Vietnamese Double-sided Silver & Jade Comb

This silver comb is comprised entirely of silver other than for a round jade cabochon secured in a box setting to the front of the comb. Such combs were worn by well-to-do women in southern Vietnam.

The comb is chased on both sides with a dragon and a phoenix. On the reverse, the phoenix and dragon are separated by a long-life motif.

The use of the dragon and phoenix imagery on the comb suggests that it was used in association with marriage – perhaps it was a marriage gift.

A similar example is illustrated in Richter (2000, p. 132).

The example here is in excellent condition.