Comb with the Annunciation and the Adoration of the Magi
Probably Southern Netherlandish
About 1450
Ivory, painted and gilded
Width 13.2 cm x height 11.5 cm
Private collection

Ivory was seen as a luxury material throughout the Middle Ages.  It was carved into many forms, including statuettes and plaques for bookcovers.  Before 1200 these objects were mostly religious, but in the Gothic period there was striking growth in the secular market, and ivory was then used for mirror backs, combs and caskets.