While visiting an exhibition, we often don’t have the time to dedicate several minutes to each object – to examine the details or read the description thoroughly. That’s why the curators at the Asia and the Pacific Museum select one object from the collection each month and encourage a closer, more in-depth exploration of its history.

In September, the Object of the Month is protective nail guards (Chinese: hùjiǎ tào 护甲套). Although they existed earlier, they became most popular in China during the reign of the Manchu Qing dynasty (1644–1912). They were mainly worn by concubines at the imperial court, serving as both a decorative element of their attire, aesthetically elongating their slender fingers, and as a way to emphasize their status as individuals who did not have to engage in physical labor. One of the most famous depictions featuring clearly visible nail guards is a painting of Empress Dowager Cixi by the American painter Hubert Vos, created in the early 20th century.

These nail guards were made from various materials, including gold, silver, copper, jade, and tortoiseshell, and were often richly adorned with gemstones, pearls, or decorated using repoussé techniques.

The nail guard in the museum’s collection is made of gilded metal. The outer part of the arc is richly ornamented with a floral motif, and at the base, there is a butterfly motif.

Fotografia Cesarzowej Wdowy Cixi pochodzi ze strony Harvard Art Museums.

Nakładka na paznokcie
Autor nieznany
Chiny, XIX/XX w.
Złoto repusowane
7 x 1,5 x 3 cm
MAP 3983