Japanese women blackened their teeth, a practice known as ohaguro, primarily because it was considered a sign of beauty, maturity, and civilization.
Ohaguro: More Than Just Aesthetics
The practice of ohaguro extended beyond mere aesthetics and held significant cultural and practical implications:
-
Beauty Standard: In Japanese society, particularly among the aristocracy and samurai classes, blackened teeth were a widely accepted beauty standard for women (and sometimes men). White teeth were often associated with animals, so blackening them was thought to differentiate humans and make them appear more refined.
-
Sign of Maturity and Social Status: Blackened teeth signified that a woman was married or of marriageable age, indicating maturity and social status.
-
Protection and Health: While not the primary reason, ohaguro offered some dental benefits. The iron-based solution used to blacken the teeth acted as a rudimentary fluoride treatment, helping to prevent tooth decay.
Ingredients and Process
- The ohaguro solution was typically made from iron filings dissolved in vinegar, which was then mixed with tannin from gallnuts or tea powder to create a black liquid.
- The solution had an unpleasant taste and smell, and the process required regular reapplication to maintain the desired color.
Decline of Ohaguro
The practice of ohaguro gradually declined after the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century. The government discouraged the practice, viewing it as uncivilized and outdated. As Western ideals of beauty became more prevalent, white teeth became the preferred standard. By the early 20th century, ohaguro had largely disappeared.
