Scenes from the Story of Joseph
Not on view
Combs with ivory teeth, ornamented with secular scenes, were produced in Flanders, northern France, and Italy during the Middle Ages. The carving style of this unusual later example is more refined and its iconography is more elaborate. The rendering of the architecture is detailed. Joseph, who stored up grain during "seven fat years" to provide for "seven lean years," was an exemplar of thrift and chastity and thus was often depicted on Netherlandish wedding items; perhaps this comb was made for a bride.
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