Photo of collection object Comma or Kidney Shaped Bead (Magatama)
Comma or Kidney Shaped Bead (Magatama), 400 B.C.E. - 600 C.E.. Stone, 11/16 x 1 1/4 x 13/16 in. (1.8 x 3.2 x 2 cm). Museum Expedition 1909, Purchased with funds given by Thomas T. Barr, E. LeGrand Beers, Carll H. de Silver, Herman B. Stutzer, Colonel Robert B. Woodward and the Museum Collection Fund, 09.898.1. Creative Commons-BY.

Comma or Kidney Shaped Bead (Magatama)

400 B.C.E. - 600 C.E.

Maker Unknown

Asian Art

Magatama are comma-shaped beads that were worn by the upper classes of ancient Japan, possibly for protective as well as decorative purposes. The inspiration for the shape is unclear: it might imitate an animal claw or tooth, or it might be a stylized representation of a fetus. Similar beads are found in the tombs of social elites in Korea, illustrating strong ties between the ancient peoples of the two regions.
Maker/Artist
Maker Unknown
Classification
Jewelry
Formatted Medium
Stone
Medium
stone
Locations
Place made: Japan
Dimensions
11/16 x 1 1/4 x 13/16 in. (1.8 x 3.2 x 2 cm)
Departments
Asian Art
Accession Number
09.898.1
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1909, Purchased with funds given by Thomas T. Barr, E. LeGrand Beers, Carll H. de Silver, Herman B. Stutzer, Colonel Robert B. Woodward and the Museum Collection Fund
Exhibitions
Arts of Japan
Rights Statement
Creative Commons-BY
Dominant Colors

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