Antique hand-carved wooden half mask of some sort of god or deity, with recognizable features of a deity such as the elongated earlobes, and winglike hair and eyebrows. Has small traces of red lacquer, and above its lips are remains of where many bunches of hair would once have been, missing due to antiquity. Visible chisel marks are apparent inside. 18th/19th century Size: 11" height, 7" width

Chinese Glass Mandarin Hat Finial converted to lamp Finial, wrapped around with silver and gold color leafy shape band which is all original but bottom piece is soldiered to brass lamp adapter. The clear glass knob is 1 1/4" diameter.

DESCRIPTION: A fine, large Chinese boxwood toggle in the shape of a Chinese coin with four script characters on each side surrounding the square hole. Around the edge, various plant and animal forms are carved in high relief, including a flower, bird, squirrel and bat. The suspension cord, connecting it to an object such as a tobacco pouch, would have been strung through the openings under the bat's wings. Wonderful patina, excellent condition, and dating from the 1800's or earlier...

Antique Miao comb made of wood and silver. Flowers, birds and dragons designs. The ring on top was used to secure the comb in the hair, with a chain by instance.
Magnificent patina with expected wear, one tooth partially broken (see pix). 19th C. or before. H: 10 cms, w: 8 cms.

Very special huangyangmu (rosewood) two sided toggle representing a frog on one side and a headless human body on the other. Fertility symbol.
Beautiful patina, perfect condition. L: 3,5 cms. TCT 124 (see Bibliography)

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a bat (bianfu) eating the peach of immortality. Symbol of happiness and longevity.
The bat has one wing folded. Beautiful patina, very good condition. L: 5,5 cms. TCT 119 ( see Bibliography)

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a ringed bottle gourd with a stopper, representing the gourd of Li Tieguai, one of the Eight Immortals, containing the magic potion. Symbol of longevity and protection.
Beautiful patina, very good condition, 2 small chips on the edges (see pix 2, 3, 5). H: 5 cms. TCT 94 (see Bibliography)

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.....

DESCRIPTION: This wonderful Chinese bamboo basket is one of the nicest we've ever offered. Pleasing in form and expertly handcrafted, the entire basket is tightly woven from bamboo strips in various sizes, forming a pleasing design. Chinese characters are found inside the removable, cone-shaped lid. Three long bent bamboo strips form the handle. Very attractive and in excellent condition. DIMENSIONS: 24" high including handle (61 cm) x 18" diameter (45.7 cm).

This traditional tribal comb would be worn for festival by Yao ethnic minority woman of Southern China. The comb was carved from sections of bone which are held together with a twining technique. The bone sections are tatooed with traditional Yao design pattern. The comb alone is 5.5 inches long and 3 inches wide. The combined length with the pompom and tassels is almost 12 inches long.

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a very simple drum with a kind of ball moving inside.
Beautiful patina, good condition with cracks (see pix). L: 4 cms. 19th C. TCT 132 (see Bibliography)

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a monkey eating the peach of immortality and riding a lion, the lion standing on a drum (the ball inside is broken in 2 pieces). Promotion and longevity symbol.
Beautiful patina, good condition with expected wear and tear (see pix). H: 6,5 cms. TCT 114 (see Bibliography)

Big huangyangmu (rosewood) pipe ornament of a monkey riding a guardian lion, standing on a drum-like base; promotion and protection symbol. Carving all around the base.
Very good condition and beautiful patina; a tiny chip on the lower jaw and a tiny chip and a slight crack on the base, no moving seeds (see pix 4, 5, 6); no left foot: missing or not carved? Qing, 19 th C. H: 6 cms

Brass toggle of a male baby wearing an apron and holding an ingot.
Symbol of fertility and wealth, and expression of the desire for a male descendant. Very appreciated wedding present.
Excellent craftsmanship, beautiful patina, perfect condition (see pix). H: 4,5 cms.19th C. or before. TCT 245 (see Bibliography)

Big "Bianlian" Nuo mask of Tudi Gong, the "God of soil" and grains, essential in an agrarian country. He is the main actor in Wunuo cult, usually represented with a smiling face, and long eyebrows and beard often missing or replaced later; when missing, we can see holes where the hair was fastened.
Bianlian means face changing: this mask has an articulated jaw which could be animated by the wearer...

Brass toggle of a horse; excellent and vivid craftsmanship.
Beautiful patina, perfect condition (see pix). 19th C. or before. L: 5 cms. TCT 244 (see Bibliography)

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a very elegant pair of shoes. Symbol of marital compatibility and fertility.
Good condition, beautiful patina. L: 4 cms. 19th C.TCT 84 (see Bibliography)

Chinese Bridal red lacquered on woven bamboo hanging wall container/pocket with bamboo frame, 7" high, 7" wide, 3 1/4" deep, in good condition, no major damages, just shows little wear and tear from the age. This is very charming wall decoration for any home.

Chinese red lacquered on wood Bridal Oil Lamp stand with three(3) dimensional carving of pair of deer surrounded by pine trees on pedestal, Ca early 1900's, 13 3/4" high, 7 3/4" wide in front-widest measurement, 5 3/4" deep. Round old metal ring is attached for holding dish for oil. Red lacquer is worn on some area with usage but overall it is in good condition.

Big "Tunkou" of Kaishan, he who "Opens the mountain", clears it; God of mountains with a terrifying face (horns, fangs) who leads the procession during the ceremony organised for the clearing of a new field or building of a new rice field; his fierce face is intended to repulse the bad spirits (and the dangerous wild animals?).
Tunkou or "Mouth who swallows" the demons, the bad spirits; terrifying mask for hanging on the Nuo temple's door or above the main altar...

Nuo mask of Tang Shi Tai Po, venerable Tang lady, the Guardian of the peach tree (the peach of immortality); identifiable because she has the" fat face" of the Tang court ladies; backside scratched (for ritual purpose ?); 22x14 cms, end of 19th C. Hunan. (see bibliography)

Very old Nuo mask of Bao Gong, Judge Bao, wearing his characteristic and beautiful hat with a kind of knot. Judge Bao is an historical character who lived during the Song dynasty and became the model of justice and integrity...

Nuo mask of the Fish Eater; extremely rare character; good condition; remnants of pigments, backside scratched (for ritual purpose ?). 26x14 cms. 19th C (see bibliography)

Nuo mask of Kaishan, He who "Opens the mountain", clears it; God of mountains with a terrifying face (horns, fangs) who leads the procession during the ceremony organised for the clearing of a new field or building of a new rice field; his fierce face is intended to repulse the bad spirits (and the dangerous wild animals?).
Very old and heavy hardwood mask; 2 fangs and 2 growing horns, tongue, big bulging eyes and big nose; traces of old pigments, very good condition (1 crack on the back...

Big and rare golden protection mask of Da Jiangjun, the" Great General", for hanging usually near the door, for protection against evils or bad spirits.
Rare representation with a very elaborate headdress (upper part missing); remnants of old pigments; ancient indigenous restoration on both sides (see photos). 31x20 cms. Jiangxi, 18th or 17th C, Ming? RM 181,184,189; MC 184 (see bibliography)

Hardwood Nuo mask, big and heavy, representing an unidentified character with a very serene expression. Coat of red lacquering on plaster, long gone around mouth and nose (the red color is generally used to indicate courage, loyalty and devotion).
Very good condition (a few little chips on the back along the edge), very nice inside patina; 26x17 cms. Beginning of 19th C, Hunan. (see bibliography)

Nuo masks of Tudi Gong and 2 Xiaopo. 2 Xiaopo: small masks for children. Very humorous set of 3, beautiful craftsmanship and nice backside patina.
Tudigong: the "God of soil" and grains, essential in an agrarian country. He is the main actor in Wunuo cult, usually represented with a smiling face, and long eyebrows and beard often missing or replaced later; when missing, we can see holes where the hair was fastened. Chinese character for "happiness" on the cap...

Chinese antique bamboo sewing basket, interior design with character "Xi" and exterior with " Fu", Qing Dynasty . Size: Diameter of the basket is 13.25 inches and it stands 4 inches high, in very good condition.

almost 11 cm tall Ears and head of monkey, stance and back and paws of lion, face of man. Is the only hole the one through the legs? Strange piece. The eyes are made of brass nails the nose and mouth of brass wire wooden and early in its life was lacquered--it seems to have vestiges of lacquer on it

Antique Chinese tall wardrobe cabinet, made all of jumu (elm) wood with very beautiful grain, middle bar has been attached to door so that the cabinet opens with clear access to interior, inside has one shelf with two small drawers of jumu wood finished on the front to match the exterior of cabinet, bottom has one large drop in panel that locks with key, 19th century. Size: 78 1/2" high x 42 3/4" wide x 21" deep.

This antique iron candle holder was sourced from Shanxi province China. From a peasants home, it could be set on a table or hung on a wall. It is an interesting ethnographic folk art relic.

Chinese carved Foo Lion on each corner and red and brown lacquer on Wood Display Stand, "X" cross shape folding, made early 1900's, 10" high, 16" wide-maximum measurement, 11" wide-for display area inside the high rim. One piece of wooden stick is holding the two(2) pieces of wood together loosely in the center to able to fold or open any angle needed for the items to display. There are some lacquer loses on wood, showing wear and tear, no major damage.

According to traditional Chinese culture, shoes were considered to be a symbol of good luck, and shoes and a gift of token shoes would have been given as a sign of well wishing.

This tiny pair of wooden shoes are meticulously carved, with pierced work on both sides and the soles of each shoe...scarcely 2 inches long...excellant condition

This small Mongolian hunters flint strike pouch still has flint stone inside. Also know as strike-a-light in American Indian cultures, this hunters folk art implement has bronze tooled fittings. Well aged and in excellent condition...measures 4 inches across the widest part of the striker plate

Attractive antique Chinese hand made Wedding Basket with stacked compartments. Good condition. Black, red and gold finish. Size: H. 42 cm. x 30 cm. diameter

The metal bowl of this traditional old bronze Chinese spoon is heavily patinated from extensive use and was probably used for heating maybe opium.

Old Chinese hand carved wooden mask depicting legendary king of old China. Face was gessoed and polychrome painted. 15 inches x 14 inches wide and 6 inches deep. some areas of chipped and worn paint consistent with age

This small strand of Buddhist prayer beads would have been kept in a pocket or looped on a belt. Bought in China from a Tibetan, the strand of tiny dark beads is broken up with coral beads to assist in counting. The 3 fabric triangles, from departed monks robes, are amulets containing various protective prayers. When used for ritual prayers, the fabric talisman would be held in the closed fist while the fingers count the beads...

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

This old Chinese hand made carpenters tool would have been used as a snapline just as the western metal chalk box and line are used today. Such tools were often hand made and passed from father to son for generations. This particular one has a small antler for a plumbob.

This pair of traditional short boots were made and worn by the Miao women of Anshun. They are in very good condition but the upper boot areas have some soiling and the soles show signs of wear.

This antique childs toy was brought back from Chinese by an American Missionary during the early 19th century. The snake or possibly a dragon has jointed body which can easily be moved to assume different positions. Obviously hand carved in the Chinese folk art tradition, this toy is in excellant condition. It displays nicely on the custom made stand.

This Chinese wood carving from the Qing Dynasty portrays a seated nobleman. The surface is covered with remains of the original multi layers of lacquer paint. There are no marks on the bottom. Hand carved and only 4 inches high this is a charming piece of old folk art, an artifact from the glory days of old China.

This large Tea Caddy is made from a hollow Bamboo section. The cannister lid fits tightly in order to keep the tea fresh. This style caddy would have been used by a Chinese family of modest circumstances during the Qing Dynasty.

Great patina, darkened with age...a handsome piece that stands 10 inches high and 4 inches in diameter.

This is one of 4 small individual antique Chinese carvings which I am listing separately. I had always assumed them to be 4 of the eight immortals but upon close inspection, I am now not sure which gods, ancestors or legends they represent. Each character stands with its own faithful foo type dog and carries an implement of some kind. Each has a peg on the bottom which fits into the own homemade stand.

This character stands 5.75 inches x 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick...

This antique cast iron 2 piece censer retains much of its original red paint. The inside bottom of the censor bowl is somewhat pitted from use. The chop marks are unrecogizable. The piece is 10 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches high.

This antique Chinese lock has a nicely patinated surface and is is working order. Measures 3.8 inches across.

22 inches long and a century of hard use but the tip is clean and sharp. I suspect a skilled carpenter could still use this old Chinese drill to build a cabinet or post and beam house. Personally, I am so thankful for electrical tools.

In old China, a carpenter's tools were also considered as an symbol of the quality of his craftsmanship. This antique carpenter's tool has a hand carved dragon with some of the original paint remaining in the crevasses. The plumb bob is made from a section of animal antler. The old Chinese carpenter would fill the bowl with charcoal and it would be used to snap a straight line...

This old Chinese container would have been used by a poor farmer or fisherman to carry his lunch, and tea while he was off working for the day. The main container has 2 sections and there is an additional rimmed tray which fits just inside below the tightly fitted lid...

This antique lamp was sourced from an old Buddhist Temple in Mongolia. It would have been used as a light source, commonly using fat but also occasionally using oil for fuel. The surfaces are rusted and corroded from centuries of use and weather, which gives the piece character and shows it to be an ethnographic artifact of cultures past and passing. Approx 8 inches wide across the rim of the base and approx 12 inches high. Weight is approx 4.5 lbs

Carved from Rosewood, on one side, this Chinese toggle has a wooded scene with a horse and pair of deer. On the reverse side is the symbol for longevity. Toggle is 1.5 inches x 1.25 inches

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...

These antique iron stirrups probably belonged to a low level horse soldier of the Chinese army during the Qing dynasty. They are well patinated.

This small Chinese inro style container would have been worn suspended from the wearer's belt. It was hand carved from wood and detailed on each side with delicate decorative carvings of birds, flowers and a phoenix.

The piece is 2.5 inches high and 2 inches at the widest point. Because of its small size and shape, it was most likely used as an opium container. The inside has been carefully cleaned to avoid dog encounters at the airports.

This set of 4 matching Chinese toggles were hand carved from animal bone, probably the vertebra. Each side is carved with an identical design which continues around the side. They are well aged and show both wear and usage. As artifacts from the folk art culture, they were probably carved by the person who intended to use them to secure his personal items. Each piece is approx 1 inch in diameter and .5 inches thick.

These antique Razors were brought back from China by the Baptist Missionary Rebecca Cloud Stewart. The blades are rusty but they are still sharp. One has a wood handle and the other has a horn handle.

This is from Qing Dynasty or Republic era beadwork headgear of chinese noble lady , like those portrayed in those old classic chinese painting in the courtyard where you can see them wearing it....and carrying a walking stick.....

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...

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.