Reproducing an Edo Period Orbital Epithesis with Wood and Crystal

In Japan, ophthalmic diseases, such as gonorrheal conjunctivitis, were widespread during the Edo period (1603-1868), leaving many patients without one or both eyes. Numerous records indicate that many professional denturists often crafted artificial eyes for such patients; however, no evidence of inserted prosthetic eyes has been found to date. The author aimed to recreate a wooden orbital epithesis using the same materials and methods as those used in the Edo period where boxwood was used for wooden plate dentures. The inner surface of the epithesis could be contaminated with mucus; therefore, raw lacquer was applied similar to that applied to Noh masks. The artificial eye was fabricated using Japanese crystal, which was used for gyokugan (inlaid crystal eyes) in Buddhist statues in Japan for 900 years. The crystal was formed and polished with whetstones, and the skin surface was painted with Japanese paints and finished with beeswax. The method of orbital epithesis fixation remains unknown, and the possibility of using an adhesive was considered. The author's initial trial indicated that a relatively realistic orbital epithesis could be recreated. Highly skillful Edo-period denturists were likely to have fabricated considerably more sophisticated artificial eyes.