dos during the 17th century. They complemented the elegant kimono of the wearer and were usually used in combination with ornate hairpins and bodkins.
Time
In the mid-1850s Japan was opened up after more than two centuries of seclusion from the rest of the world. The passion for all things Japanese that this triggered in the West was termed 'Japonisme'. Japanese art objects were avidly bought by Western collectors, artists and designers from specialist dealers or from shops such as Liberty's. Kimono and dress accessories were regarded as the embodiment of Japanese femininity.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Wood with black lacquer and gold and silver <i>hiramaki-e</i> and <i>togidashi maki-e</i> lacquer |
Brief description | Lacquer comb with moon behind tree |
Dimensions |
|
Gallery label |
|
Object history | Purchased from a source not recorded in the Asia Department registers, accessioned in 1888. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. Made in Japan |
Summary | Object Type This is a typical 19th-century Japanese ornamental comb. Combs were often made of luxurious and eye-catching materials, in this case lacquered wood. The design of the moon behind a tree cleverly continues around the back, encouraging the viewer to turn it over. Ownership & Use This type of comb was meant to be used as a decorative hair ornament rather than as something useful for actually combing the hair. Combs became popular with the emergence of elaborate hair-dos during the 17th century. They complemented the elegant kimono of the wearer and were usually used in combination with ornate hairpins and bodkins. Time In the mid-1850s Japan was opened up after more than two centuries of seclusion from the rest of the world. The passion for all things Japanese that this triggered in the West was termed 'Japonisme'. Japanese art objects were avidly bought by Western collectors, artists and designers from specialist dealers or from shops such as Liberty's. Kimono and dress accessories were regarded as the embodiment of Japanese femininity. |
Bibliographic references |
|
Collection | |
Accession number | 38-1888 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | March 27, 2003 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest