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: 3 x 4½ x 1½  ins (7.5 x 11 x 4 cm)

 

APPROXIMATE DATE: late 19^th – early 20^th century

 

PROVENANCE: The late Roger Hollander built a wonderful collection of Chinese minority costumes in the United States. He began his collection before such items were valued and many are of museum quality.

 

MATERIALS: low grade silver, wood

 

DESCRIPTION: 

 

Wooden comb enclosed in an ornate low grade silver casing adorned with interlaced lines, flowers and a row of human figures around the top edge. The wooden comb, which is protected by the casing, is in good condition with no broken tines. The casing is surmounted by a knobbed arrangement which comprises the heads of a row of human like figures which are situated upon the outer edge. The case has a similar repoussé decoration on both sides. A long metal chain with hair pin is attached to the top of the comb.