This set of 4 matching Chinese toggles were hand carved from animal bone, probably the vertebra. Each side is carved with an identical design which continues around the side. They are well aged and show both wear and usage. As artifacts from the folk art culture, they were probably carved by the person who intended to use them to secure his personal items. Each piece is approx 1 inch in diameter and .5 inches thick.
This is one of 4 small individual antique Chinese carvings which I am listing separately. I had always assumed them to be 4 of the eight immortals but upon close inspection, I am now not sure which gods, ancestors or legends they represent. Each character stands with its own faithful foo type dog and carries an implement of some kind. Each has a peg on the bottom which fits into the own homemade stand.
This character stands 5.75 inches x 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick...
This traditional Chinese antique tea container was made from bamboo. The outside has a carved rib design. This tea caddy would have been used regularly by family and friends during the Qing dynasty. Some minimal loss of finished surface on top ...to be expected with age and use...9.5 inches high
Huangyangmu (rosewood) pipe ornament of a Foo Dog with a moving ball in its mouth.
Rare representation, perfect condition, beautiful patina ; H : 4,5 cms
This antique Chinese small wooden tobacco container would have been looped on a belt. It is probably ethnic minority, and hand carved by its intended user. Such folk art artifacts are now rare and hard to find on the market.
Measures 3 inches tall, and comes with original hand twisted cord, and is in very good condition
Nice old traditional Chinese opium scale with travel case. The measuring stick is ivory and marked to indicate weights. Approximately 13 inches long, this piece is obviously old and shows signs of use but is in good condition.
Huangyangmu (rosewood) pipe ornament of 2 Foo Dogs .
Rare representation, perfect condition, beautiful patina ; H :4,5cms
Huangyangmu (rosewood) pipe ornament of a monkey riding a guardian lion; promotion and protection symbol.
The lion holds a mobile ball in its mouth; wonderful patina and beautiful colour, very good condition despite its great age, 18th C? H :4 cms
According to traditional Chinese culture, shoes were considered to be a symbol of good luck, and shoes and a gift of token shoes would have been given as a sign of well wishing.
This tiny pair of wooden shoes are meticulously carved, with pierced work on both sides and the soles of each shoe...scarcely 2 inches long...excellant condition
This small Mongolian hunters flint strike pouch still has flint stone inside. Also know as strike-a-light in American Indian cultures, this hunters folk art implement has bronze tooled fittings. Well aged and in excellent condition...measures 4 inches across the widest part of the striker plate
This antique lamp was sourced from an old Buddhist Temple in Mongolia. It would have been used as a light source, commonly using fat but also occasionally using oil for fuel. The surfaces are rusted and corroded from centuries of use and weather, which gives the piece character and shows it to be an ethnographic artifact of cultures past and passing. Approx 8 inches wide across the rim of the base and approx 12 inches high. Weight is approx 4.5 lbs
All along the four edges of this bone toggle, there is a carved circular pattern design. This pattern is very similiar to a Yao Ethnic Minority pattern and would be unusual in a Han piece.
The last picture enlargement shows how the toggle would have been used to secure the cords of a hat. The bead would be moved up the cords so that the toggle would be tight under the chin...
almost 11 cm tall Ears and head of monkey, stance and back and paws of lion, face of man. Is the only hole the one through the legs? Strange piece. The eyes are made of brass nails the nose and mouth of brass wire wooden and early in its life was lacquered--it seems to have vestiges of lacquer on it
Huangyangmu (rosewood) pipe ornament of a monkey riding a guardian lion; promotion and protection symbol.
The lion holds a mobile ball in its mouth; beautiful carving with many details. H : 4 cms
Huangyangmu (rosewood) pipe ornament of a Fu Dog. Big size, beautiful patina, small chip at the mouth (see pix). 5,5 cms
Antique Chinese Scroll made of ink and mineral colors on paper. Story illustrates Dung Fang Shuo, the daoist sage, and auspicious symbols carrying the peach of immortality, with the bat of longevity flying overhead. Two seals are displayed. First seal reading, "Li Guang Jin yin", second seal is the studio seal. Artist's name is Li, Guang Jin from the studio Fu Qing.
Circa late 19th Century
Dimensions: Overall Size: 78.5" High X 56.25" Wide
Made of painted wood, depicting husband and wife, seated on a chair. Most probably from the Hunan Province. The lady still has a small parcel with offerings in her back. We opened it up and found a seahorse, pieces of stone and mica and other materials. H. 27 and 29,5 cm. Condition: heavily eaten by woodworms, which adds to the charme. The figures were treated by the former owner and are perfectly clean.
Depicting Heshang, the Buddhist monk. Painted wood. From Hunan province. H. 22 cm. (33 cm. with stand). Excellent condition with normal age wear.