Inventory no.: 3081

Turkmen Comb

SOLD

Parcel-Gilt Silver Bridal Comb

Turkmen People, Central Asia

early 19th century

length: 7.5cm, weight: 36g

This double-ended, ‘H-style’ comb from the Turkmen people of Central Asia comprises two sets of wooden teeth with a central sheet silver grip decorated with arabesques in mercury-fired gilding, bands of twisted filigree silver wire, a pair of applied silver rosettes on each side, and also on each an oval blue turquoise cabochon.

Traditionally, Turkmen families married off their daughters between the ages of twelve and fifteen. The daughters would be bedecked with a heavy array of wedding jewellery for the occasion. Hair combs such as this example would have been used in conjunction with these celebrations.

Turkmen combs are relatively rare. This example has a fine patina and obvious age. The silver has developed a softness from use and handling. Some of the teeth have been shortened with use.

References

Borel, F., The Splendour of Ethnic Jewelry: From the Colette and Jean-Pierre Ghysels Collection, Thames & Hudson, 1994.Provenance:

UK art market

Inventory no.: 3081

SOLD

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