A handsome Art Nouveau style hair comb with an openwork interlaced design

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear

SIZE: 6 ins h x 3½ ins w (15 x 9 cm) decorative part 3 ins h (7.5 cm)

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1890s – 1900s

MATERIALS: celluloid faux tortoiseshell

DESCRIPTION:

Here is a handsome Spanish mantilla style hair ornament made in celluloid faux tortoiseshell. The comb has a tall openwork heading whose complex design of interlaced scroll work betrays the influence of Art Nouveau.

This type of ornament is often known as Spanish or mantilla comb because it resembles a smaller version of the traditional large shell ornaments worn by Spanish ladies with their native dress. In practice any comb which has a high upstanding heading or top which stands proud of the top of the head is often called a mantilla comb.