Pair of Enamel Hair Combs in the Cloisonné Style

This pair of decorative hair combs features a gold-tone metal base with fan-shaped headings adorned with colorful floral enamel work. The enamel technique is stylistically consistent with cloisonné, featuring fine wire-like dividers (cloisons) separating fields of deep blue, pink, and green pigments. The motif appears to be a stylized lotus or peony with foliate scrolls, set against a dark blue background. Each comb has six openwork tines designed to grip hair securely. While the bright gold finish and the uniform application of color suggests modern or mid-to-late 20th-century manufacture, the aesthetic is inspired by traditional Chinese decorative arts. The condition appears well-maintained with no visible chipping to the enamel or bending of the metal tines in the image. No visible maker’s marks or hallmarks were detected on the front of the pieces; consequently, any attribution to a specific maker, origin, or exact metal purity remains a hypothesis subject to in-person inspection and testing. The identification is based on visual patterns and construction style commonly found in vintage costume jewelry and hair accessories.

Based on my visual analysis of the provided image, these hair combs appear to be contemporary or mid-to-late 20th-century costume jewelry executed in the cloisonné style. The fan-shaped headings exhibit floral motifs consistent with Chinese-inspired decorative arts, though the uniform gold-tone finish suggests a base metal rather than high-purity gold. I cannot verify the metal content or the chemical composition of the pigments from a photograph; a physical inspection and possible acid testing would be required to determine if the tines are gold-plated or solid brass. The valuation assumes these are high-quality vintage costume pieces in well-maintained condition. Based on what I can see, the enamel appears intact with no visible crazing or loss, which supports the higher end of the range. However, without visible hallmarks or maker's marks, the attribution remains hypothetical. Market demand for Chinoiserie hair accessories is generally steady among vintage collectors, though values fluctuate based on the specific manufacturing origin. To confirm this estimate, an in-person examination is necessary to check for hidden marks and the weight/feel of the metal. If these were to be identified as pieces from a known high-end mid-century designer, the value could increase. Conversely, if physical inspection reveals they are modern mass-produced reproductions with cold enamel (painted resin) rather than kiln-fired glass, the market value would likely drop to the $15-$30 range. The current estimate reflects the aesthetic appeal and apparent construction of the pieces as quality vintage accessories.