nice navidad: fish hair combs from cistanthe

b2ap3_thumbnail_cis_fishclip.jpg

b2ap3_thumbnail_cis_fishclip.jpg

if you didn't read our interview a while back with Miami-born Bailey of Cistanthe - now is your big chance. If you're looking for a gift for a stylish girl with an appreciation for abuela-chic - now is your big chance. 

I'm interested in just about any accessory or garment that is only worn my women over age seventy. The hair comb, a seriously undervalued hair accessory that I've long had my eye on giving a revival, finally get's some justice with these Chinese Cloisonné Combs by Cistanthe. 

Here's what the Cistanthe website (where you can buy your own or a gift for just $35) has to say about these super nice fish combs - including their powers of fertility:

Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects using vitreous enamel, and in older periods also inlays of cut gemstones, glass, and other materials. The decoration is formed by first adding compartments to the metal object by soldering silver or gold wires or thin strips placed on their edges. These remain visible in the finished piece, separating the different compartments of the enamel or inlays, which are often of several colors. Cloisonné enamel objects are worked on with enamel powder made into a paste, which then needs to be fired in a kiln.

The motifs that were selected to embellish Chinese personal ornaments, costume and the fabrics from which they were made reveal a particular symbolistic structure. The largest number were taken from the natural world. In Chinese culture the fish represents unity, fidelity and fertility.