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Object Timeline

1951	We acquired this object.
2014	We exhibited this object.
2015	We photographed this object.
2024	You found it!

Manicure Set (India)

This is a Manicure set. It is dated probably 19th century and we acquired it in 1951. Its medium is gilt and filigreed silver, turquoise. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The manicure was an important personal ritual for both men and women in India, as well-groomed hands and nails could signify caste or vocation. Worn as an accessory, this filigreed decorative manicure set would have been pinned to the shoulder of a woman’s clothing or hung from a man’s belt.

This object was donated by Miss Frances Morris. It is credited Gift of Frances Morris.

A set of two silver gilt, horizontal, teardrop shaped buckles which have been split in the middle to reveal the join, making four paisley shapeslaid out in two rows. The top two are smaller in shape and are studded with a small turquoise stone in the curved edge of the teardrop. They both have silver gilt tassels with coral beads along their bottom edges and a circular join to fasten. The bottom two are larger in shape and are embellished with floral patterns and studded with small turquoise stones and coral beads. They both have silver gilt tassels with coral beads along their bottom edges and a circular join to fasten. The section in the bottom left has a larger diamond shape hanging from the circular join which has its own silver gilt tassels with coral beads.

Buckles (2) (India), late 19th century
silver gilt, turquoise, coral, glass.
Gift of Anonymous Donor.
1942-69-5-a/d

Pair of turquoise earrings with a circle followed by a teardrop followed by a circle followed by a fleur de lis in a hanging design inset in a matrix of silver.

Earrings (India), late 19th century
turquoise matrix and silver.
Gift of Frances Morris.
1951-111-89-a,b

Hand Or Foot Piece (India)
silver.
Gift of Frances Morris.
1951-111-91

Our curators have highlighted 5 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

Etui With Writing And Grooming Instruments (England)

Etui With Writing And Grooming Instruments (England)
enamel on copper, gilt copper, steel, ivory, cut wood.
Bequest of Sarah Cooper Hewitt.
1931-6-105-a/h

Chatelaine Chain (India)
silver.
Gift of Anonymous Donor.
1953-178-97

Necklace (India)
silver.
Gift of Anonymous Donor.
1953-178-96

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 24.8 x 6.2 x 0.2 cm (9 3/4 x 2 7/16 x 1/16 in.)

Cite this object as

Manicure Set (India); gilt and filigreed silver, turquoise; H x W x D: 24.8 x 6.2 x 0.2 cm (9 3/4 x 2 7/16 x 1/16 in.); Gift of Frances Morris; 1951-111-90

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Passion for the Exotic: Lockwood de Forest, Frederic Church.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/2CeLF/
Accession Number 1951-111-90
Object ID 18386851