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
- Period
- Yayoi or Kofun period
- Dimensions
- 3/8 x 1 x 9/16 in. (1 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm)
- Departments
- Asian Art
- Accession Number
- 09.898.2
- 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
- Museum Location
- Asian Galleries, Arts of Japan, 2nd floor
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