kushi (comb)

kushi (comb) , 1700s, Edo period (1600–1868)

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: lacquer; wood

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.0189

Not on display

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Civic Leader and Art Collector: Sallie Casey Thayer and an Art Museum for KU

In Edo-period Japan (1600–1868), courtesans would select kanzashi, or hairpins, according to their rank. Young courtesans and kamuro (courtesans-in-training) wore bira kanzashi. Bira referred to the gentle tinkling sound made by the dangling ornaments of the hairpin whenever the courtesan moved her head.