Antique Chinese Nuo Mask N°22, China

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Folk Art Pre 1950: item #748230
HP/Ma 170

This mask figures Quintong also called Lawoai by locals ( which means foreigner). He figures a joker or a mischievous servant, his strange distorted face make the assistance laughing during Nuo plays. Quintong can be compared to Polichinella in the Comedia Dell Arte. This mask has been carved in semi-hard wood and shows a nice polychromia. Southern China, likely Guizhou region ,Middle to early 20th with obvious signs of used. Height 9 inches"(23 cm), wide 6 3/4 inches (17 cm). Very good overall ... Click for details

A Soapstone Bottle Stopper - Shi Shi

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Folk Art Pre 1960: item #727271

This is a fun little soapstone bottle stopper in the shape of a shi shi - nicely carved. We believe it is a Chinese piece from the way the shi shi is carved and because the Chinese use soapstone as a carving medium more often than the Japanese. The stopper measures 2 1/2" high and is 1" diameter. Fine condition. We date it anytime between the 1920s and 1950s.

Large Boxed set of Chinese miniature furniture

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Folk Art Pre 1950: item #708000
TC187

The Chinese have always appreciated the fine craftsmanship of small objects as miniature replicas of household objects. Such miniatures were not considered children's toys. This boxed set consists of a long buffet table, 1 alter table, 2 tall plant stands, 2 side tables, 6 straight chairs and 4 curve back chairs. The detail is amazing. This set came out of an estate in the US, and no history is available. But it is obvious that the set remained in it's box with the lid closed for decades. ... Click for details

A Small Double Gourd with Stopper - 20th Cty.

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Folk Art Pre 1970: item #676454
ICHI1361

A nice little natural double gourd with a wooden stopper attached by a silk cord around the neck of the gourd. We believe it is probably Chinese since so many gourd items are from that country. We also believe it to be 20th century but it could be even earlier. The piece measures 3 1/3" high and is 2 1/2" diameter at the widest part of the base. No idea what it would be used for - possibly a small powder horn or water dropper ? Excellent condition.

Old Chinese hand carved wooden matchbox cover

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Folk Art Pre 1940: item #629758
TC156

This is a charming one-of-a-kind hand-carved box. It has a crudely carved dog on top with wooden hinge that swings open. There are side openings for striker strip.

A Pair of Chinese Candleholders and Candles, Date 1942

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Folk Art Pre 1950: item #598488
10147

A rare and unusual pair of Spruce candleholders in the form of a vase, together with a pair of candles, specially made for a wedding event. The pair of candleholders is deeply carved with a four-season floral design in each side. The vase is rising from the wooden base, which is carved from the same piece of wood. Floral represents life and prosperity while”vase” means “safe” in traditional Chinese culture.

A Chinese... Click for details

1950s woodcut manuscripts of 18 Arhats in Chinese

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Folk Art Pre 1950: item #454312
WC001

Circa 1950s woodcut manuscript booklet of the 18 Arhats (Buddhist holy men) in Chinese iconography (luohan), one luohan per page. In accordion style binding, the booklet is in very good condition, with the pages very much yellowed with age and having some water stains. Each manuscript measures about 3.25 x 6 inches; including the paper to which each is glued, about 4.5 x 7 inches. Chinese characters are written on each page. The booklet covers are velvety light yellow-green cloth, with embossed ... Click for details

Chinese Opera Puppet in dragon dress

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Folk Art Pre 1930: item #413232
D2001

This charming hand made Chinese Opera puppet with red hand-sewn dress of dragon design was used until very recently. As we were told by the dealer we met in our recent trip to northern China. Though the costume has shown the sign of aging and handling, the stitches of an auspicious dragon in the front of the rope showcases the seamstress’s attention paid to the detail. The back of the costume has the hand stitches of a longevity motif. The puppet was of a royalty character. We were told that th... Click for details