Vintage Chinese Faux Tortoiseshell Vanity Set with Gilt Dragon Motifs
This lot is a vintage Chinese dressing table or vanity set, dating from the 1920s to 1930s, presented in a fitted case lined with blue silk. The set comprises a group of matching pieces, including a hand mirror, hairbrushes, combs, a lidded circular box, a trinket tray and a button hook. Each piece is made from faux tortoiseshell, with a mottled amber and brown finish. The surfaces are decorated with gilt dragon motifs and scrolling foliate detailing, which gives the set a distinctive decorative character. The hand mirror has a bevelled round glass within a dark rim, and the pieces are arranged in individual compartments of the fitted case.
Condition, Originality and Collector Interest
The set is offered in its fitted case, with the blue silk lining still in place, which adds to its period presentation. The pieces appear to be original to the set, and the gilt decoration is clearly visible across the brushes, combs, mirror and boxes. The mirror glass shows a visible diagonal crack, and the case shows general signs of age and handling consistent with its date. Buyers interested in Chinese decorative arts, Art Deco-era dressing table accessories or gilt-decorated faux tortoiseshell will find this a characterful set for display or for a collection.