Traditional‎ Chinese Hand Painted Wooden Comb Chinese Opera Mask 3 1/2 Inches

The image shows a traditional Chinese wooden comb, hand-painted with a stylized face resembling the facial makeup found in Chinese opera, particularly Peking Opera masks.  Here's more information about this type of comb:  Origin: These hand-painted combs are often associated with Changzhou, Jiangsu, China, a city famous for its long history of comb production, particularly the Changzhou comb (常州梳篦).  Artistic Design: The comb's design reflects the elaborate facial painting (京劇臉譜 - Jīngjù liǎnpǔ) used in Beijing (Peking) Opera, where specific colors and patterns convey character traits, emotions, and roles, such as bravery, loyalty, cunning, or villainy.  Materials: Historically, these combs are crafted from various natural materials like bamboo, wood (such as mahogany, jujube, or sandalwood), or even animal bones.  Cultural Significance: Beyond their practical use for grooming, these combs hold cultural significance as decorative items, souvenirs, and representations of traditional Chinese artistry.