Featured Combs found in Tokyo antique fairs

I’ve been lazy to post my recent finds and I will be brief with them in this post. I hope you enjoy them & find them worthy to be enjoyed!

I will make two separate posts, the first one here will focus on combs. But first, photos of all my antique & vintage finds on this trip in Tokyo:

 

The first comb & hairstick set, which I think is the best find at the best price: a set painted with 12 Chinese zodiacs, made from lacquered tortoiseshell and MOP inlays.

It’s very lucky for them to survive in a pair, as there are only 10 zodiacs on the comb, the rest 2 on each end of the hairstick.

Also a fun fact: the Pig in original Chinese zodiac is a domestic pig, but the Japanese replaced it with boar.

 

These are actually online finds , but they arrived right after my return, so I just included them here:

Lacquered tortoiseshell, painted with maple leaves and a mask of female demon. My guess is early to mid 20 century.

Again a set of comb and hairstick, lacquered wood, painted with various flowers under a full moon. I would say late Edo for this one.

 

Was disappointed with this one because I thought it was ivory lol. But I didn’t pay too much, so still a nice piece of antique celluloid. Similar examples made of genuine ivory are usually dated to Meiji era, so probably same for their substitute.

Would love to know any advice on how to store celluloid, as I just found it even needs more care

 

Finally, some plain tortoiseshell goodies. The top one might be the oldest based on the teeth, smaller younger but no younger than Meiji I believe

 

Gorgeous finds, shammie! I see you even found a Chinese piece, a little Canton fan brooch.

Wow!!!

Make sure it has ventilation, and check it regularly. It is best stored separately from other celluloid, especially from any piece that has started to deteriorate. It is a sweetie.

 

I have also heard that it should not be stored near a heater or other heat source.

You have such a beautiful collection! Thank you for sharing.

 

Your postings are always a bright welcome event here-thank you Shamster.

 

....well i think i've got a new favourite shammie comb (coral one now number 2)

 

That Zodiac one is amazing.

 

The little violin is a really nice piece too. Every once in a blue moon, a really old instrument turns up with a tortoise pick guard; I can't say I've seen an instrument pin made of tortoiseshell before.

 

Those are gorgeous!

 

Thank you both I think this is the only celluloid piece I have. I also heard that it’s better not to be kept in the same box with my other combs as it may release acidic gas, which makes me a bit sad as I really want to display them all together

 

I might photo them all together one day so you can make comparison easier one day maybe…

 

Yup - "celluloid disease" is real. It sometimes falls apart for no good reason, and if stored with other items may take those along for the ride.

 

I’ll leave it on my table to monitor it every day, then!

 

Heat does it no good. I once bought a vintage purse and put it in my car trunk. The trunk/boot became hot and the purse started to "decay" the day after I bought it.