Catalog (106)

A must have for any lotus shoe collector. This iron was used for pressing lotus shoes. The thin curved end was useful for getting into the toe area. Made of iron, it is somewhat rusty-i.e. pleasantly aged. Length tip to tip is 13"

These antique Chinese hat stands are carved from an unknown wood. Their interlocking parts can be separated easily, so they may have been designed for traveling. They can be sold separately or in groups and used to "show off" your hat collection or as interesting artifacts of Qing dynasty culture.

The hat stand on the left side comes apart into 2 pieces and stands 11" high.

The stand on the right also comes apart into 3 sections with 2 pieces in each section. This stand is 12" tall.

Possibly made from an old kimono, this sweet drawstring purse charming painted and appliqued scenes of trees, rocks and flowers going around the body of the purse. The bottom shows a country gentleman sitting on a rock under a tree enjoying the mountain view. overall condition is very good, however the fabric sleeve for the drawstring is deteriorated. Purse measures 7" across bottom

Small embroidery with central floral motif using seed stitch, on traditional dark blue silk fabric. May have been used on garment as inside pocket. Approx 6.5 inches on each side.

This Chinese ethnic child's hat has wrapped thread embroidery technique which was used by the Miao the Miao minority. The set of silver ornaments across the from are Buddha images. the The ornament in the back is a stylized butterfly of Miao Legend...the dangle of bells at the back is to scare off evil spirits who would attack the child from the rear..This hat is old and in surprisingly good condition

This late Qing Dynasty hat is in excellent condition. Made with silk fabric with silk thread satin stitch embroidery on both front and back, it has long tassels on each side.

Toward the late Qing and early Republic periods, footbinding in urban centers became less common. But women were still concerned with fashionable footwear. This pair of beaded strips are actually shoes parts which would have been sewn with other matching beaded fabric parts to form a pair of beaded shoes.

This elaborate beaded breastplate would have been worn for festivals by a wealthy Tibetan woman. The main section has 3 ornate silver and turquoise ornaments surrounded by a raised beaded coil which is bordered with cowrie shells. The neckline rolled and padded.

It is 13 inches across at the widest point and can be tied around the neck using the attached fabric ties. As is obvious in the pictures, there are a couple areas of lose on the turquoise ornaments.

During the 1800's and early 1900's, "Rocaille beads" from southern France were brought into the coastal regions of southern China and used to bead various accessory articles such as headbands purses and shoes... The area of China known as the "staits" became famous for such beaded items. . The Straits Chinese referred to the beads as manek potong ('cut beads') and acquired them from street peddlers and specialist merchants for the purpose of beading and embroidery. this pair of beaded str...

Charming child's cotton collar from the Qing Dynasty, hand stitched with appliqued flower design. very good condition

This antique Tibetan purse would have been used as a costume ornament during festival. It is decorated with silver and bronze fittings and coral and turquoise stones. Passed from generation to generation, and used extensively, this piece shows it age. Such purses would have held precious coins and the occasional flint but would not be considered as a Tibetan "strike a light" because of the lack of the striker plate.

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 traditional Chinese woman's headband was made and worn during the Qing Dynasty toward the end of the 19th century. It has an applique embroidered butterfly on each end and a large full kingfisher feathered medallion in the center. The lotus shaped kingfisher is 4 inches x 2 inches. The entire headband in 16 inches in length.

Made by a woman of somewhat limited means, this pair of lotus shoes date to the late Qing Dynasty. The vamp has a contrast of lavender and purple cotton fabric. Each toe is decorated with a delicate floral embroidery. There is a round heal attached to the sole... The shoes measure 5 inches. They show a minimal amount of wear...

This small Japanese case was most likely used for eyeglasses by a wealthy woman. The fine cloisonne work on both sides has slightly differed medallion patterns. Bird one one side butterfly on the other...There is s small sing (with lose on the bird side towards the edge...and the ding goes through to the inside of the case...piece is priced considering the damage...

The Hmong women of Thailand would decorate their jackets with small rectangles of ornately embroidered collars. This collection of 6 such collars represents the tiny intricate stitches and range of techniques which use to be used. Collars such as these are rarely available on the market mow.

Collars range from 5.5 to 6 inches across and 3inches to 3.5 inches long.

This well worn pair of Woman's Lotus shoes for bound feet are from the later part of the Qing Dynasty about 1870-1880. The vamp fabric is red cotton with a matching floral embroidery pattern on each side. The delicate hand stitching detail clearly shows the pride taken by the owner/maker. The soles are short of the toe vamp which was done to give the wearer a more floating and sensual appearance when walking.

This Shui childs hat is very heavily and intricately embroidered using wrapped cotton thread. The base background blue and black fabric has a subtle pattern which takes extra care and attention while weaving on the loom. a series of silver ornamental "bubbles" further decorates the front lower border of the hat. Over 60 years old and in very good condition it will make a wonderful addition to any collection