18th century
Barber's Bowl
Artist/maker unknownA barber's bowl was once an essential tool for a barber shaving his customers. It has a shallow basin with a broad rim. A semicircular opening in the rim allows it to fit closely against the neck of the person being shaved, permitting his chin to reach over the bowl. Two holes in the top of the rim were fitted with string so the bowl could be hung on the wall, and its decoration admired, when not in use.
The center of this bowl shows peonies (botan), prunus (ume), chrysanthemums (kiku), and hydrangeas (ajisai) arranged in a vase.
This record is part of an ongoing effort to share accurate and evolving information. If you notice anything we should improve, we welcome your feedback at [email protected]
Images on this site are shared for educational use. For image rights, permissions, or to learn more about image rights and access, email [email protected]