Very unusual wood toggle depicting yin-yang and bagua symbols ; chips on some edges. D: 4 cms
Very old wood toggle of a pair of shoes ; L: 4cms, TCT 84 (see Bibliography)
Antique wood toggle representing a traditional Chinese drum ; it is made of wood, bone and brass ; flowers and butterflies designs made of bone inlays (lacks, see pix). L, D: 3c. TCT 135 (see Bibliography)
An old Tibetan ladies purse made of Yak leather and inlaid with silver and gilt carvings with a center piece of Turquoise. The front has carvings of two fish (representing the beginning of life)and flower design. The back has a center tree design. There is a silver woven chain attached to the top for carrying. Age: Late 19 Century to early 20th. Size:See last photo. Condition. Normal ageing. No repairs
A round leather storage box possibly for the safe keeping of a hat, ornament, or item of dress. The box measures about 7 1/4" in diameter x 2 1/2" tall, and dates to the 19th Century. The box's dark lacquer finish and hardware are in excellent condition, both inside and outside. A fine example of Chinese Folk Art. Free shipping within the USA.
DESCRIPTION: A fine Chinese boxwood water-well basket toggle, intricately carved in an acorn shape with a realistic and detailed basket weave pattern with carved wood rim. The arched overhead handle has a free-carved wood ring attached; the interior is hollowed out. Excellent condition, a beautiful toggle, 19th C. For a similar example see: Schuyler Cammann, Substance and Symbol in Chinese Toggles, #188, p.228. DIMENSIONS: 1-3/4” high.
DESCRIPTION: An antique Chinese boxwood toggle (Guajian) carved as a pair of men’s shoes resting side by side, a symbol of marital harmony and the wish for many sons. The shoes are elaborately carved with hollowed interior, relief banding, and incised designs on all sides including the soles. A hole running through the inner sides of each shoe forms the track used for threading cords from which this toggle would have been suspended as a counterweight to some other object...
Chinese heavy Limestone carved Slab, with Lady's face on one side and Rabbit looking forward on the other side, 19th Century, 13" wide-bottom, 10" high, 8" deep-bottom, weathered nicely old condition, no major damage.
Chinese heavy Limestone carved Slab with leafy floral design on one side and smooth plain on the other side, 19th century or earliker, 15"wide, 15" high, 11" deep-base. One big piece is off on the bottom.
DESCRIPTION: A Chinese peach toggle (guajian) crafted from a flat piece of burl wood with large spreading leaves, representing longevity in Chinese iconography. Two holes on either side of the stem were used for threading a cord from which this toggle would have been suspended as a counterweight to some other object, such as a tobacco pouch. A nice example of Chinese folk art dating from the mid 1800’s or earlier, this toggle is in overall fine condition with aged patina...
A cloisonné belt ornament from Southern China with flora and bird design. The cloisonné is identical on both sides with very high quality workmanship. Age: Late Qing, 19th century. Size: L.30cm. W. 7cm. Condition: No repairs.
Nuo mask of Kailu, "Open the path", god with a terrifying face (horns, fangs) who leads the funerary procession; his fierce face is intended to repulse the bad spirits (and the dangerous wild animals?).
Very rare big portrayal of Kailu with very big eyes and mouth, the only one of this kind i ever saw; 3 growing horns, big eyes and mouth, 2 fangs; ancient polychromia, nice patina...
Very big and beautiful antique lacquered 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...
Very beautiful and delicate antique lacquered mask of Xienfang Xiaojie, Miss Vanguard, wearing her characteristic phoenix headdress ; very expressive handwork, remnants of original marouflage.
Due to its quality and sophistication, this mask is probably a rare « court » nuo mask which belonged to the same set as M-T1Q. Very good condition, some lacquer missing (see pix). 24 x 16 cms. 19th C or before. RM 93,145,163; MC 122-125 (see bibliography)
A natural amber pendant with two bats, one on each side. The bats represent longevity and happiness. The bat and happiness sound is in the Chinese language is similar - both pronounced Fu. Size: L. 3cm. W. 2cm.
Condition: No repairs, cracks or chips.
DESCRIPTION: A nice old Chinese toggle carved from a striated wood in the form of two peaches. The peach is a symbol of longevity, and this thick toggle has a wonderful aged patina that only comes from age and handling. Strung with a cord through the holes under the stems, it would have hung from a sash and been used as a counterweight to a tobacco pouch or other utilitarian object. A wonderful example of Chinese folk art, this toggle dates from the 1700’s...
Xian province, rare dated baket in lacquer a d wickerwork. Finely decorated with
Buddhist symbols. H. 13 cm, diameter 12 cm. Bares the cyclical date 1828. Minor chips and age wear.
Lacquer and wickerwork, the inside of the lid serves as a presentation bowl for sweets. Decorated with Buddhist symbols. H. 16 cm, diameter 15 cm. Cyclical date 1857. Good condition with normal age wear.