What culture saw the blackening of women's teeth a sign of beauty?
Ohaguro is the custom of dyeing one's teeth black. It was most popular in Japan until the Meiji era. Tooth painting is also known and practiced in the southeastern parts of China, Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. Dyeing is mainly done by married women, though occasionally men do it as well. It was also beneficial, as it prevented tooth decay, in a similar fashion to modern dental sealants.
In Japan, Ohaguro existed in one form or another for hundreds of years and was seen amongst the population as beautiful until the end of the Meiji period. Objects that were pitch black, such as glaze-like lacquer, were also seen as beautiful.
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
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29 Comments
Stevie G
Teeth blackening was practiced in Thailand since the very early kingdoms of Sukhothai, Lanna and Ayutthaya through betel chewing. The dark red black stain left on the teeth was considered a sign of beauty, and betel nut chewing was an activity performed during courtship.
Pauline Davison
Also Thailand, not good having two correct answers!
Chris Brown
The correcy answer is Thailand. Teeth blackening was practiced in Thailand since the very early kingdoms of Sukhothai, Lanna and Ayutthaya through betel chewing. The dark red black stain left on the teeth was considered a sign of beauty, and betel nut chewing was an activity performed during courtship.21 Nov 2022
teacherchicky
Stevie G is correct and although the Japanese practiced it later, it originally came from Thailand! Your answer as worded in your question is wrong!
John W Shreve
Chewing betel nut causes teeth to blacken. It was common in Vietnam.
Coral Harvey
We know that teeth blackening was used in Japan but the questioner seemed unaware that Vietnam and China and other parts of South east Asia.
Coral Harvey
Totally wrong answer please research the question properly. Chinese did it too.
Scott Alan Yost
Thailand, Vietnam, China, etc.
Karin Johansson
Stevie G, stop use copy and paste
Karin Johansson
The kindergarten gang is out again! They are waiting for you there!
Karin Johansson
Alan Smith, it is not more than one correct answer
Karin Johansson
Lexi, it was used in Japan!
Karin Johansson
Adrian Fisher, No
Karin Johansson
James Derrick, No you are wrong
Julie Domaille
I was looking for Elizabethan times as Lizzie 1 ate so much sugar, all her teeth were black and rotting so it became the fashion they say
Silvia Levame
The blackening of women’s teeth was considered a sign of beauty in some cultures. For example, in Thailand, teeth blackening was practiced since the very early kingdoms of Sukhothai, Lanna and Ayutthaya through betel chewing. The dark red black stain left on the teeth was considered a sign of beauty, and betel nut chewing was an activity performed during courtship. In Japan, blackening the teeth was regarded as a sign of beauty in Japanese society1.
Ben
Black is beautiful in the early centuries.