Title
Fingernail guard
Year/Period
Late 19th century - Early 20th century
Region
Java, Indonesia
Object Type
fingernail guard, worn costume accessories
Material
gold (metal), diamond (mineral)
Technique
metalworking, encrusting, applied work
Dimension
Object size: 2.4 x 10.1 x 1.9 cm
Accession No.
2019-00460
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Dr Roger and Mrs Betty Mariette
NLB Type
Goldwork
Cast in solid gold, this fingernail guard’s impressive weight distinguishes it from Chinese examples, which are typically made of light filigree work, allowing fingers a high degree of flexibility. Fingernail guards were popular among women of the Chinese Qing court in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as they were indicative of one’s noble status and exclusion from manual labour. This example is likely to be a unique ornament, commissioned at the whim of a wealthy individual.
