Title
Ivory comb depicting Lakshmi
Year/Period
18th century
Region
Sri Lanka
Material
Dimension
Object size: 13 x 9 cm
Accession No.
2016-00129
Collection of
This ivory comb depicts a goddess, most likely Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, seated and holding two leafy fronds. The diamond-patterned border and the additional beaded borders are typical of ivory combs from Sri Lanka from this time. This finely incised comb is rare for having all its teeth intact. Some of the original stained polychrome decoration remains on the comb. Several examples exist of such combs that were handcrafted and produced in multiples; they were sought after by the European market, particularly the Dutch and Portuguese.
