Ivory comb and forged iron curling (hair curler) belonging to a noble lady, circa 1605

A hairdressing set, once owned by an important noble lady, consisting of a comb and a quill, dating back to the first half of the 17th century.

The rectangular ivory comb features a row of larger, sparser denticles on one side and a row of finer, denser denticles on the other. On each side, there are some very interesting engravings: on one side, the name "Livia Drusi" is engraved, flanked by two eagles with half-open wings, likely representing the noble emblem of her lineage, and the date "1605." On the other, a Latin aphorism reads: "Etiam Capillus Unus Habet Umbram Suam," which translates to "Even a hair has its shadow," as if to urge careful combing, as even a misplaced hair will be noticed.

We do not know whether the date given refers to the year the Noble Lady commissioned it or the year this comb, or the entire set (now lost), was given to her.

The comb is in excellent condition, with no cracks or missing parts.

The hand iron forged, sculpted, and engraved iron curling iron was certainly made for a noble client, as its workmanship sublimates the purpose for which it was used. It is virtually impossible to find curling irons with shapes and decorations like this one. Its workmanship, shape, and details place it around 1600/20, and most likely in use by the Lady herself. To date, it is one of the very few older curling irons known.

Its state of preservation is excellent.

Reference:

Correr Museum (Venice) - Numero Inventary Museum Cl. XIII n. 0083 - https://www.archiviodellacomunicazione.it/sicap/Op...