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The signed combs of Auguste Bonaz are widely sought by collectors and the works of his studio are acknowledged as being among the best of the Art Deco period. The company remained in business until 1982, with a portfolio of designs which spanned the decades from the late 19th century.
Maison Bonaz worked in new products such as Bakelite and Galalith, and explored the versatility of these materials and their specific qualities. Their designs were well in advance of their time, reflecting the love of change, originality and innovation which were among the major components of Art Deco. Craftsmanship was always combined with high design aesthetic, and the hair accessories and vanity items produced by the Bonaz atelier are always of the best quality and finish.
In this section you will find examples of the Bonaz workshop which reflect changes in design throughout the early to mid 20th century. Contemporary with Bonaz were many other quality workshops who also signed their wares, such as A & H Chevalier and Camille Guillot. We have added examples of their work to this category, together with some un-named designers who were clearly working “in the style” of Bonaz and were influenced by him. |
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Click image for gallery view |
Art Deco Hair Comb
(possibly Auguste Bonaz)
Ref: DE-0208-002
This bright red eye-catching hair comb of the art deco period has all the hallmarks of a comb made by the French atelier of Auguste Bonaz, the master comb maker of the period. The Bonaz signature, done in cursive script usually on one of the tines, is distinctive.
This comb bears such a signature which is shown in the close up photograph 5 but it is very rubbed and indistinct. Is can be compared with the signature on the faux tortoiseshell comb which is a clear Bonaz signature. I have no doubt that this comb is a genuine Bonaz. The heavy quality, the bright red colour and the clean pure lines are all typical of the Bonaz workshop.
You can read more about Auguste Bonaz in the ARTICLES section. Such combs which have a mantilla like appearance were worn standing proud of the head at an acute angle so that they could be seen from all sides.
This feature is shown in many illustrations of the period.
Size: 6 x 3½ ins (approx 15 x 8 cms)
£40.00
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Art Deco Hair Comb
signed Auguste Bonaz
Ref: DE-0208-003
This very beautiful faux tortoiseshell hair comb is signed on the back of the tines by the master comb maker of the Art Deco period, Auguste Bonaz. The distinctive signature of this workshop appears in the close up photograph 6. The long wedge shaped heading is typical of the period.
Such combs which have a mantilla like appearance were worn standing proud of the head at an acute angle so that they could be seen from all sides. This feature is shown in many illustrations of the period.
Picture 7 is an example of an ad for the combs of Auguste Bonaz from a French magazine of the period.
This lovely comb is made in celluloid faux tortoiseshell. The centre of the heading has a triangular panel of hand done gilding with a typical formalised geometric pattern, accentuated by clear rhinestones.
Bonaz hair combs can be recognised not only by the signature, but by their general look of high quality compared with many of the hair accessories of this period. They are in a class by themselves and no collection is complete without one.
You can read more about Auguste Bonaz in the ARTICLES section.
Size: 5½ x 3¼ ins (approx 14 x 8 cms)
£80.00
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Auguste Bonaz Signed Art Deco Back Comb
Ref: DE-1108-003
This very fine black celluloid hair comb is signed on the back of the tines by the master comb maker of the Art Deco period, Auguste Bonaz. The distinctive signature of this workshop appears in one of the close up photographs. This type of comb was characteristically worn above a low chignon, and is a design that was popular in the period 1910-25.
Bonaz hair combs can be recognised not only by the signature, but by their general look of high quality compared with many of the hair accessories of this period. They are in a class by themselves and no collection is complete without one. The final picture shows an ad for Bonaz combs from a contemporary French magazine.
Size: 3½ x 6 ins; (approx 9 x 15 cms)
£85.00
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Art Deco Hair Comb
by Auguste Bonaz
Ref: SD-0608-007
This fine Art Deco period mantilla style hair comb is signed by Auguste Bonaz, the master comb maker of the era. The comb is made in translucent celluloid faux tortoiseshell. It has a tall mantilla style heading which is topped off with four large balls. In the centre of the heading is a panel of oval openwork with formalised flowers.
This is a good example of the transitional Art Nouveau to Art Deco style by Maison Bonaz. The comb has the distinctive curvilinear aspect and organic feel of the earlier style but these are becoming stiffer and formalised under the influence of Deco. Is probably dates from the years 1910- 1920
Size: 6 ½ x 3 ¼ ins (approx 16.5 x 8.5 cms)
£80.00
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Auguste Bonaz Faux Tortoise Tiara Comb
Ref: SD-0908-023
This attractive faux tortoiseshell tiara comb is signed on the back of the tines by the master comb maker of the Art Deco period, Auguste Bonaz. The distinctive signature of this workshop appears in the close up photograph 3.
This type of ornament is called a tiara comb because in wear (as seen on the mannequin) it gives the appearance of a tiara. However, picture 8 shows another way in which it could be worn, above a low chignon.
Picture 9 comes from a contemporary French Ad for Auguste Bonaz combs and shows a sitter with her tiara comb worn in this manner.
Size: 6 x 2 ins (approx 15 x 5 cms)
£85.00
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Auguste Bonaz Black Celluloid Comb
Ref: SD-0908-027
This handsome black celluloid hair comb is signed on the back of the tines by the master comb maker of the Art Deco period, Auguste Bonaz.
The distinctive signature of this workshop appears in the close up photograph 3. This glossy black hair comb from the House of Bonaz shows clear Chinese influence in the design of the fretwork, which is reminiscent of Chinese decorative window screens.
The orient was a strong influence upon Art Deco in the 1920s and the comb probably dates from that period.
Size: 5 x 5 ins (approx 12.5 x 12.5 cms)
£80.00
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Pair Auguste Bonaz Faux Tortoiseshell Combs
Ref: SD-0908-029
This pair of geometric faux tortoiseshell hair combs is signed on the back of the tines by the master comb maker of the Art Deco period, Auguste Bonaz.
The distinctive signature of this workshop appears in the close up photograph 3. It is not often one finds a matched pair of Bonaz hair combs and this example with modified Odeon type decoration is in the Art Moderne style of the later 1930s.
The combs can be compared with picture 9 which shows a French Ad for Maison Bonaz dating from the 1930s where the models wear pairs of geometric ornaments.
Size: 2¼ x 4¼ ins (approx 5.5 x 11 cms)
£30.00
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Auguste Bonaz Signed Faux Tortoise Hair Comb
Ref: SD-1208-006
This pretty faux tortoiseshell hair comb is signed on the back of the tines by the master comb maker of the Art Deco period, Auguste Bonaz. The distinctive signature of this workshop appears in the close up photograph. The comb has an asymmetrical design and a scalloped profile.
The ornament probably dates from the late 1940s or 1950s, when these large split prongs came into fashion. The design can be compared with picture 10 which shows a French Ad for Maison Bonaz dating from the 1940s with a similarly shaped comb.
Size: 4¼ x 1¾ ins (approx 10.5 x 4 cms)
£15.00
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