A Jin-style chased gold comb. Late Ming dynasty.  Photo Bonhams

The arched frame of the comb with raised repousse band of flowers and birds, the reverse unadorned but for a makers mark reading possibly yong yi and a similarly sized seal reading zu jin; the frame suspending a tortoise-shell comb (minor losses to tooth ends). 5 1/4in (13.5cm) long. Sold for US$5,000

Bonhams. Asian Works of Art, 21 Dec 2011 California, San Francisco www.bonhams.com