Combing His Hair 1770

This is “Combing His Hair”, a woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, made in Japan sometime in the mid-18th century. Note the intimacy of the scene: one woman is playing a shamisen, while another gently combs her hair. This everyday act carries a weight of meaning. Throughout history, hair has been a potent symbol of beauty, status, and sensuality. Consider depictions of Venus, often portrayed with flowing locks, embodying ideals of female allure. Yet, hair can also signify vulnerability, as seen in images of captive women having their hair shorn, marking a loss of power and identity. Here, the act of combing suggests a nurturing connection, a moment of quiet tenderness. The woman’s downcast gaze and the gentle touch of the comb evoke a sense of shared intimacy, hinting at the complex emotional bonds between women. It is as though we are granted a fleeting glimpse into a private world, filled with subtle gestures of care and affection.