Japanese Hair Comb

This is a Japanese hair comb that has a depiction of Japanese-style nature scenery with red flowers and a silver bird. It is placed on a white doily.
A hair comb from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Japan
Year: ca. 1890s
Materials: Lacquer, metal, wood 

This is a Meiji Era comb. Intended to add a decorative element to hair, the comb has a scene painted on it. The picture is a rocky stream with birds and chrysanthemums. The rocks are done in a dark gold and is raised, a technique called nashiji and using cut metal, kirikane. The back side of the piece has a continuation of the design and the birds.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.