Sinhalese Ivory and Gold Hair Comb
Sri Lanka (Ceylon), circa 1800
length: 12.5 cm; width: 5.5 cm
This fine and extremely rare ivory comb is a beautiful example of
Sinhalese craftsmanship. Cut from a single piece of ivory, it has
sixteen prongs and is inlaid on both sides with chased gold
plaques. There are no losses either to the gold or the ivory. It is in
an extremely unusual form. However, for a related item - a small
Sinhalese silver box with identical gold repousse panels - see lot
406 of Sotheby's 'Indian, Himalayan and South-East Asian Art',
London, November 23, 1987.
The combination of ivory and inlaid gold is typical of Sinhalese
work - the Sinhalese being the dominant ethnic group on the island
of what was known as Ceylon (now Sri Lanka.)
Most likely used to comb long, wet hair to help with the drying
process, the comb undoubtedly was an item of considerable
prestige and probably was given as a wedding gift.
Inventory no.: 65
Sri Lanka (Ceylon), circa 1800
length: 12.5 cm; width: 5.5 cm
This fine and extremely rare ivory comb is a beautiful example of
Sinhalese craftsmanship. Cut from a single piece of ivory, it has
sixteen prongs and is inlaid on both sides with chased gold
plaques. There are no losses either to the gold or the ivory. It is in
an extremely unusual form. However, for a related item - a small
Sinhalese silver box with identical gold repousse panels - see lot
406 of Sotheby's 'Indian, Himalayan and South-East Asian Art',
London, November 23, 1987.
The combination of ivory and inlaid gold is typical of Sinhalese
work - the Sinhalese being the dominant ethnic group on the island
of what was known as Ceylon (now Sri Lanka.)
Most likely used to comb long, wet hair to help with the drying
process, the comb undoubtedly was an item of considerable
prestige and probably was given as a wedding gift.
Inventory no.: 65
