Overview
The Taimai-sō gaku-kushi is a magnificent artifact dating back to the Heian Period (794–1185), preserved at Dōmyōji Tenmangū Shrine in Fujiidera City, Osaka Prefecture. The comb features luxurious decoration created by adhering thin pieces of tortoiseshell (taimai) onto the surface of ivory. This item is part of a larger collection known as the “Sugawara Collection,” which includes other artifacts such as mirrors and combs believed to be personal belongings of Sugawara no Michizane—a figure revered today as the god of scholarship. Due to its extremely high historical and artistic value, the entire set was designated a National Treasure.
Historical Background
The early Heian Period was a time when Japan’s unique kokufū bunka (Japanese-style culture) was developing. Dōmyōji Tenmangū Shrine traces its origins back to Doshiji Temple, which was the clan temple of the Sugawara family. Legend holds that this site is where Michizane’s aunt, Kakujuni, resided, and it was here that he paused to say goodbye before his exile to Dazaifu. This comb, along with other treasures in the collection, has been carefully preserved by the shrine as items believed to have been used or associated with Sugawara no Michizane over many generations. In 1952 (Shōwa 27), the entire set was designated a National Treasure, recognized for its status as a prime example of early Heian Period craftsmanship and technology.
Features and Appeal
The Taimai-sō gaku-kushi is an exquisite piece that encapsulates the advanced craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of the aristocratic society during the period.
- Masterful Fusion of Rare Materials: The comb is formed from ivory, onto which thin sheets of tortoiseshell—which possess a translucent quality and unique mottled pattern—are meticulously affixed without gaps. The clean white of the ivory creates a sophisticated contrast with the deep, rich tones of the tortoiseshell.
- Refined Form: Characteristic of Heian Period combs, it features an elegant shape defined by gentle curves. It possesses perfect form for display while retaining its function as a practical grooming tool.
- Exceptional Preservation: Given that such artifacts are susceptible to degradation over more than a thousand years, this piece has been miraculously preserved, conveying the original colors and luster of the era.
- Historical Symbolism: More than just an accessory, it serves as a relic that directly narrates the court life and culture of the time through its connection to Sugawara no Michizane—a figure of immense importance in Japanese history.
Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)