Japanese Women's Hairstyles Through the Ages

Gikei - Two topknots and many hair tools, Edo Period c. 1804-1808

Print by Kininaga Utagawa, c. 1804-1808

Library of Congress, no restrictions

This amazing Late Edo Period creation includes huge waxed side-wings, two extremely high topknots (gikei), and an incredible array of hairsticks and combs.

The model here, shown sometime between 1804 and 1808, was a famous actress. This woodcut print was created by Kininaga Utagawa.

• Kepatsu - Hair Bound with a Red String, c. 600 A.D.
• Taregami - Long, Straight Hair, c. 794 -1345
• Shimada Mage - Tied-back hair with a comb on top, c. 1650-1780
• Shimada Mage - Tied-back hair with a large comb on top, c. 1750-1868
• Box Shimada Mage - Tied-back hair with a box at back, c. 1750-1868
• Vertical Mage - Hair piled on top, with a comb in front, 1790s
• Yoko-hyogo - Mountains of hair on top with wings on the sides, late Edo Period
• Gikei - Two topknots and many hair tools, Edo Period c. 1804-1808
• Maru Mage - Huge, waxed bun with a bincho spreader, 18th -19th centuries
• Osuberakashi - Simple tied-back hair, with a high front, c. 1850-1912