Collection
/
Asian Art

Comma or Kidney Shaped Bead (Magatama)

400 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.

Object Label

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.

Caption

Comma or Kidney Shaped Bead (Magatama), 400 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.. Stone, 3/8 x 1 x 9/16 in. (1 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, 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, 09.898.2.

Collection

Asian Art

Title

Comma or Kidney Shaped Bead (Magatama)

Date

400 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.

Period

Yayoi or Kofun period

Geography

Place made: Japan

Medium

Stone

Classification

Jewelry

Dimensions

3/8 x 1 x 9/16 in. (1 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm)

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

Accession Number

09.898.2

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