This is a unique Chinese Trousse. The chopsticks are black wood, presumed to be Zitan and are totally enclosed inside the scabbard when the trousse is closed. Both the scabbard and knife handle are covered with tortoise shell and have silver fittings.

White Marble from China was referred to as Chinese Alabaster because of its grain and translucent quality. This small simple inkstone is both beautiful to see and to touch. There is a very worn rim surrounding the grinding surface and inkwell and 4 very worn feet on the bottom of the ink stone to raise it slightly off the surface.

A pair of cranes is carved into the top of this Qing Dynasty peach shaped inkbox. Inside the box remains a supply of dried ink and the on the inside top is an inkstone for "grinding" future ink. A pair of birds (considered to mate for life) was a common symbol used to represent a long and happy marriage. The Peach symbol represents long life. This combination (the peach with a pair of birds) was considered a suitable gift for the parents anniversary

This small hinged metal case is covered with leather and opens to display both red ink pot and personal ivory chop. The person's name on the base of the chop is clearly carved. Leather in old China was very expensive...the owner of this chop must been a person of both status and wealth. The leather shows age but is intact and set is in very good condition. The case measures 2.5" X 1+" This is a rare old piece.

This is an old Chinese inkstone has hand carved ox with head turned toward the natural "dragon's eye" moon. There are some chips along the edges of the ink stone and areas of natural inclusions. It is a very fine grain quality stone, dating to the early 1800's and measures 6 x 4.5 inches, and a bit over .5 inches thick.

During the late 1800's and early 1900's eyeglasses became an important accessory for the Chinese. Upon seeing eyeglasses on visiting Western dignitaries and businessmen, the Chinese perceived and admired these "spectacles" as age enhancing. Not only did the eyeglasses improve eyesight...but they added age and dignity to the face of the wearer. Equating age with wisdom and respect, many Chinese took up the custom of wearing eyeglasses...

This small antique Chinese wooden storage container was used for calligraphy implements. Inksticks would have been held in the rear center compartment. Calligraphy brushes would have been held upright on the right and left side compartments. Seals or chops would have been stored in the lidded section. Originally painted with black lacquer, this piece has great age and wear patina.

This Chinese carved bamboo brush rest has traditional dragons chasing pearl and cloud motif. The background shape is the 5 mountains and the rim of the mountains have carved ridges. The piece measures 3.5 inches high and 6 inches across. The natural curve of the bamboo allows the piece to stay upright, and the piece remains balanced on the 1/2 inch thick bamboo. Condition is very good.

Dr Fu Qing Zhu "published" his book on Women's Health Issues in 1816. Originally hand copied until the 1860's, publications after that were made using hand carved woodblocks. This particular copy appears to be from 1885. It has all 4 volumes and the original cloth binding cover. There are hand written prescriptions on the front of 2 volumes...

This is one of 2 hexagonal shaped tea cannisters which I have listed separately. This one has an incised scene of a mature bird on one side. The other side has 2 sentences from the famous Tang dynasty poem by Lu Tong. The bamboo has darkened considerably with age...

This antique Chinese box would have been used during the Qing dynasty, possibly by a scholar or shop keeper. The bottom of this box has covered compartments for seals, chops,calligraphy brush, ink sticks and a built in inkstone. There is an abacus built into the lid.

The original hinge pin was lost and has been replaced. The box was made with large dovetail joints and from a hard wood of unknown origins. The outside is dirty and I have not cleaned it...

Beautifully patterned horn chop with its horn seal box. The remenants of red ink indicate that this seal was used for official documents. The box has a slide top which closes tightly.