Asian ethnic minority artifacts textiles, tribal arts, primitive Asian Ethnic Artifacts
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All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Dolls : Pre 1900 item #1107345 (stock #J166)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
I call him sweet face...a bit dirty with age... Japanese hina aka girls day doll from late Edo period. lost his drum..6inches high including hat
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : India : Pre 1900 item #1097659 (stock #Misc160)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This antique Dhokra depicts a large fish being ridden by 2 women and is probably representing some tribal legend or myth. Dhokras were made by the Kondh tribe of the state of Orissa India. The Dhokra, or small sculptures, were made as toys, ritual objects as well as gifts and talismans. They were much a part of tribal craftsmanship and culture during the 1700's and 1800's. Dhokras were made from a clay base with a net-like pattern and then cast in bronze using the lost wax technique. Be...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Oceanic : Weapons : Pre 1910 item #1305171 (stock #ZOc116)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
SOLD
Head-axes were used by the indigenous tribes in the mountainous Cordillera region of the Philippines during the late 1800-early 1900’s. This headhunters axe has the original decorated handle featuring a brass sheet covering with a profusion of cut-work. The blade is very sharp and is uncleaned and unpolished. It is suspected that these axes may have had their origins from Dao axes of Burma and or India.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Textiles : Pre 1940 item #618001 (stock #EMT113)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$850.00
This is a very finely embroidered baby carrier from LiPing region. Threads of green and purple silk are used in satin embroidery stitches which are so heavy and so finely done that they almost totally cover the hand-loomed fabric. Additional decorative elements include border areas banded with tiny triangular folded fabric and hand-loomed bands.The upper portion of the carrier would be used to protect the baby's head from the elements. The 3 tassles indicated either that the mother has 3 child...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Southeast Asian : Folk Art : Pre 1920 item #886856 (stock #Misc138)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$243.00
This Indonesian container would have been carried by a man using the handmade string as a shoulder strap. The "purse" was hand carved out of a local hardwood and both the top and bottom have decorative details.

The container sits stably on it base but can also be hung on the wall as an interesting sculpture artifact.

Approximately 9 inches high, 7.5 inches across and 4 inches deep.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1920 item #1219176 (stock #zTC512)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
sold
These 3 small oil lamps were brought back to the US by a Baptist missionary who lived and traveled extensively throughout China. Oil lamps like these were used for light source extensively throughout rural China by poor peasants. Simply made, presumed cut from scraps of tin and soldered into shape.. the lids come off for filling with oil and some original home made wicks remain in place. The tallest is 5 inches high...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Pre 1920 item #955297 (stock #ZTC303)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
sold
This small hand carved wooden container would have been used to store smoking tobacco, and would have been worn hanging from a belt the same as a Japanese inro. Although similar types of containers would have used by both traditional Han Chinese and ethnic minority Chinese, this particular container is definately traditional Han Chinese. One side has a carved scene of a bird and branch, the other side has written characters. The top slides up the hand twisted string cord to reveal the hollowe...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1900 item #820312 (stock #TC239)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$125.00
This antique pair of wooden spoons were hand carved and delicately shaped. The handles are deeply arched and the ends are painted with a gilded paint. They were heavily covered with a clear lacquer finish.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #904947 (stock #T145)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This face-sized antique mask of a shaman or Buddhist priest is from Tibet. The hand carving is both delicate and simple, with chisel marks showing on the back of the mask.
All Items : Estate Jewelry : Ethnic : Far Eastern : Pre 1920 item #1291276 (stock #ZM173)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
sold
This pair of low grade silver Chinese Bracelets are Miao Ethnic Minority. Low grade silver was used extensively throughout China during the 19th and early 20th century. To a Westerner the backs look like the bracelets are adjustable, this is a decorative element only and they are not adjustable. The fronts are deeply etched with animals. At the widest point in the front the bracelets measure 1.25 inches. They are oval in shape and very comfortable to wear...I prefer to sale them as a pair but ...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Horn : Pre 1900 item #752067 (stock #TC207)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$175.00
Made from ox horn, and shaped into a perfectly balanced shoehorn, this antique Chinese folk art artifact serves in both form and function. There is a delicately carved design on the back. The handle part of the horn has eyes carved so that the piece takes the shape of an animal and there is a hole carved so that the shoehorn can be hung from a cord. I vaguely remember hearing that the Chinese inventing the shoehorn, but have not been able to verify this as historic fact.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1900 item #1239496 (stock #TC523)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$110.00
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... Approx 2.5 inches high, it is an ethnographic item of rural China, and is an interesting expression of Chinese folk art...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Middle Eastern : Textiles : Pre 1920 item #1013427 (stock #Misc151)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This is a traditional style full length silk robe, aka Chapan, from Uzbekistan/Tajikistan area. The pattern was made using an ikat dye technique, and the robe is padded and machine quilted. Excellent condition, shows very little wear...stunning
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1900 item #783042 (stock #T126)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$375.00
This old Mongolian artifact was made from leather hides sewn together with leather cord and then formed into a servicable shape approximating an irregular bottle. Handling and pouring was aided by the wooden handles.

A folk art object approx 150 years old and used for many years as a sake container saki. It is approx 19 inches high and 16 inches at the widest point about 10 inches deep.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1920 item #1029643 (stock #T152)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$550.00
The Tibetan leather flint pouch (aka strike a light) is properly known as a "mechag" (me = fire , chag = iron) or fire iron. This Tibetan flint pouch is decorated with ornate silver and bronze ornamentation with an inset red bead which appears to be a replacement for the original bead. The pouch would have been secured to the wears belt with the attached leather strap.

This is large strike a light ...the strike plate spans 6.5 inches and the purse including handle is 5 inches high...an wide...

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Jewelry : Pre 1900 item #859722 (stock #TC251)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$280.00
Needles were a valued woman's sewing tool and were carefully secured in a special case hanging from the belt. This Chinese silver needle case has 6 sides, each with a delicate repousse floral design. The bottom is weighted with a small turquoise and larger amber bead.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Textiles : Pre 1970 item #652976 (stock #EMT119)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$275.00
This hat is extensively decorated with the wrapped thread embroidery technique which is distinctive to the Dong Ethnic Minority group. Additionally detailed with tassels and plastic beads, the hat was clearly made by a loving grandmother approximately 30-35 years ago. The hat is in excellent condition.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1900 item #881410 (stock #TC264)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$190.00
These antique iron stirrups probably belonged to a low level horse soldier of the Chinese army during the Qing dynasty. They are well patinated.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Lacquer : Pre 1900 item #777469 (stock #TC227)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$225.00
Using these Chinese lotus-shaped lacquer tea saucers simplified passing and serving hot tea. Traditional Chinese symbols are delicately painted with copper color over a black lacquer background. There is a double happiness symbol at each end along with clouds, water waves and lucky bat symbol in the center. The back side is traditional Chinese red.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Textiles : Pre 1930 item #551364 (stock #EMT108)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$675.00
There are many hopes expressed in this baby carrier: red cotton background fabric for the joy of having the baby, the yellow golden embroidered thread patterned in sun symbols and swirling lines throughout the carrier are the wind blowing the bees and pollen around the fields for a sucessfull harvest. Carrier is divided by a strip of very fine needlepoint for added strength. The upper portion of the carrier covers the baby's head from elements and lower portion supports for baby's body. piece ...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1837 VR item #821045 (stock #TC242)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
These early Qing dynasty cups were carved from coconut shell, and lined with metal which was originally coated with silver. The Chinese believed that silver would tarnish when in contact with poison. Many wealthy Chinese liked to use silver lined cups and chopsticks tipped with silver fittings was an assurance against poisoning. There are 6 cups in all but each has a slightly different carving and they being sold separately with each to be pictured under this one listing.

They are all in...

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1900 item #903513 (stock #TC271)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
All along the four edges of this bone toggle, there is a carved circular pattern design. This pattern is very similiar to a Yao Ethnic Minority pattern and would be unusual in a Han piece.

The last picture enlargement shows how the toggle would have been used to secure the cords of a hat. The bead would be moved up the cords so that the toggle would be tight under the chin. This system would hold the hat on the head while miniumizing preasure and discomfort to the skin.

Visible in the pic...

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Oceanic : Pre 1920 item #729559 (stock #Oc103)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This traditional Dayak medicine container is made in 2 pieces. The upright piece is carved from wood representing ancestor spirits at the prow of a boat. The horizontal piece is a carved animal horn, presumably goat. The original wooden hinge pin has been replaced with a new piece of wood as the old one was broken and unusable. Dayak is the general name used for the various indigenous tribal groups living in Borneo, which is now called Kalimantan.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Paintings : Pre 1900 item #1302337 (stock #J204)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This fan has lovely paintings of water lilies on one side and daisys on the other. The paper shows wear on the edge of the folds and there is some paint loss on the bottom of the struts. Such wear is commensurate with age and use.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : Himalayas : Pre 1900 item #1406968 (stock #T)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$450.00
This Tibetan gau (aka prayer box) is actually a small shrine. When not being worn as an ornament during festivals, it would be kept in the prayer niche of the family home. The back of the box slides open. Frequently, a special prayer i.e. sutra pages would be placed inside. The small glass window at the front displays a Tsa tsa, which is a clay statue of a Buddhist Deity. These statues were made only by the monks and considered to be a holy relic. This antique gau has a front piece of silv...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Horn : Pre 1900 item #775658 (stock #M126)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
Sourced from southern China, this ethnic minority tobacco container has a hinged lid and "belt clip". I suspect that it is Yi minority.
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : African : Artifacts : Pre 1930 item #1286453 (stock #Af136)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$650.00
Such figures (twins beaded) were reserved for high status "royal" tribal leaders for protection. Heavily decorated with beads, bone and cowrie shells, this pair is 80 years old and have some kind of marking on the bottom. sourced out of Fumbane (foumban), approximately 12 inches high
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Dolls and Puppets : Pre 1900 item #976007 (stock #ZTC307)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
sold
During is height of popularity in the Qing Dynasty, when one went to the opera, souvenir dolls were often purchased. This pair of Chinese opera dolls is probably the oldest that I have seen. Both dolls are in fragile condition. They are mounted on separate stands which may be of the same age as the dolls. They have been together for over 100 years and I am not willing to separate them
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1900 item #782243 (stock #TC228)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$350.00
This old wooden dragon was hand carved with an expressive face and large black eyes. He balances nicely with his tail on a short pedestal. Gripping his prized pineapple in his paws, he licks it with his tongue, clearly relishing the sweet taste. The pineapple has a short hollow plug on top to provide for an incense stick.

The name Zhang Feng Chao is carved on the underside of the pedestal. This old dragon is a wonderful example of an old Chinese folk art artifact. He has dropped 3 "scales...

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1900 item #1315539 (stock #TC555)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$225.00
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...
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Southeast Asian : Baskets : Pre 1920 item #597229 (stock #Oc102)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$250.00
This traditional antique basket purse was made and used by the men of the tiny island of Balika,Indonesia. The patina shows both the age and the wear pattern. This is one of a pair of "old purses" which were brought back to the US by an Anthropology intern who spent a summer studying and documenting the lives of the islanders in 1980. The condition is very good and the piece measures 16" high by 12" wide and 4"
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1900 item #818353 (stock #TC238)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$145.00
During the Qing Dynasty, hair combs like this were commonly used. The structure is bone and the tines are of wood. A few tines have gone missing with age and use. The comb is about 5 inches x 2 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Indian Subcontinent : India : Pre 1900 item #842059 (stock #Misc131)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
$315.00
According to many Indians, this old juicer would also doubled as a pasta maker. With the carved animal heads on each side, and great aged patina, it makes an interesting sculptural artifact of India's culture.

Measures 12 high, 10 inches wide and 6 inches deep.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Textiles : Pre 1920 item #1312505 (stock #J206)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This old Japanese hand made sack (basket,bag) was made by a rural farmer or fisherman out of cotton cording. Handle holes were worked into the upper band which would have allowed for the changing of worn out handles. There is obvious wear and fading from use and age. The bag measures almost 11 x 15 inches It is Wonderful old ethnographic example of rural Japanese textile folk art
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Folk Art : Pre 1920 item #1071505 (stock #M160)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This antique Chinese small wooden tobacco container would have been looped on a belt. It is probably ethnic minority, and hand carved by its intended user. Such folk art artifacts are now rare and hard to find on the market.

Measures 3 inches tall, and comes with original hand twisted cord, and is in very good condition

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Baskets : Pre 1910 item #1322558 (stock #J210)
Asian Ethnic Artifacts
This large antique Japanese would have been used in rural villages by the peasants who would go into the fields and hills to collect various herbs. Hand woven from grape vine bark, the basket has rope handle which also goes through loops at the bottom of the basket to provide added support for the weight.

Really rare ethnographic item in unusually good condition. the basket alone measures roughly 18 inches x 12 inches x 3+ inches...