File:BLW Jamaican Comb Case.jpg

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English: Jamaican comb case

Dated 1673
Tortoiseshell, carved and engraved

This case and combs are among the earliest surviving works of art made in Jamaica that reflect European influence. Highly prized for its colour, translucency and brilliant shine, tortoiseshell was used for furniture inlays and luxurious accessories in the 17th century.

This set belongs to an intriguing group of tortoiseshell objects, made in Jamaica between 1671 and 1690. The style of decoration suggests all of the objects were made by the same artist. Many bear the distinctive scrolling tulip and sunflower motifs seen on these combs.

Who the creator of these remarkable objects was remains a mystery. There is no record of such a craftsman on the island during this period, nor any indication of the artist's nationality. Lady Lynch, wife of the new Governor of Jamaica Sir Thomas Lynch, may have commissioned some of these tortoiseshell objects. As an amateur artist, she may also have influenced the design of their decoration. Lady Lynch sent one set of the combs and case to Lady Arlington in 1682, along with '400 lbs of the best white sugar from Barbados ... and some vanillas'.

The decoration on the tortoiseshell relates directly to Britain's seizure of the island. The newly awarded arms of Jamaica are engraved on one side of the case, while the three plants important to Jamaica's economy are represented on the other.

Collection ID: Museum no. 524-1877

This photo was taken as part of Britain Loves Wikipedia in February 2010 by art_traveller.

Date Photographed in February 2010
Source Originally uploaded at http://www.britainloveswikipedia.org/
Author art_traveller

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current22:42, 10 April 2010Thumbnail for version as of 22:42, 10 April 20102,381 × 3,145 (1.76 MB)File Upload Bot (Mike Peel) (talk | contribs){{BLW2010 | title=Jamaican Comb Case | description={{en|Jamaican comb case <br /> Dated 1673<br /> Tortoiseshell, carved and engraved <br /> <br /> This case and combs are among the earliest surviving works of art made in Jamaica that reflect European inf

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