Ornate Chinese unmarked silver metal hair comb Miao (Hmong) people 

 NO US IMPORT TAX 

CONDITION: good vintage condition with signs of age and wear

SIZE: 5 ½ x 4 ins (14 x 10 cm)

APPROXIMATE DATE: late 19th – early 20th century

MATERIALS: low grade silver, wood

DESCRIPTION:

Here is a beautiful antique Miao hair comb which dates from the early 20^th century. It is a genuine antique and not a modern tourist piece.

The wooden comb mount is enclosed in an ornate low grade silver casing. This casing takes a rectangular shape with a curved back. It is adorned with a raised design of flowers on the front extremities. Two rows of tall spike like projections adorn the front and top edge. In addition the casing is surmounted by a complex arrangement of dangling pendants incorporating triangular and bell shaped pieces.

The wooden comb, which is protected by the casing, is in good condition with no broken tines. The case has a plain back and a floral repoussé decoration on each end piece. Such combs have long chains attached to each side, tipped by a hair pin. These are inserted into the bun to secure the comb in place. Miao women wore their long hair would be twisted into a bun on the top of the head. Decorated combs like this were worn placed horizontally in front of the chignon with the fringe of pendants hanging down over the forehead as shown in the final illustrations.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Maio silversmiths have a very identifiable local style and produced jewellery which has been passed down through generations. Silver was the most esteemed, affordable and culturally available metal and was believed to protect the wearer from evil. The women wore elaborate head ornaments including large combs. Most comprise a wooden. bamboo or cowhorn comb mount surrounded by an elaborately chased and mounted silver chasing.

In marriage silver acts as a woman’s dowry and these headdresses are passed down from mother to daughter through generations. The combs are worn in a distinctive manner as shown in the final collage illustration. Some have long pendant strings and these are used to secure the comb to the hair. Some combs have elaborate pendants which are made to hang down over the forehead of the wearer. Here their ornate designs can be seen and admired by all. The silver casings are engraved with designs of flowers, birds, dragons or butterflies.