Double-sided comb

Korea

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 233

Joseon paintings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries document the popularity of ornate braided and bouffant hairstyles for women. Men would have their long hair in tight top knots. Combs with fine teeth and oils would be used to achieve these styles. This comb is made from single piece of wood and the spine is decorated with painted ox horn. The motif is painted on a very thin slice of ox horn that is translucent and the painted side is affixed to the wood. Thus the flower decoration is being seen through the thin slice of horn.

Double-sided comb, Wood, bone, painted ox horn , Korea

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Double-sided comb, Wood, bone, painted ox horn , Korea
Double-sided comb, Wood, bone, painted ox horn , Korea

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