Artwork Page for Comb

Details / Information for Comb

Comb

1400s

France, Gothic period, 15th century

Medium
boxwood
Measurements
Overall: 11.5 x 16.1 cm (4 1/2 x 6 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1951.452
Public Domain
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Location
106C Medieval Treasury
Print
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Did You Know?

Boxwood is a light-colored wood which is very hard, close-grained, and fine-textured, allowing the carver to do very fine delicate work.

Description

This luxury object is masterfully fashioned from a single piece of wood. The openwork carving is intended to resemble Gothic windows. The inscription reads, "mon ♥️ aves" on one side and "pour bien" on the other, translated to "you have my heart in your possession."
A dark-brown boxwood comb features two rows of teeth extending from an intricately carved frame. Top teeth are thin and closely set, while the bottom teeth are thicker and widely spaced. Geometric pierced patterns and rosettes decorate the central panels. A horizontal band in the middle contains a heart symbol between the letters "mon" and "aues." Side panels display Gothic pointed arches and vertical lines, resembling delicate window tracery within the rectangular frame.

Comb

1400s

France, Gothic period, 15th century

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