Publication Date
8th century AH / 14th century AD.
Publication Place
-
Museum of Islamic Art
Subject
Wood decorated with relief carvings and grooves.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الطول: 7.5 سم ؛ العرض: 7.5 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
1/ 3957
Record ID
object;ISL;eg;Mus01;8;ar
Library Location
Museum of Islamic Art
Date
8th century AH / 14th century AD.
Notes
The piece is a roughly square-shaped comb with thin teeth on one side and thick teeth on the other. As for the part separating the two sides, it is a thin rectangle with a circle in the middle with two grooved frames, in the middle of which is drawn a emblem (blank) in the shape of a lily flower. On either side of the circle appear two recessed triangular areas, inside each of which are three small concentric circles executed in the hammering style. On the face and back of the two comb stands, there is an inscription in Naskh script executed in relief, which reads: “Eternal Glory and Iqbal,” and this writing is interspersed with small, scattered circles. The decorations on the face of the comb are similar to those on the back. The part separating the teeth of the comb is considered the most important part of the comb. The makers showed ingenuity in decorating it with various types of writing, floral and geometric decorations and drawings of living creatures such as birds and fish, in addition to decorating this part of the comb with emblems such as the lily flower, the cup, the bug and the two polo sticks. There is no doubt that the style of decoration and execution of this part of the comb helps a lot in dating the combs. Perhaps one of the funniest written texts that was recorded on some combs is an inscription that reads: “I am a comb who has worked for demobilization. I will not dismiss except all who are good - O Lord, end well - whoever conceals the secret of your command.” There are some writings that indicate the use of these combs specifically for some women. In addition to hair combs, there are other combs that have teeth on one side only and were used for styling beard hair. A market was designated for the sale of combs in Cairo, which the historian Al-Maqrizi referred to in his plans as the market of Al-Amshateen and specified its place between the Salihi school and the goldsmiths.
Sample Text
Salah Sayour "Comb" in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;eg;Mus01;8;ar
