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Object Timeline

1951

  • We acquired this object.

2014

2015

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.

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

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.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18386851/ |title=Manicure Set (India) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=5 November 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>