Rosalie Gilbert

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.