Beard Tax

In 1705, Emperor Peter I of Russia instituted a beard tax to modernize the society of Russia following European models. Those who paid the tax were required to carry a "beard token". This was a copper or silver token with a Russian Eagle on one side and on the other, the lower part of a face with nose, mouth, whiskers, and beard. It was inscribed with two phrases: "the beard tax has been taken" and "the beard is a superfluous burden".

(via klaatu)

(via klaatu)

cavetocanvas:

Ferdinand Hodler, Self Portrait, 1900

Sam Brinkley was perhaps the world’s greatest authority on pogonotrophy. That’s right, pogonotrophy, the science of beard growing. Sam didn’t start out to be an authority. As a young man he simply became disgusted with the speed with which his beard grew. Twice a day he had to shave the stubble from his face. So, in his early twenties he got mad and quit shaving, his wife’s protests to the contrary. His beard grew and grew — down to his chest, down to his navel and down to his waist.

I’m aiming for a moustache like this

(via greenfurious)

annogus:

Mother of pearl, what is this bearded glory?! The Thing: Perfect film to kick off the snowy season.

annogus:

Mother of pearl, what is this bearded glory?! The Thing: Perfect film to kick off the snowy season.