Ethnic India folding wooden vanity comb in unusual X shape

 

CONDITION: good vintage condition with acceptable wear

 

SIZE: 2½ ins h x 3 ins w (6 x 7.5 cm)

 

APPROXIMATE DATE:  mid century

 

MATERIALS: wood

 

DESCRIPTION:

Here is an interesting example of a pierced India X comb. It is made from soft wood and has an intricate design similar made by carving two separate double sided combs and hinging them together in the middle. In this manner they fold up flat and open up into the distinctive X shape.

Double sided X shaped combs are typically carved out from one piece of the material, whether wood, bone, ivory or tortoiseshell. The end pieces are typically much thicker than those in the centre. This serves the function of protecting the inner more delicate teeth. It also provides scope for decoration which is typically done on the centre panel and both sides of the end pieces.