tooth blackening container

Kettle used as a utensil for blackening teeth. It is made from brass, with embossed decoration of pine tree, Japanese plum, tachibana (citrus), crane, and turtle on the side, and peony on the base. On the spout are chrysanthemum petals. There are scrolls on the handle. The main body is made from one sheet of brass. It has a curved, swivelling handle over the top, and a small spout.

Tooth blackening was practised in the Edo and early Meiji periods. It was banned in 1870.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
15.62.2a
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 102 mm x 65 mm x 90 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
brass
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
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Collection Information

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