A RARE PALE CELADON AND RUSSET JADE COMB, LATE SPRING AND AUTUMNJade. China, Eastern Zhou, late Spring and Autumn period, 5th century BCThe comb is of slightly tapered, rounded rectangular form with 16 teeth below a neatly incised design of scrolling clouds centered by a lozenge-shaped star framed by a robe border.The translucent stone is of a pale celadon tone with russet veins and patches as well as cloudy white inclusions and dark speckles.This comb compares very favorably with one discovered in the 5th-century BC tomb of Marquis Yi of the Zeng state at Suixian and now in the collection of the Hubei Provincial Museum. The comb was put underneath the marquis' head. It is of closely related form and similarly carved to the present comb with cloud patterns and a lozenge-shaped star.HEIGHT 8.6 cmCondition: Good condition with usual traces of wear and age.Provenance: Private collection of Professor Filippo Salviati.