Uguisu no fun (鶯の糞), which literally means “nightingale feces” in Japanese, refers to the excrement (fun) produced by a particular nightingale called the Japanese bush warbler (Cettia diphone) (uguisu).[1]
Recently, the product has been used in the Western world.[1] This facial has been referred to as the “Geisha Facial”.[1] The facial is supposed to lighten the skin and balance skin tones that have acne or sun damage.[2]
The use of nightingale excrement dates back to the Heian period (A.D. 794 – 1185) where it was introduced to the Japanese by the Koreans.[1][3] The Koreans used the guano to remove dye from kimono fabric which allowed them to make intricate designs on the clothing.[1][3] The Japanese used the bird droppings to remove stains from silk garments, like kimonos.[4][5] Then, during the Edo period (A.D. 1603–1868), the Japanese expanded the use by using it as a beauty treatment.[3] Some sources, however, report that as early as the 3rd century, Japanese women rubbed bags of rice bran on their faces and used nightingale droppings to whiten the skin.[6][7] Geishas and kabuki actors used heavy white makeup that contained zinc and lead, which could have caused skin diseases and other issues.[1][8] Uguisu no fun was used to thoroughly remove the makeup and whiten and even the skin.[1][4] Also, Buddhist monks used the droppings to polish and clean their bald scalps.[1][3]
