Good Kayan Orang Ulu gawai rice festival ceremonial mask, circa 40 years old, from Sarawak. I bought this piece in Kuching, Sarawak in 2003. Used only twice a year for rice planting and harvesting festivals (gawai), these gatherings were usually a good excuse for a party and celebration to encourage the spirits to ensure a good harvest. H: 25cm/9.8in and W: 16cm/6.2in.

WAYANG DOLL

Old-type wooden doll once used for the traditional Indonesian puppet-shadow play so-called 'Wayang kulit' (ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayang_kulit), Pre 1950s, 46 x 16 x 1.5cm (18.11 x 6.29 x 0.59in)...

A finely carved lime box, its body in the form of a cone surmounting a flaring cylinder, decorated with three levels of an elaborate geometric design which is changing at each level. The stopper itself is decorated with two human heads back to back surmounting the neck adorned with a necklace. A bone spoon and a bone point are attached to the stopper, the link adorned with wood beads and tiny old glass beads. Fine age patina. Indonesia, Timor island. Height: 16.5 cm. Very good condition.

CLOTHING STARCH BRUSH

Old Korean brush made of the bark and root of pine tree used to put starch on the textile when spinning hemp, early 20th century, approx. L 22 x D 15cm (8.66 x 5.90in). Some expected stains due to age as is, and in aesthetic vintage condition as seen...

Very fine old skirt from a Northern Chin ethnic group, Myanmar. The indigo dyed upper panel is woven with very soft handspun local cotton while lower embroidered panel is all silk. Please note enlargements to see the delicacy of the work. Circa: early to mid 20th century. Good condition. L: 138cm/54in and W: 80cm/31.5in. Free shipping.

Fine vintage, unused (as new) elegant hand loomed men’s longyi, classic checkered pattern (reverse image on the back). I bought this in Mae Sai around 1988, W: 1.74m and L: 1.09m. Has a few minor stains but otherwise condition excellent. Free shipping via Hong Registered Airmail.

1# Vintage woman’s peasant dress from Isaan, Eastern Thailand. Good condition and very wearable. Made of all handspun cotton cloth with silk embroidered wide hem border. Width at waist: 151cm/59in and L: 86cm/33.8in. 2# Vintage woman’s peasant dress from Isaan, Eastern Thailand. One faded spot otherwise good condition and very wearable. Made of all handspun cotton cloth with silk embroidered wide hem border. Width at waist band: 128cm/50.5in and L: 84cm/33in.

Wonderfully carved wooden Lanna Tiger, the hole in the mouth means this could be worn as amulet or placed on an altar. On the bottom is a lightly incised spiral glyph underneath the base indicate this was meant to be protect the owner. Bear in mind that amulets are very popular in Thailand and most are mass produced in either as terra cotta tablet or cast in metal- this is a one of a kind piece. H: 7.5cm/3in and W: 4.8cm/1.9in.

Rare and unusual Iban pottery pattern paddle carved from durable Iron Wood (Belian wood), circa 19th century. The pattern on this would be pressed into unfired clay pots to give it this design by the Iban people of Sarawak. This technique has been used since Neolithic times predating the pottery wheel, where pots were made by coiling “ropes” of clay into a shape and then using the paddle to press the coils together to make a shape...

Circa 1980, Philippines woven reed and bamboo storage basket crafted by the Ifugao people of the Luzon Cordillera range in the Philippines. Known for their craftsmanship in basketry both Ifugao men and women engage in basket making. Created for everyday use, head baskets like this were used in the fields to collect rice or sweet potatoes and then to store, keeping perishables dry. In excellent condition, it measures 13.5" square by 6" high.

Two bone “knives” from the Golden Triangle. I acquired these in Chiang Mai Thailand about 20 years ago and was told that were used by a “hill tribe”, for ritual ceremonies that involved the symbolic letting of blood to heal the patient. Using bones in spiritual practices is a syncretic tradition in this region as the boundaries between Buddhism and the earlier Animist practices are blurred and seem to work in harmony with one another...

These eight wayang kulit shadow puppets, called in Bali "ringgits", were bought from a dalang (shadow artist) in Bali around 1960 and had then already a certain age. In a wayang kulit performance, the puppet figures are mostly rear-projected on a linen screen. These puppets are made from rather thick pergament (cowhide) and painted in natural colors, many of them are inscribed with their name on the wooden sticks...

Group of three vintage household woven cane baskets acquired in Kandy, Sri Lanka in the 1990s. These were old at the time of acquisition so I would date them to around 50 years of age. Very sturdy and good condition. Dimensions: 1# 19in/48cm x 15/40cm, 2# 15in/38cm x 8in/20cm, 11in/28cm x 5.5in/14cm. Two have wood bases and tops while the the midsize one is covered in skin (I am guessing goat).

Rare antique Indonesian textile that is a jataka of tales of Rama with forty-nine painted scenes with script on top of scenes, wondrous scenes of monstrous sea creatures and key scenes of life of Rama are depicted in charming traditionally painted scenes outlined in wood-like columns with black with blues, reds, khaki greens, on beige background. Made of fine cotton on stretched frame.

circa 1930s
provenance Lafayette estate
Size: 51 3/8" High x 42 5/8" Wide

Very rare, large lidded rattan basket from the Nung Rawang ethnic group of Northern Burma, Kachin State. The Rawang are a subgroup of the Kachin people and live in some of the last great wilderness forests left in Burma. Also it is interesting to note that the men do the weaving and with advent of plastic bags this pretty much an extinct craft. This is the oldest basket from this group I have ever found- conservatively at least 50 years plus. HL 42cm/16.5in and D: 27cm/10.6in...

Finely detailed woman’s full length three paneled tube sarong from Ende, Flores Island, Indonesia. I bought this in 1988, this was used when I bought in Ende and has remained in storage since then. All natural dyes and handspun, hand woven cotton. Pristine condition with soft and comfortable weave. W: 150cm/59in and L: 1400cm/55in.

Semi antique, large woman’s sarong from the Stieng/Xtiêng ethic group Vietnam. Over 60 years old, this is woven from all handspun cotton threads. There is a patch, 7cm x 2cm fray on one edge and small 1cm hole. L: 203cm/79on39.8in and W: 94cm/37in.

Woman’s breast cloth from the Chin or Rakhine States, Myanmar- from the Khumi, Khami or Mro- Chin subgroup. Good condition- there is one tiny pin hole and a couple of stains. Circa 1950. L: 70cm/27.5in and W: 34cm/13.2in.

Women’s skirt from the Bahnar (Ba Na) ethnic group from the Central Highlands of Vietnam, woven from fine handspun cotton using all natural dyes. The weaving is very intricate and refined, note the use of narrow warp ikat bands throughout this piece. This is one single panel which would have used to make three other skirts. See last enlargement for a complete example. L: 2.9meter/9.5feet and W: 66cm/26in. I have two complete skirts- please contact if interested.

Rare woman’s skirt (pukhang) from the Kachin/Jingpo ethnic group, Northeast Burma. This is two panels with supplementary weft trim on the ends made of dog hair. Mostly natural dye and indigo. It is quite a durable weave with denim like feel. There is some staining, one small hole as well as a bit of dye bleeding. I could only find examples this in “Textiles of the Hill Tribes of Burma”: Michael C. Howard (plate 107) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Accession Number: 2002.312...

Large vintage “bush knife” from Lanna Thailand, this is an all purpose tool with a thick spine and very sharp edge- quite heavy as well. The blade is fixed with a steel collar and woven rattan and comes with a bamboo basket type sheath. Total L: 54cm/22.2in (blade L: 29cm/11.5in and handle L: 25cm/10.5in). This is an artisanal village made piece and not mass produced.

Basket from Northern Burma probaby from the Rawang or other Kachin related group. . Approximately 50 or 60 years old. Increasingly difficult to source, this is a fine example of Burmese tribal basketry. Condition: good natural polished feel to the surface, a couple of “breaks” on upper rim of basket. The hole in the handle lid seems to intentional, as it has the same wear as the rest of the piece. Dimensions: 20cm/8in height 15.5cm/6.2in diameter.

DESCRIPTION: An attractive Asian fishing creel, fashioned from woven split bamboo with wood base and neck, and an attached tightly woven string for hanging. A creel is used for carrying fish or blocks of peat moss which function as an evaporative cooler when dipped into a creek, keeping the catch chilled. This type of creel with a woven, partially open top can also be used to catch lobsters and other crustaceans. Good condition with a nice aged patina...

Three old or antique Indonesian dance masks, showing three different characters. The dark red mask from Java and the two others from Bali. Carved from wood, painted and decorated with fur. Condition: some chips and wear, one with small losses. Dimension: c. 18 to 20 cm long x c. 13.5 cm wide.

Silver bracelet from Indonesia, Timor, owned by aristocrats. Inner wi :7,5 cms, H:10 cms. JSA 209, BE 296 (see Bibliography)

A auspicious colorful carved wedding box with birds and animals in red and gold from tribal Malays. Age: 1930's. Size: L. 50cm. H. 25cm. W. 14cm. Condition; No repairs.

Tobacco pipe of curved shape, with lavish geometric decor, its bowl in the shape of stylized lotus. Silver, fine darkish patina. Thailand, Northern Region, Lawa Peoples. Height: 14 cm. Very good condition. Collected in 1974 by its former owner.

A nice old Ramayana mask from Bali , few wounds but good condition considering the age At least from mid 20th H 23.5 cm wide 15 cm

Balinese Mask of a fanged man/demon used in the art form of the Topeng dance drama, which came about in the 15th century in Bali and Java. The Balinese version of Topeng would include many different character masks, some speaking and some non-speaking. The mask has real hair mounted on strips of leatherr lacquered face and eyes, with a lot of detailed carvings such as his teeth and wrinkles. circa 1920s Size: 8" height, 5.75" width

Balinese Mask of a strong male or Panglembar Keras, used in the art form of the Topeng dance drama, which came about in the 15th century in Bali and Java. The Balinese version of Topeng would include many different character masks, some speaking and some non-speaking. The mask has real hair mounted on strips of leather for his eyebrows and mustache, with carved sideburns, lacquered face and eyes, and metal inlaid teeth. circa 1920s Size: 9.75" height, 6" width

Mhong pipe with silver stem and ornementation. Very good condition. Laos. 31 cms

Made of hardwood. Early 20th century. Laos is famous for its ‘tribal’ Buddhas. They were made by village carvers and donated in large quantities to the temples. H. 55 cm. Condition: remains of polychromy, age wear, cracks.