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

Antique Chinese small cabinet with six open shelves originally intended for displaying small precious artworks. There are two small drawers between the upper and lower shelves. The bottom portion of the chest has two cabinet compartments opened by hinged doors. The entire surface of the wooden cabinet is lacquered and detailed with vine and floral motifs.

Age: Ming Dynasty

Dimensions: 24" high x 21 3/4" wide x 7 1/4" deep

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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

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...

For centuries, before there was electricity, throughout Asia, Puppetry Arts were a popular form of traveling entertainment... A platform with a cloth screen, lit from the back by candlelight, provided the stage.... The shadow images were black against the white "background". Hence, the puppets had a minimum of color and only the necessary intricate cut outs for personality as they were sometimes presented to the audience with the "handlers" after a performance...

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

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

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

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....

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

Every dish with a different decoration. Diameter 13 cm. All in good condition with normal age wear. From Shanxi province. All dishes with cyclical date 1843.

Lacquer and wickerwork, the inside of the lid serves as a presentation bowl for sweets. Decorated with Buddhist symbols. H. 16 cm, diameter 15 cm. Cyclical date 1857. Good condition with normal age wear.

Xian province, rare dated baket in lacquer a d wickerwork. Finely decorated with Buddhist symbols. H. 13 cm, diameter 12 cm. Bares the cyclical date 1828. Minor chips and age wear.

DESCRIPTION: A nice old Chinese toggle carved from a striated wood in the form of two peaches. The peach is a symbol of longevity, and this thick toggle has a wonderful aged patina that only comes from age and handling. Strung with a cord through the holes under the stems, it would have hung from a sash and been used as a counterweight to a tobacco pouch or other utilitarian object. A wonderful example of Chinese folk art, this toggle dates from the 1700’s...

A natural amber pendant with two bats, one on each side. The bats represent longevity and happiness. The bat and happiness sound is in the Chinese language is similar - both pronounced Fu. Size: L. 3cm. W. 2cm. Condition: No repairs, cracks or chips.

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)

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...

Nuo mask of Kailu, "Open the path", god with a terrifying face (horns, fangs) who leads the funerary procession; his fierce face is intended to repulse the bad spirits (and the dangerous wild animals?).
Very rare big portrayal of Kailu with very big eyes and mouth, the only one of this kind i ever saw; 3 growing horns, big eyes and mouth, 2 fangs; ancient polychromia, nice patina...

A cloisonné belt ornament from Southern China with flora and bird design. The cloisonné is identical on both sides with very high quality workmanship. Age: Late Qing, 19th century. Size: L.30cm. W. 7cm. Condition: No repairs.

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese peach toggle (guajian) crafted from a flat piece of burl wood with large spreading leaves, representing longevity in Chinese iconography. Two holes on either side of the stem were used for threading a cord from which this toggle would have been suspended as a counterweight to some other object, such as a tobacco pouch. A nice example of Chinese folk art dating from the mid 1800’s or earlier, this toggle is in overall fine condition with aged patina...

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.

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.

DESCRIPTION: An antique Chinese boxwood toggle (Guajian) carved as a pair of men’s shoes resting side by side, a symbol of marital harmony and the wish for many sons. The shoes are elaborately carved with hollowed interior, relief banding, and incised designs on all sides including the soles. A hole running through the inner sides of each shoe forms the track used for threading cords from which this toggle would have been suspended as a counterweight to some other object...

DESCRIPTION: A fine Chinese boxwood water-well basket toggle, intricately carved in an acorn shape with a realistic and detailed basket weave pattern with carved wood rim. The arched overhead handle has a free-carved wood ring attached; the interior is hollowed out. Excellent condition, a beautiful toggle, 19th C. For a similar example see: Schuyler Cammann, Substance and Symbol in Chinese Toggles, #188, p.228. DIMENSIONS: 1-3/4” high.

A round leather storage box possibly for the safe keeping of a hat, ornament, or item of dress. The box measures about 7 1/4" in diameter x 2 1/2" tall, and dates to the 19th Century. The box's dark lacquer finish and hardware are in excellent condition, both inside and outside. A fine example of Chinese Folk Art. Free shipping within the USA.

An old Tibetan ladies purse made of Yak leather and inlaid with silver and gilt carvings with a center piece of Turquoise. The front has carvings of two fish (representing the beginning of life)and flower design. The back has a center tree design. There is a silver woven chain attached to the top for carrying. Age: Late 19 Century to early 20th. Size:See last photo. Condition. Normal ageing. No repairs

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)

Very old wood toggle of a pair of shoes ; L: 4cms, TCT 84 (see Bibliography)

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

Brass pipe tool in the shape of a fish with double function : cleaning the pipe’s bowl and cutting the tobacco leaves with the folding blade.
Very old, beautiful patina and wear ; L. folded: 6,5c

Found in a tomb, the pipe having been buried with its owner. Oxidised baitong (the bamboo stem has decayed), beautiful bowl . L : 18c H : 8c

Chinese heavy carved Stone Slab with Rabbit carving on one side and Floral branch on the other side, Ca. 19th C. 12 1/2" high, 14 1/2" wide, 5 1/2" deep on bottom plat form section. Nicely aged old look, the condition is good, no major damages.

Chinese dome top woven Bamboo Basket on attached high stand, Ca. before 1900, 11 1/2" high, 11" diameter top rim with brass hinged round dome top. Two(2) Brass handles on the both sides and Brass lock compartment in front. Two(2) brass rings hold the top and bottom together. Low relief Chinese floral design on the lacquered gesso panels on the high foot. Gesso applied on the cloth finish, and glued together inside the top rim area...

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

Huangyangmu (rosewood) pipe ornament of 2 Foo Dogs .
Rare representation, perfect condition, beautiful patina ; H :4,5cms

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

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 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

Antique Nuo Mask of Tudi Gong, the "God of soil" and grains; fundamental in an agricultural country; usually represented with a smiling face, and long eyebrows and beard; the hair figuring those is often missing, or has been renewed; when missing, we can see the holes where the hair was fastened...

This Antique woven basket was typical of the baskets used in the kitchens of Hunan Province China. This particular style would have been used for rice storage...The red and black lacquer design is painted on all 4 sides. the interior is painted black lacquer. Condition is good considering age and usage of basket as a utilitarian item ..a few nicks and chips in the paint. 12 inches in diameter across the top. 9 inches high plus another 2 inches for the handles...

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)...

DESCRIPTION: An antique Chinese toggle (guajian), carved from boxwood in the form of a Buddha's hand fruit (or fingered citron), a symbol of happiness, longevity and good fortune in China. The fingered citron is unusually shaped with bright yellow fruit segmented into finger-like sections, resembling a human hand...

DESCRIPTION: An appealing Chinese toggle (guajian), carved from Huanghuali wood (a hardwood similar to Rosewood) in the form of a Buddhist lion seated on a plinth with one paw placed on top of a ball. With raised tail, textured fur on his back, and brass studs decorating the eyes and each limb, this foo dog would have been used as a counterweight for a tobacco pouch or other object suspended from a belt. Displaying a luscious patina from use and handling, this little grinning lion is a real ch...

A beautiful early 18th C. antique Chinese carved bamboo three monks riding on water buffalo with beautiful patina in excellent condition. H:21cm $1200

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.

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...

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.

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

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 often missing or replaced later; when missing, we can see holes where the hair was fastened.
Very nice carving and polychromy, beautiful inside patina, very good condition.
These masks among others often used, were recoloured regularly; 22 x 12 cms; end of 19th C. Hunan. NM 53; RM 144,146,...

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.

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

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...

Chinese carved Ivory old scholar Toggle, with gentle happy smile in his face, Ca. 1800's, 3 1/8" high, 1 3/8" x 1 1/4" wide, nicely naturally aged with hairline and old patina. The condition is good.

Chinese carved Ivory Toggle, Lotus Seeds carved out of the solid Ivory tip, Ca. 1800's, 1 1/2" high, 1 1/4" x 1 1/8" wide, with some naturally aged small hairline, beautifully aged old patina over well carved and polished surface, the details is very fine. The condition is good.

Chinese wooden hand carved mask of a smiling man, its jaw left open so that the wearer had an easier time speaking. Features of the mask include red lacquer lips, black lacquer eyebrows, nice carved details such as the teeth, nostrils, wrinkled forehead and hair. 18th/19th century Size: 6.75" height, 4.75" width