Does anyone know what it’s called? I’ve have seen it twice. In the movie Wing Chun and in Curse of the Golden Flower. It is a long claw like attachment worn on the pinky and ring finger. Seems to be only worn by aristocratic women.
It forces the wearer to hold out the fingers, which makes everything they do seem dainty. Guessing that was the whole point. Or used as a status symbol that they dont have to do real work.
Long story short, aristocrats had very long fingernails, and often encased in a jewel encrusted sheath. Showed that they clearly did not have to perform any kind of manual task.
Even today, it is very common to see primarily men in China with their pinky fingernails 1/4 to 1/2 inch or 1 cm long. Usually well manucured. Owners think it makes them look nobel or aristocratic, I think it makes them look like they have a booger picker. YMMV
Knew I could count on China Guy!
What’s it called? My wife wants a set, but I dont know what to ask for.
Do a search on Chinese Fingernail Protector and you’ll get some hits. Here’s an antique and this is a modern cloisonne version. Go wild.
Or a built-in coke spoon…
What?
My father has a longish pinkie nail. He says he uses it to clean out his ears.
My father has an odd sense of humour.