Fragment of a comb

Physical description

Carved decoration depicts lovers beneath a pavilion. The remains of the teeth of the comb are visible on the lower margin.

Place of Origin

Malwa, India (probably, made)

Date

ca. 2nd century (made)

Artist/maker

unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Carved ivory

Dimensions

Depth: 6.4 cm, Height: 5.1 cm

Object history note

Purchased from J.E.Gejou of Paris in 1937. RP/37/3241 & 2547

Historical context note

North (central?) India, Kushan dynasty, circa 2nd century AD. Carved decoration depicts lovers beneath a pavilion. The remains of the teeth of the comb are visible on the lower margin.

Descriptive line

Fragment of a comb in Ivory, North (central?) India, ca. 2nd century AD

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Correspondance between Gejou and the V&A first addressed to the 'Department of ivory'. Letter dated 12/3/1937 to MacLogan with attached a letter from the Musee Guimet (20/11/1928) signed by Hackin, assigning the piece to the VII-VIII AD. Ajanta and Bhilsa are quoted for comparison. Codrington recognises the comb as Northern Indian, and dates it to the 1st BC. After much bargaining the piece is bought for 40 pounds.
Swallow, Deborah and John Guy eds. Arts of India: 1550-1900. text by Rosemary Crill, John Guy, Veronica Murphy, Susan Stronge and Deborah Swallow. London : V&A Publications, 1990. 240 p., ill. ISBN 1851770224, p.23, no.10.

Production Note

North (central?) India, India

Materials

Ivory

Techniques

Carving

Subjects depicted

Figures; Leaves

Categories

Accessories

Collection code

IND