The Daalder Collection of Ethnic Jewellery and Adornment, after 2007
Comb with Art Nouveau Aesthetic, Japan

Comb with Art Nouveau Aesthetic, Japan

Although this comb is shaped like a European back comb, it features peaches, a favorite Japanese theme. On the left, the 3 small peaches are all abalone; on the right, only one peach is abalone, while the other two are part of the brass plate. The comb shows how Art Nouveau affected the Japanese, as they made combs for a European market that was transitioning to Art Deco.

Taisho Comb from Japan

Taisho Comb from Japan

This comb’s lavish mother-of-pearl decoration would have appealed not only to Japanese tastes during the Taisho period but also to lovers of Art Nouveau. Continue Reading