A spirit lies within

Wooden combs in Japan were once believed to have shamanic qualities. Women would brush their black hair thinking that the combs would gather each strand’s spiritual energy. In later years they became used to create elaborate hairdos for the geisha and kabuki actors of traditional Japanese entertainment scenes. Today the combs are acknowledged as a traditional craft and appreciated for their function as everyday cosmetic tools. Jusan-Ya is renowned for their high-quality versions. Family-run since 1875, Jusan-Ya continues to handcraft combs in the original methods of the Nara period at their Kyoto based workshop.