A classic Art Deco sun ray design hair comb in celluloid faux tortoiseshell

 

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear for age

 

SIZE: 5 ins h x 4½ ins w (13 x 11 cm) decorative part 2½ ins h (6 cm)

 

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1920s

 

MATERIALS: celluloid

 

DESCRIPTION:

Here is a striking Art Deco celluloid faux tortoiseshell hair comb made in the iconic fan shape, in which lines or blades radiate out from the base of the heading.  This heading design is typical of many combs of the period, with radiating lines or panels resembling sunrays, or perhaps the spokes of a wheel.

One theory about such designs is that the sun rays emerged from the popular vogue for sunbathing which began at this time. Previously ladies had shunned the idea of sunbathing. Another theory is that the spoke like designs reflected the wheel, and the obsession with speed and technology. This was the age of the car and the plane after all!

The final picture illustrates similar hair accessories from contemporary sources and shows the hair styles with which they were used.