Medieval Comb With Cosmetic Compartment

[sister_raphael]

This is one of the most stunning artifacts from the early 15th century that I have ever seen.

The photo comes from a book printed by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and I've not seen a colour photo of this online nor seen it written about or mentioned in passing in the enormous amount of writings about hygiene or medieval bath and beauty blogs.

The comb is in the private collection of a lady who loaned it for the publication and it shows not only the astonishing level of boxwood carving itself, but two little sliding chambers which would have housed cosmetics, or perhaps perfume, for the lady to take with her where ever she traveled.

I, for one, think this is a genius idea! Less clutter in one's purse and a smidge of concealer for touching up foundation and a little balm for the lips. I would very much love one of these today.

Comments

[yarnofariadne]

I'd also love one of these! How gorgeous.

[sister_raphael]

I've discovered two more with sliding chambers! Be still my beating heart!

[cmcmck]

What a lovely thing!

Combs turn up all over the place from very early times.

[sister_raphael]

But not like this!!!

[badly_knitted]

That is amazing and very beautiful.

[sister_raphael]

Isn't it, though?

[siglinde999]

Which book? I am sure I have seen that comb before. I have several books from the Cloisters and visited it and the Met several times. I am certain I have photos of combs from the exhibits, (somewhere).

[sister_raphael]

After a few people and I looking around, we've collectively found 3 with sliding bits. One with teeny mirrors, and one with what's described as rouge pots in them.

The book is The Secular Spirit, and it's quite an old one, and not all of the things in it belonged to them at the time. It may have been on display for sure!! I am very excited to see more since I thought it was a one-and-only, not having seen one ever on the timeline of anyone I know or insta or websites generally on in pinterest searches. I guess they'll be everywhere now!!!

[siglinde999]

I have found a copy of that book and will be ordering it. The one I recall seeing had little mirrors.

[sister_raphael]

A friend said one German translation called them rouge pots but the other I saw in colour on fb sure looked like mirrors to me too! You are so lucky to have actually seen one!