Combs found in Tokyo antique fairs

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by shamster, Dec 11, 2025 at 6:32 AM.

  1. shamster

    shamster Well-Known Member

    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: d4aad86d32dbc96cc73814541a1fba29.jpeg 3c2395370fe9c7bb7c1b8fc89a3947a5.jpeg dcd12c0caf1cf6ba7bea3451c18ed3a7.jpeg
     
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  2. shamster

    shamster Well-Known Member

    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. 7000e925a71018b9ca6a3042f23480ed.jpeg dae7452bca77f57f955b289956f7ee05.jpeg be64830b4d8ab305803feda91fb508a0.jpeg 13daf815b4b20bfd6848ab179bf23a56.jpeg 72b83993a519e13050cd9245f6953ef1.jpeg

    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.
     
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  3. shamster

    shamster Well-Known Member

    These are actually online finds , but they arrived right after my return, so I just included them here:
    3ceda41ba21abd53f89fd01679897dc6.jpeg ce2f22add98baf2e319ae07e355eaaff.jpeg
    Lacquered tortoiseshell, painted with maple leaves and a mask of female demon. My guess is early to mid 20 century.
    d1f684c5d666b38277b5035887833523.jpeg 444cf033dc2110a69960808afbc8a766.jpeg
    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.
     
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  4. shamster

    shamster Well-Known Member

    0e50d41ca864ee0cba1c212a21a42668.jpeg 22d1dfd6e47bd6de7d4d2529626fa8e6.jpeg
    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
     
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  5. shamster

    shamster Well-Known Member

    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 b4539797d53d8c6f5dde85befcdbcf06.jpeg
     
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  6. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Gorgeous finds, shammie! I see you even found a Chinese piece, a little Canton fan brooch.:playful:
    Wow!!!:singing::happy:
    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.
     
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  7. Figtree3

    Figtree3 What would you do if you weren't afraid?

    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.
     
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