VISIT TO THE mayor's HOUSEHOLD. 395 



habits, and customs. He accordingly spoke to the interpreter and took him to task, particnharly 

 for dispersing the women. Yenoske pretended that it was entirely for the benefit of the ladies 

 themselves, as their modesty was such that it could not withstand tlie sight of a stranger. 



The Commodore did not believe a word of this interpretation, however adroit, and plainly 

 told Yenoske so. The imputation, though it expressed a doubt of his truthfulness, did not 

 offend the interpreter in tlie least, but was rather taken as a compliment to liis duplicity, which 

 is one of the most cherished accomplishments of a Japanese official. Finding tliat the Commo- 

 dore was quite alive to the Japanese cunning, and was not to be balked of any of his privileges 

 as a sight-seer, Yenoske promised that at the next town, where some refreshments had been 

 ordered, the women should not be required to avoid the party. Accordingly, on entering this 

 place, every one crowded out to see tlie strangers, men, women, and children. 



The Commodore and his officers were conducted to the home of the mayor or chief magistrate 

 of the town. This dignitary, with great cordiality, met and welcomed them to the hospitalities 

 of his establishment. The interior was quite unpretending, consisting of a large room, spread 

 with soft mats, lighted with oiled paper windows, hung with rudely executed cartoons, and 

 furnished with the usual red-colored benches. The wife and sister of the town official soon 

 entered with refreshments, and smiled a timid welcome to the visitors. These women were 

 bare footed and liare legged, and were dressed very nearly alike, in dark colored robes, with 

 much of the undress look of night gowns, secured by a broad band passing round the waist. 

 Their figures were fat and dumpy, or at any rate appeared so, in their ungraceful drapery, but 

 their faces were not wanting in expression, for^ which they were very much indebted to their 

 glistening eyes, which were black as well as their hair; this was dressed at the top of the head, 

 like that of the men, although not shaved in front. As their "ruby" lips parted in smiling 

 graciously, they displayed a row of black teeth, set in horribly corroded gums. The married 

 women of Japan enjoy the exclusive privilege of dyeing their teeth, which is done with a 

 mixture of vile ingredients, including filings of iron and sakee, termed Olia gur or Camri. 

 This compound, as might be naturally inferred from its composition, is neitlier pleasantly 

 perfumed nor very wholesome. It is so corrosive, that in applying it to the teeth, it is 

 necessary to protect the more delicate structure of the gums and lips, for the mere touch of 

 the odious stuff to the flesh burns it at once into a purple gangrenous spot. In spite of the 

 utmost care, the gums become tainted, and lose tlieir ruddy color and vitality. We should 

 think that the practice was hardly conducive to connubial felicity, and it would be naturally 

 inferred that all the kissing must be expended in the extacy of courtship. This compensa- 

 tion, however, is occasionally lost to the prospective bridegroom, for it is not uncommon for 

 some of the young ladies to inaugurate the habit of blacking the teeth upon the popping of the 

 question. 



The effects of this disgusting habit are more apparent from another practi"e which prevails 

 with the Japanese, as with our would-be civilized dames, that of painting the lips with rouge. 

 The ruddy glow of the mouth brings out in greater contrast the blackness of the gums and 

 teeth. The rouge of the Japanese toilet, called bing, is made of the carthamus tinctorius, and is 

 prepared in cups of porcelain. When a slight coat is applied, it gives a lively red color, but 

 when it is put on thick, a deep violet hue, which is the most prized, is the result.* 



• Thunberg. 



