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  • One of three Hairpins (kanzashi) with Ear-cleaner, Drum and Floral Motif and Bird and Persimmon Tree Motif, 19th century, Edo Period, (1615-1868) Japan Silver, coral, H: 7 1/8 in, W: 2 1/4 in, D: 1 in Gift of the estate of Mrs. Edward Henry Harriman, 1934  34.269A,B
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Japan

Jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets common in many other cultures were not traditionally worn by Japanese women or men.  The primary method of displaying one's status and wealth in Japan was through the quality and expense of the cloth one wore as well as the tailoring of the clothing.  Nonetheless, Japanese men and women did wear certain resplendent accessories that can be considered jewelry, items that were highlighted through images of beauties (bijin) that included both men and women.  Beauties were popular subjects in painting, sculpture and mass-produced woodblock prints.

During the Edo Period (1615-1848) strict sumptuary laws codified what levels of society-artistocrat (daimyo), samurai, merchant, laborer among others-were allowed to wear certain items.  For men, only samurai could carry double swords.  Most men and women, even those who were members of lower ranks, were permitted to wear "hanging things" (sagemono) including pipes (kiseru), pipe covers (kiseru zutsu) and tobacco puches (tabako ire), as well as small cases (inro) suspended on cords with a sliding bead (ojime) attached to a toggle (netsuke).  Tucked into a waist sash (obi), these "hanging things" became lavish ornaments that express the wearer's wealth and taste.  Women wore beautiful hair pins and combs to secure elaborate hairstyles.  Wealthy women changed their hair ornaments with the seasons, so their decoration reflect seasonal shifts.  Such variations in jewelry and clothing were particularly important to geisha and other professional entertainers whose livelihoods depended on their physical image.

Japanese ornaments are mostly made from ivory, tortoise shell, mother-of-pearl, lacquer, gold, silver and a range of highly worked metal-alloys that have distinct warm and cool colors, such as akagane (red-pickled-copper), shakudo (blue-black copper-gold) and shibuichi (silver-grey silver-copper).  The majority of these materials are found within Japan or just off its shores, with the exception of ivory which was imported from Southeast Asia.

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  • Closed: New Year's Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day & December 25.
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Hours

Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Thursday-Sunday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: closed; school groups only (except MLK Jr. Day)
To reserve your tour, call 973.596.6690

Closed: New Year's Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day & December 25.

Directions

Footer Map
The Newark Museum of Art
973.596.6550
49 Washington Street,
Newark, NJ
07102-3176

GET DIRECTIONS

Adult Group: 973.596.6550
School Group: 973.596.6690
Membership: 973.596.6686

The Newark Museum of Art is committed to making its collection, buildings, programs and services accessible to all audiences. For more information click here

Contact Us

Hours

Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
Thursday-Sunday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: closed; school groups only (except MLK Jr. Day)
To reserve your tour, call 973.596.6690

Closed: New Year's Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day & December 25.

Directions

Footer Map
The Newark Museum of Art
973.596.6550
49 Washington Street,
Newark, NJ
07102-3176

GET DIRECTIONS


Adult Group: 973.596.6650
School Group: 973.596.6690
Membership: 973.596.6699
The Newark Museum of Art is committed to making its collection, buildings, programs and services accessible to all audiences. For more information click here
49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3176 | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY POLICY
© 2021 THE NEWARK MUSEUM OF ART