Description A VIETNAMESE AMETHYST-SET SILVER REPOUSSé COMB WITH PHOENIX AND DRAGON
Vietnam, 18th-19th century. The fine comb crafted from silver with a silver repoussé top element depicting a confronting phoenix and dragon, a magic pearl in the form of an oval amethyst set between the two mythical beasts.
Provenance: Ex-collection of Bao Dai, last emperor of the Nguyen dynasty (a letter of provenance signed by Dr. Zelnik will be handed out to the winning bidder upon request). Ex-Collection of The Zelnik István Southeast Asian Gold Museum, acquired from the above. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above.
Condition: Excellent condition with only few minor traces of age and wear.
Weight: 26.7 g
Dimensions: Size 5.7 x 6.8 cm
Literature comparison: A similar piece is published in The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum, page 67, Budapest 2013.