Kanban (sign board) for comb shop, unknown maker from Japan

Artwork Overview

Kanban (sign board) for comb shop
Kanban (sign board) for comb shop
Kanban (sign board) for comb shop
late 1800s
Kanban (sign board) for comb shop , late 1800s
Where object was made: Japan
Material/technique: wood
Dimensions:
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 37.5 x 71.5 cm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 14 3/4 x 28 1/8 in
Credit line: Gift of Jay Gates, Director, Spencer Museum of Art, 1984–1987
Accession number: 2012.0637
Not on display
Add to portfolio

If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request

Label texts

Nature/Natural
In Japan, kanban (sign boards for retail stores) have been regarded not only as utilitarian signs to identify products sold, but also as symbols representing the soul and honor of the merchants. Thus, they function much like family crests. This kanban is based on the short-toothed wooden comb in common use in Japan since the 17th century. There is a famous saying in Japan that goes, “A woman’s hair is her life” (髪は女の命 Kami wa onna no inochi). For Japanese women, hair is an essential part of beauty and fashion. Combs have been used as luxury items not just to style hair but also to embellish elaborate coiffures. Typically, an exquisitely decorated comb would have been worn with prongs inserted into the front of a large topknot on the crown of the head (see detail below). Detail of: Toyoharu Chikanobu (1838–1912) jūichigatsu (The Eleventh Month), 1890 Spencer Museum of Art Lucy Shaw Schultz Fund 2007.0062.11
In Japan, kanban (sign boards for retail stores) have been regarded not only as utilitarian signs to identify products sold, but also as symbols representing the soul and honor of the merchants. Thus, they function much like family crests. This kanban is based on the short-toothed wooden comb in common use in Japan since the 17th century. There is a famous saying in Japan that goes, “A woman’s hair is her life” (????? Kami wa onna no inochi). For Japanese women, hair is an essential part of beauty and fashion. Combs have been used as luxury items not just to style hair but also to embellish elaborate coiffures. Typically, an exquisitely decorated comb would have been worn with prongs inserted into the front of a large topknot on the crown of the head (see detail below). Detail of: Toyoharu Chikanobu (1838-1912) juichigatsu (The Eleventh Month), 1890 Spencer Museum of Art Lucy Shaw Schultz Fund 2007.0062.11
Exhibition Label: "Nature/Natural," Jan-2014, Kris Ercums In Japan, kanban (sign boards for retail stores) have been regarded not only as utilitarian signs to identify products sold, but also as symbols representing the soul and honor of the merchants. Thus, they function much like family crests. This kanban is based on the short-toothed wooden comb in common use in Japan since the 17th century. There is a famous saying in Japan that goes, “A woman’s hair is her life” (髪は女の命 Kami wa onna no inochi). For Japanese women, hair is an essential part of beauty and fashion. Combs have been used as luxury items not just to style hair but also to embellish elaborate coiffures. Typically, an exquisitely decorated comb would have been worn with prongs inserted into the front of a large topknot on the crown of the head (see detail below). Detail of: Toyoharu Chikanobu (1838–1912) jūichigatsu (The Eleventh Month), 1890 Spencer Museum of Art Lucy Shaw Schultz Fund 2007.0062.11

Exhibitions

Nature/Natural
Kris Ercums, curator
2011–2014