Comb

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This lacquered comb shows Japanese design at its very best. The crane wraps itself over the comb. The crane is a popular motif in Japanese art symbolising longevity.

This wooden comb has been covered by many layers of transparent lacquer. Lacquer is a protective coating from the rhu verniciflua tree. A paste of finely ground particles has been moulded into a bird on the comb. This technique is known as takamakie.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-261-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1888.178
• Date: 19th century
  
• Material:
• Dimensions: 4.25" L x 2.50" W
  
• What:
• Subject: Lacquer and wood / combs (wood)
  
• Who:
• Where: Japan
  
• Event:
• Description: Comb of lacquered wood, with a crane in raised gold lac: Japan, 19th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: