Double-sided comb
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.
Artwork Details
- Hwagak chambit
- 화각 참빗 조선
- 華角櫛 朝鮮
- Title: Double-sided comb
- Period: Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
- Date: late 19th–early 20th century
- Culture: Korea
- Medium: Wood, bone, painted ox horn
- Dimensions: H. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm); W. 2 3/16 om. (5.6 cm); L. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
- Classification: Woodwork
- Credit Line: Gift of the children of Lea R. Sneider, 2024
- Object Number: 2024.301.13
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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