Catalog (344)

This large Chinese scale has metal balance beams and shallow metal bowls. The scale fits into an ornately carved red and black lacquer wooden case which is slightly domed and has its original copper band closure. There is some wood chip loss around what was the hole for the string which allowed the case to be hung up for storage. Dating from the 1800's the braided cords which attach the shallow bowls to the metal balance beam appear to be replacement cords. The hand-twisted and knotted cord...

This old Chinese Ethnic Minority inro is carved from animal horn and has 2 compartments. Each side is carved with a floral motif that is bordered with a key design. These symbols are especially meaningful to the Miao ethnic culture. The inro was worn suspended from the belt by a braided cord. It is a attractive ethnographic relic for the tribal arts collector. Condition is very good and the piece measures approximately 3.5" X 2

These 8 old Ivory napkin rings may have originally been made for tourist souvenirs. They have hand painted/dyed images of landscapes boats ets...Each has a different Chinese calligraphy saying of well wishing... priceing $80 purchasers choice of any 2

This antique traditional Chinese pocket size opium scale comes in its original wooden case. Dating to the Qing Dynasty, the case contains all the original implements needed to weight gold and other precious metals and/or opium: a brass pan, a weight, and an ivory balance beam marked with 2 different weight calibration gauges. The wood case measures roughly 7 inches long and the ivory beam is 6 inches long.

the woman of many Chinese Ethnic Minority groups did not cut their hair. It was often worn on the top of the head in a bun,and sometimes intertwined with lengths of an ancestors hair for added protection from evil spirits.

The hair was often (especially for festivals) decorated with added silver ornaments and/or hairpins.

These were made by a doting Chinese grandmother in the early 1900's...Absolutely charming set of matching hat and shoes for young child with lots of intricate embroidery details. I will not break up this set....

This soft pale pink colored antique Chinese silk skirt is from the late 1800's. The traditional floral embroidery is mainly uses satin stitch technique with the large flower in the center of the front and rear panels use Peking knots. In over all excellent condition but the two panel have been stitched together and the waist band has been shortened to accommodate the adjustment. Also the lining has been removed... I will be traveling with very limited internet access from Dec 11 to De...

This traditional antique Chinese childs top was made using a fine, deep royal blue damask silk with black silk trim. From a wealthy family, this top was padded for winter use, has all the original frog and monkey fist knot closures, and a hand embroidered rondel with lots of couching and seed stitches (aka forbidden stitch)

Wonderful satin stitch embroidery of flowers and butterflies decorate this charming antique Chinese Miao baby hat. The front has 4 silver Buddha ornaments and the back sports the traditional Miao ornament of a butterfly with dangling bells to protect the child from evil spirits. The hat is softly padded to keep baby's head warm.

This ingenious antique Chinese pillow expands and contracts so it can be used as either a double and single pillows. The wooden ends have hand carved floral decoration. The head rest areas are bamboo and the individual rails are wooden. As expected,there are a few nicks to the finish which are consistent with a 100 yrs plus daily use item.

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...

This pair of antique Chinese sleeve panels have wonderfully detailed hand embroidery of satin, seed, and couching embroidery techniques. The panels are bordered with plain silk of the period total length 21.5 x 9 inches wide

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each