Mode of Shampooing
Photograph
Mode of Shampooing
From the album Photographic Views and Costumes of Japan
ca. 1868
Albumen silver print with applied color
20.3 x 25.4 cm.
Purchase
1979.0059.0009
Inscriptions (applied label, printed, opposite page):
MODE OF SHAMPOOING.
SHAMPOOERS in Japan are almost always blind, and in great request. They seem also to be ever at hand when wanted ; wandering as they do, night and day, notifying their whereabouts by blowing a double reed bamboo whistle. Their services are called into requisition both by the sick and the robust: as their method of manipulating the muscles of the body produces a soothing sensation to the weary, and is a great relief to patients suffering from rheumatism : a very common ailment in the very changeable climate of Japan.
The shampooers are a privileged class, and are frequently wealthy. From them the merchants and others borrow money in emergencies for short periods, at a very high rate of interest; and should they be slow in paying back what they have borrowed, complaint to the officials brings restitution with interest forthwith.
MODE OF SHAMPOOING.
SHAMPOOERS in Japan are almost always blind, and in great request. They seem also to be ever at hand when wanted ; wandering as they do, night and day, notifying their whereabouts by blowing a double reed bamboo whistle. Their services are called into requisition both by the sick and the robust: as their method of manipulating the muscles of the body produces a soothing sensation to the weary, and is a great relief to patients suffering from rheumatism : a very common ailment in the very changeable climate of Japan.
The shampooers are a privileged class, and are frequently wealthy. From them the merchants and others borrow money in emergencies for short periods, at a very high rate of interest; and should they be slow in paying back what they have borrowed, complaint to the officials brings restitution with interest forthwith.
