Scissors
18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
These scissors were used during the ceremony of cutting the top knot marking the coming of age of a boy or girl. The end of the handle is encircled by imitations of the nine planetary gemstones or Nopparat in Thai, believed to have magical, protective powers.
Wearing the set was reserved for the highest levels of society. This, together with the outstanding craftsmanship, suggests it may once have been a royal piece.
Wearing the set was reserved for the highest levels of society. This, together with the outstanding craftsmanship, suggests it may once have been a royal piece.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Steel, with gold inlay |
| Brief description | takrai; Domestic, steel gold, inlaid, Thailand, C18 |
| Physical description | A pair of scissors (takrai) of steel inlaid in gold with elaborate floral ornament. The gold knob at the end is enamelled and decorated with pieces of coloured glass. Used in the hair-cutting ceremony ('kone-chook'). |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | TONSURE SCISSORS (THAI: TAKRAI)
Steel, gilding, glass
Bangkok
Early to mid 19th century
402-1894
These scissors were used during the ceremony of cutting the top knot marking the coming of age of a boy or girl. The end of the handle is encircled by imitations of the nine planetary gemstones or Nopparat in Thai, believed to have magical, protective powers.
Wearing the set was reserved for the highest levels of society. This, together with the outstanding craftsmanship, suggests it may once have been a royal piece.
(1/10/2008) |
| Summary | These scissors were used during the ceremony of cutting the top knot marking the coming of age of a boy or girl. The end of the handle is encircled by imitations of the nine planetary gemstones or Nopparat in Thai, believed to have magical, protective powers. Wearing the set was reserved for the highest levels of society. This, together with the outstanding craftsmanship, suggests it may once have been a royal piece. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 402-1894 |
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| Record created | February 14, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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