Catalog: Antiques (488)

This antique toggle was sourced from China. I suspect that was originally from Tibet. The carved circular markings on bottom of 2 of the sides of the toggle are more typical of the ethnic minorities.

Toggle is almost 2 inches long and .5 inches x .5 inches.

Spectacles were only affordable for the very wealthy in China during the 1800's. The lenses were ground from crystal of various shades. Because of the cost, if a lens or frames were broken the remaining pieces would be refitted into a replacement set...as happened with this pair of antique Chinese eyeglasses. The vestiges of the original fitting remain on the left lens.

This old silk embroidery panel may have originally been part of a larger scene. the is light stain to the background above the riders head. the piece measures panel is approx 19 x 15 inches ...

This old relic field marker was dug up by a friends father while doing archaeological research (i.e. digging up fields) in China years ago. For centuries, during planting,such markers were commonly buried in the fields as a talisman for a bountiful harvest. It is made of clay, high fired stoneware, and has a few chips missing...as to be expected after being buried in a field.....

From the Yi ethnic minority group, this antique Chinese container would have been used to store tobacco. The decorative cinnabar paint color draws attention to the gentle dome shapes of the lid and bottom sections, which fit together with a deep overlap. The worn areas of the cinnabar expose the black lacquer undercoat...

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.

This traditional summer weight Manchu style (side closing)vest is from late Qing Dynasty. The lush deep blue silk fabric has a jacquard weave with an all over fret design. The lining is of deep maroon silk..the vest is entirely hand sewn, and fits a small to medium size woman.

This Buddhist figure was cast in bronze and sewn into a leather case. It would have been carried in a pocket or worn hanging about the neck by the leather thong...a personal amulet or talisman meant for protection. Good condition, 4 the case in 4 inches high and 3 inches across at the widest point.

These 3 bobbins aka thread holders would have been used in China when hand sewing was the major activity of the women of the house. Each bobbin was individually carved and each has a small ball which moves freely within the carved slot. Either individually or as a group, they are nice ethnographic artifacts of the Chinese culture during the Qing dynasty.

This antique Japanese Marquetry box is a good example of the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that marked the Japanese Meiji Period. The sides of the lid have scalloped opening which ease the removal opening of the box which was probably designed for glove storage. 10.5 x 3.5 x 3.75 inches

This is one of a pair of wooden (not papier mache) footed plates made for export. The central medallion Japanese scene is classic and the rim has ornate panels with animals and plants. Each side has handle shaped and painted as an ivy leaf.

On the black lacquered back is the rement of a very old label with indistinguishable Asian characters...

The cabinet is dark brown lacquer possibly over-painted. There are mother of pearl inlay of very old Chinese calligraphy characters on the doors and drawer front... with no translation available. There is a copper/bronze decorative latch on the cabinet doors. This cabinet would have been used in a prayer niche and would have held religious objects 32 x 13 x 7 inches.

This adult female puppet is clothed in traditional Thai costume with a open shirt. All parts are hand-carved, tied and strung together, which gives the puppeteer lots of choices of movement. The face has eyes which can open and close independent of each other and the mouth can also be opened and closed. Head to toe, she measures is 21 inches tall and with the strings the total lenght is 34 inches...

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 small purse was made by Miao girl to be given to "boyfriend"...If he accepts and wears the purse on his belt...he favors her. The embroidery stitch is called Daiz but westerners know it as Peking knot aka forbidden stitch. 5.5 x 3 excellant condition

Originally part of a full sized Tibetan adult costume, this piece was cut down to complete a childs festival costume. Decorated with turquoise, coins, tassels and silver ornaments, this type of textile accessory would often be attached to the elaborate headdress or hat and drape down the back to complete the wearers costume. The Tibetan people are not wastefull and items of festival garments in any condition are hard to acquire. I have had it hanging on my wall for a number of years...

The Manus Island is one of the Admiralty Islands. This traditional hair comb which the islanders would make from the mid ribs of coconut palm fronds. It is covered with a hard patinarium paste made from the crushed fruit of the Nilit tree, sometimes called Puttynut.

this old set of books was originally held together into a single volume with a cover.. The cover is now clearly falling apart and the books are all tied together with a leather cord probably done sometime in the 50's. Each volume covers a different aspect of law...civil, criminal etc... There is a very faded red seal on the front page...the photo of the seal has been enhanced to hopefully make it more readable... Lots of Chinese characters used throughout the text...