Catalog (603)

This antique Burmese betel nut box contains matching serving tray and 4 small containers. The side of the box is circled with an excellent example of the Burmese schwezawa technique of gold leaf in a striking swirling chu-pan foliage design. The top has a lively chinthe, a traditional Burmese stylized "lion" figure with a vine and leaf foliage border.

The outer box is 7 inches in diameter and 4 inches high. Only the surface of the lid of the box shows signs of age from normal exposure to ...

This well used pair of Chinese woman's Lotus shoes for bound feet has embroidered satin stitch floral motif on both sides of the toe. The soles have nice stitch detail

Originally, this was the largest of a set of 3 graduated matching silver necklaces. They were worn as a set for festival by the Miao Chinese Ethnic Minority women. The necklace was skillfully hand-formed from a sheet of silver into a curving tapered tube with a reposse pattern of 2 dragons chasing pearl. It spans 10.5 inches across.

These geta (shoes) were worn by a girl or young Japanese woman. Build up from several layers of materials, the felted soles have slits to allow access for the changing of thongs should they become soiled or worn. Small pieces of leather nailed are the heels. The upper fabric liner is made from two pieces of contrasting fabric sewn together and show a small amount of dirt and an almost imperceivable foot imprint about the toe area. Presumably this pair would have been reserved for inside hous...

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.

According to the estate, this spoon was brought back from the Philippine Islands. It was reserved for use by a person of tribal importance, referred to as a "prestige spoon". Approx 7.75 inches tall, nice shape, feels good in the hand..bowl has crack which cannot be seen in the photo...nice ethnographic artifact

This lovely small woman's purse was made from silk satin fabric and embroidered with silk thread useing the satin stitch. The purse still has the original silk ribbon attached to the bottom, and belt loop attached at the top.

This deep blue Japanese cloisonne vase is decorated with 4 panels. Two of the panels have a dragon against a rust colored goldstone background. The other 2 panels have a bird against a dark green goldstone background.

Vase is in very good condition, no chips, no dents, and no losses.

This antique pair of spectacles folds into the space of a single eyeglass for easy carrying. Lacking ear pieces, they rest on the nose, hence the name pince nez. The rims are tortoise shell.

This Qing Dynasty enamel box is from the late 1800's and was made for export...The bottom has incised stamp of China as required by McKinley Tariff Act. The box is silver over copper with an intricate enamel scene on the top and all four sides. The quality of the enamel work is very good. The interior of the box is lined with wood...Box measures 5.75 x 3.75 x 1.75 inches

This old Japanese hook would have been suspended over the hearth and used to hang cooking pots over the fire. Obviously used by a rural farm family, this pothook or jizai kagi would have been hung by a rope above the fireplace, and the hook has been "firepolished" from years of use.

This Tibetan Priest's rattle is carved from horn and has a bone cap on the end. It was used by the Monk during ceremonial rituals and would have been shaken to ward off evil spirits. This horn was hand carved with many Tibetan Buddist symbols. All the edges are worn smooth with use and repeated handling.

This old panel is thickly Dazi embroidered in a banded pattern to reflect the terraced mountains sides of the Miao homeland. The panel uses lovely soft pinks and grays which are not adequately represented in the pictures. A beautiful piece in beautiful condition. 80 years old from Ge Yi. approx 21" x 23"

This Tibetan talisman has a sealed leather herb bag hanging on each side of a small bronze sitting Buddha which is also displayed in a leather casing. The Buddha is depicted as holding a small bottle. All 3 pieces are hanging from a matching leather strap so that it could be worn around the neck of the individual.

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.

This baby carrier panel is a lovely old piece. Embroidered with a very intricate flowing pattern using silk floss and wrapped thread and satin stitch techniques. This piece is bordered with hand-loomed fabric. The back of the piece has recently been replaced. Condition is good 19" x 21.5

This Japanese tooled leather tobacco pouch (tabakoire) is embossed with a large dragon swirling about the back and front. The metal clasp is decorated with a coiled dragon. Attached to the pouch by 2 rows of 5 chains is a wooden netsuke (manjui) wooden netsuke with metal dragon. The inside of the pouch has 2 sections and the interior leather is tools with a flower motif.

This Japanese red lacquered wooden serving platter or tray is 13 inches in diameter. It is carved as a bream, which is the Japanese fish symbol for the "bounty of the sea". There are several layers of different colors of red lacquer which heighten the fluid appearence of the fish. The surface is slightly dulled with use and age, the charger is in wonderful condition.