Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a ringed bottle gourd with a stopper, representing the gourd of Li Tieguai, one of the Eight Immortals, containing the magic potion. Symbol of longevity and protection.
Beautiful patina, very good condition, 2 small chips on the edges (see pix 2, 3, 5). H: 5 cms. TCT 94 (see Bibliography)

Very beautiful and delicate antique lacquered mask of Xienfang Xiaojie, Miss Vanguard, wearing her characteristic phoenix headdress ; very expressive handwork, remnants of original marouflage.
Due to its quality and sophistication, this mask is probably a rare « court » nuo mask which belonged to the same set as M-T1Q. Very good condition, some lacquer missing (see pix). 24 x 16 cms. 19th C or before. RM 93,145,163; MC 122-125 (see bibliography)

This Chinese ethnic minority hair comb was hand carved with scalloped edge detail on both sides. Many ethnic minority women would save the hair from ancestors and add it to their own hair for additional bulk...some groups would add bits of wool also to make the hair appear thicker. Combs were used both for combing and for hair ornaments. Carved from walnut wood and 9 inches long at the bottom

This long handled basket is out of Shanxi Province. There are the remnants of the original woven rattan "ring" on the handle which allowed the basket to be hung from a hook on the ceiling rafters...safe from rodents... Inside the rim of The outer basket, there is a smaller basket which allows for a separate food storage area... 25 inches tall and 10 inches wide at the bottom

Old embroidered jacket panel from the Miao/Dong ethnic group Southwest China. See image for condition and size, with abstract phoenix and floral scroll. Free Shipping

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

Personal care items with long handles to reach the back...the brush is carved from wood and the back scratcher is carved from bamboo...roughly 22 23 inches long...

This is an antique Chinese set of carved bone dominoes, complete with dice and original wooden box. Carved by hand sometime in the Qing dynasty, the 32 dominos vary abit in shape, size and thickness and the bone dice are a bit off cube.

The box is just under 5 inches x 2.5 inches x 1.5 inches.

This antique childs toy was brought back from Chinese by an American Missionary during the early 19th century. The snake or possibly a dragon has jointed body which can easily be moved to assume different positions. Obviously hand carved in the Chinese folk art tradition, this toy is in excellant condition. It displays nicely on the custom made stand.

Superb 3 paneled weaving from the Zhuang ethnic group in Guangxi Zhuang, Southern China. The body is woven from very fine handmade cotton thread while the weft supplementary embroidery is done with silk floss threads (the small blue indigo medallions are done with cotton). Quite a heavy piece because of all the embroidery. L: 161cm/63in and W: 100cm/39in.circa first half of the 20th century.

Lovely Chinese basket most likely woven by the Zhuang or another of the many ethnic minorities in Guangxi Zhuang, China where I bought this over 20 years ago. This woven from split reed stalks and has a nice soft feel to it. This piece is quite old, 50 to 100 years (best guess). It has an unusual trapezoidal/oval shape and I like it for its sturdy simplicity. Minor unraveling of some of the weaves here and there but in very good condition given it age...

Attractive antique Chinese hand made Wedding Basket with stacked compartments. Good condition. Black, red and gold finish. Size: H. 42 cm. x 30 cm. diameter

Old embroidered jacket panel from the Miao/Dong ethnic group Southwest China. See image for condition and size. Free Shipping

Antique wood toggle representing a traditional Chinese drum ; it is made of wood, bone and brass ; flowers and butterflies designs made of bone inlays (lacks, see pix). L, D: 3c. TCT 135 (see Bibliography)

Rare early 20th century Yi minority lacquered box constructed from leather. I purchased this piece in a Bai minority, weekly market in Yunnan near Dali around 2002. I assume this is now an extinct craft no longer being done because of the availability of cheap plastic items as well as the migration of artisans to better paying jobs in the city. Very minor lacquer losses on the edge. Excellent condition. H: 5cm/2in

Chinese heavy Limestone carved Slab, with Lady's face on one side and Rabbit looking forward on the other side, 19th Century, 13" wide-bottom, 10" high, 8" deep-bottom, weathered nicely old condition, no major damage.

Fine and rare two paneled silk embroidered “wedding blanket” from the small Maonan minority people of northern Guangxi Zhuang Province. This piece is 60 to 90 years old with a hand spun cotton foundation and hand spun silk. The frontal surface of the blanket is decorated with embroidered floral and phoenix symbols and key fret pattern highlighted by “floating weft” threads...

These antique Razors were brought back from China by the Baptist Missionary Rebecca Cloud Stewart. The blades are rusty but they are still sharp. One has a wood handle and the other has a horn handle.

This traditional tribal comb would be worn for festival by Yao ethnic minority woman of Southern China. The comb was carved from sections of bone which are held together with a twining technique. The bone sections are tatooed with traditional Yao design pattern. The comb alone is 5.5 inches long and 3 inches wide. The combined length with the pompom and tassels is almost 12 inches long.

This rare antique bag was made and used by the Yi ethnic minority... It was made from hand corded plant fiber,tied into a series of knots to form a shallow sack. Originally there would have been a fabric shoulder strap which would have been tied around the loops on either side of the top of the bag... The front of the bag is decorated with a traditional silver ornament depicting a butterfly. The bag is in tact: no holes, or rips but is dirty from use and age....

Chinese red lacquered on wood Bridal Oil Lamp stand with three(3) dimensional carving of pair of deer surrounded by pine trees on pedestal, Ca early 1900's, 13 3/4" high, 7 3/4" wide in front-widest measurement, 5 3/4" deep. Round old metal ring is attached for holding dish for oil. Red lacquer is worn on some area with usage but overall it is in good condition.

Very big and beautiful antique lacquered nuo mask of Tudi Gong, the "God of soil" and grains, essential in an agrarian country. He is the main actor in Wunuo cult, usually represented with a smiling face, and long eyebrows and beard...

Suspended from a small leather belt loop, this old Mongolian pipe pouch has trekked a long way. This ethnographic relic was clearly hand-made, with a simple closure of leather thongs tied into a traditional knot, and a few beads add a decorative element. For pipe cleaning, there is added piece of twisted metal wire decorated with green thread. Approx 12" long and about 3" at the widest point. It is a relic from a nomadic ethnic culture and its condition.....

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

Chinese Red Lacquer Bamboo Bridal Food Basket, early 1900's, 15" high with handle, 10" wide & square, contains inner wood tray inside the lower compartment, high lighted with raise carved gold lacquered design on high handle, one metal butterfly is missing on one side.

Chinese heavy Limestone carved Slab with leafy floral design on one side and smooth plain on the other side, 19th century or earliker, 15"wide, 15" high, 11" deep-base. One big piece is off on the bottom.

Fine old, three paneled, supplementary weft embroidered wedding blanket from the Zhuang ethnic group Guizhou Province China. Handspun and handwoven cotton thread foundation and silk for the embroidery. The central area is dominated by the “well” “#” pattern, while the border is a combination of the “well” pattern inside a “wanzi” swastika meander. There are few small faded areas but no holes or tears. W: 104cm/40in and L: 140cm/56in.

Chinese woven Lacquered Reed Hat Box with lacquer decorated wide wooden band, with metal hinges, 12" high, 17" diameter, round dome top and bottom. Lacquered and painted design of Chinese lady carrying Lantern, and floral lacquer design on the wide wooden band. Metal hinges in front and back are somewhat loose and few metal buttons are missing. There are some normal wear and tear.

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a bat (bianfu) eating the peach of immortality. Symbol of happiness and longevity.
The bat has one wing folded. Beautiful patina, very good condition. L: 5,5 cms. TCT 119 ( see Bibliography)

Unusual Miao embroidered central panel, of a wedding apron costume. There is a coiled dragon in the center with two phoenixes above- surrounded with longevity characters, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures. It has a tattered calendered silk black border silk weft embroidered all the threads are handspun. The orange dye has bled into the white field some, so please see enlargements. H: 61.5cm/24.2in x D: 33cm/13in. Circa early-mid 20th century

This is from Qing Dynasty or Republic era beadwork headgear of chinese noble lady , like those portrayed in those old classic chinese painting in the courtyard where you can see them wearing it....and carrying a walking stick.....

Chinese carved Foo Lion on each corner and red and brown lacquer on Wood Display Stand, "X" cross shape folding, made early 1900's, 10" high, 16" wide-maximum measurement, 11" wide-for display area inside the high rim. One piece of wooden stick is holding the two(2) pieces of wood together loosely in the center to able to fold or open any angle needed for the items to display. There are some lacquer loses on wood, showing wear and tear, no major damage.

Beautifully carved powder horn from Chinese Miao ethnic minority over 90 years old from Guizhou Province. The underside of the horn is full of old writing. Unfortunately, no one can read the old writing. Around the turn of the century the forests around the Miao villages were full of game and the men would frequently hunt for game to provide family meals. Unfortunately, most of the game has diminished and many of the hunting skills are forgotten.

Old Chinese boxwood compass (luopan, zhinanzhe) used for fengshui (geomancy); covered with beautiful Chinese characters and symbols; beautiful patina with usual wear and tear, L: 9,5 cms, W: 4,5 cms.
It works fine; don't forget that in China, the red pointer indicates the South.

Huangyangmu (rosewood) pipe ornament of a Fu Dog. Big size, beautiful patina, small chip at the mouth (see pix). 5,5 cms

22 inches long and a century of hard use but the tip is clean and sharp. I suspect a skilled carpenter could still use this old Chinese drill to build a cabinet or post and beam house. Personally, I am so thankful for electrical tools.

Chinese Red Lacquer on Natural tree Branch Wood Walking Stick or Cane, carved Scholar Handle, 30" high, 9 1/2" wide-carved Scholar Handle, naturally polished by using for many years, tip of handle shows some lacquer loses.

Traditional Chinese rural style pillow of bamboo. This pillow would be stored with legs folded under during the day. Good condition 16"x4" by 5" high with legs extended.

The Chinese people smoked both opium (thanks to the British) and tobacco. This antique pipe was made and used by the ethnic minority of the mountain region of SW China.

This pair of matching fans came from an old wealthy collectors estate..along with several others. This pair is in pristine condition with dark wood handles (possible zitan wood) and fan section is basket type weave of unknown plant fiber, the silk tassels have gold bindings...

DESCRIPTION: This wonderful Chinese bamboo basket is one of the nicest we've ever offered. Pleasing in form and expertly handcrafted, the entire basket is tightly woven from bamboo strips in various sizes, forming a pleasing design. Chinese characters are found inside the removable, cone-shaped lid. Three long bent bamboo strips form the handle. Very attractive and in excellent condition. DIMENSIONS: 24" high including handle (61 cm) x 18" diameter (45.7 cm).

Chinese Bridal red lacquered on woven bamboo hanging wall container/pocket with bamboo frame, 7" high, 7" wide, 3 1/4" deep, in good condition, no major damages, just shows little wear and tear from the age. This is very charming wall decoration for any home.

Old shagreen glasses case with copper protective decoration.
Very good condition, usual wear and tear (see pix), beautiful copper decoration. L: 17 cms

In old China, a carpenter's tools were also considered as an symbol of the quality of his craftsmanship. This antique carpenter's tool has a hand carved dragon with some of the original paint remaining in the crevasses. The plumb bob is made from a section of animal antler. The old Chinese carpenter would fill the bowl with charcoal and it would be used to snap a straight line...

Very unusual wood toggle depicting yin-yang and bagua symbols ; chips on some edges. D: 4 cms

Very special huangyangmu (rosewood) two sided toggle representing a frog on one side and a headless human body on the other. Fertility symbol.
Beautiful patina, perfect condition. L: 3,5 cms. TCT 124 (see Bibliography)

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a monkey eating the peach of immortality and riding a lion, the lion standing on a drum (the ball inside is broken in 2 pieces). Promotion and longevity symbol.
Beautiful patina, good condition with expected wear and tear (see pix). H: 6,5 cms. TCT 114 (see Bibliography)

Delicately carved with a floral motif, is horn was used to give domestic animals medicine. It is Chinese ethnic minority probably from Inner Mongolia. Horn is about 6" long and has small chip at the end of the bowl. It is a wonderful ethnographic piece for the tribal arts collector

Asian buffalo Horn with Silver over copper mounts with turquoise stones... This type of drinking horn was a common household item used throughout Mongolia...each family member had his (or her) own drinking horn and they were kept on a wooden rack which was made for that purpose... Condition 2 beads missing...silver is worn through in several area,exposing copper base...which is commensurate with normal use and aging

The front of this Tibetan Flint Pouch is decorated with silver and bronze ornamentation and an inset coral bead. The back is decorated with bronze buttons to protect the leather from excessive wear. The pouch still has its original leather strap which would have been used to secure the pouch to the wearers belt.

Flint was an essential and valuable item for nomadic and indigenous cultures and as such was frequently carries in pouch specifically designed for its use.

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.

Carved from Rosewood, on one side, this Chinese toggle has a wooded scene with a horse and pair of deer. On the reverse side is the symbol for longevity. Toggle is 1.5 inches x 1.25 inches

In China, older age was/is respected and valued... During the late Qing Dynasty, many wealthier Chinese used eyeglasses to appear older...sometimes clear glass lenses were used for those with good eyesight Personally, I never colored my hair before traveling to China.... This eyeglass case was carved from water buffalo horn...It has the original hand twisted string and a small movable stop.... and a few minor scratches from use and age

This antique Chinese lock has a nicely patinated surface and is is working order. Measures 3.8 inches across.

This small Chinese inro style container would have been worn suspended from the wearer's belt. It was hand carved from wood and detailed on each side with delicate decorative carvings of birds, flowers and a phoenix.

The piece is 2.5 inches high and 2 inches at the widest point. Because of its small size and shape, it was most likely used as an opium container. The inside has been carefully cleaned to avoid dog encounters at the airports.

This old Chinese hand made carpenters tool would have been used as a snapline just as the western metal chalk box and line are used today. Such tools were often hand made and passed from father to son for generations. This particular one has a small antler for a plumbob.

This pair of traditional short boots were made and worn by the Miao women of Anshun. They are in very good condition but the upper boot areas have some soiling and the soles show signs of wear.

This old Chinese container would have been used by a poor farmer or fisherman to carry his lunch, and tea while he was off working for the day. The main container has 2 sections and there is an additional rimmed tray which fits just inside below the tightly fitted lid. All 3 pieces are made from very tightly woven from 2 different types of plant materials...

Substantial sized Chinese late Qing dynasty Guangxu period tobacco pipe with bamboo stem, horn (probably ox-horn) mouth piece, and baitong (paktong, or white brass) bowl and shank. The pipe measures 23” (61cm) in length and the bamboo stem is about 1” (2 to 2 ½cm) wide. Late 19th to early 20th century. Clearly well used but in very good overall condition. There is a small crack in the mouth piece (see enlargement 3)...

This old Chinese ethnic minority needle case is hand carved with geometric marking from end to end. Needle cases were essential tools for all indigenous cultures and frequently became important objects of decorated folk art.