Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/121

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JAVANESE BEAUTY.
105

arranged in two loops behind, in which chumpaka and molor flowers wore inserted by some, whilst others wore diamond pins. The ear was made unnaturally large by immense ear-rings, in shape exactly like a small cotton reel, about the size of one of Clarke's number sixty, the centre of each end being studded with brilliants. The large holes through which these singular ornaments were thrust are bored at a very tender age, and the apertures are filled from time to time with gradually larger and heavier ear-rings, until the lobes finally become so unnaturally elongated.

Unfortunately the beauty of the Javanese in general is spoilt by the prevalence of bad noses. It is very rarely one comes across a good nose, but when that feature is prefect, the face is usually pretty, provided always the mouth is kept closed, for, from the constant use of seri-gambier tobacco, &c., their teeth are very black. This unfortunately is considered a beauty. In children, of thir-