Catalog (344)

This Miao Baby carrier is from the Bai Ling region of China. As is typical of this region, the straps are embroidered. This attractive piece was probably only used for a few festivals before being stored away for the next generations use. In excellant condition, it measures 38" long.

This hat is extensively decorated with the wrapped thread embroidery technique which is distinctive to the Dong Ethnic Minority group. Additionally detailed with tassels and plastic beads, the hat was clearly made by a loving grandmother approximately 30-35 years ago. The hat is in excellent condition.

This vest made by Chinese Miao ethnic minority....from region of Huang Ping. It is roughly 50 years old... The amount and skill of the hand stitching embroidery and applique animal characters is wonderful...Cotton fabric appears to be homespun...The Miao of the region grew and harvested their own cotton Great wall piece..and will fit an average size man...

This is a charming baby carrier from Guang Xi which is similiar in shape to those carriers from Rao Jia region. It is made of hand-loomed cotton fabric which is hand stitched and hand embroidered with butterflies and flowers using both cotton and silk thread. The sculptural shape makes a very pleasing wall hanging. The condition of this carrier is very good.

Fleece-lined and hand-made using the old fashioned traditional Chinese methods, only the mid 20th century fabric of the lining and ears identify these shoes as a later made at a later time period. They were probably made by a dotting grandmother and were well worn by a young child.

This apron would be worn for festival by young woman, recently married and hoping to become pregnant or in the early stage of pregnancy. After the baby is born, the straps will be relocated so that the apron is converted to a baby carrier. The coin bottom border is show hope for good fortune for the baby. The 3 tassles on the end of the apron straps are show hope for eventually having 3 children. The butterfly is considered the mother of the Miao people.

This brightly colored child's hat is Dong ethnic minority. The front is decorated with 9 silver Buddha ornaments and lots of intricate embroidery. Tassels and pompoms decorate the sides and silver bells with fish ornaments across the back protect the child from the approach of evil spirits.

This tradition style childs collar of the Dong minority was handmade by the mother or grandmother. The fabric was cut from fragments of handwoven cloth stitched together. The embroidery is an intricate cross stitch pattern...It was used (probably for several generals of children) and is a bit dirty...no rips no tears.

The groups of Yao minority live in in both China and Thailand. This necklace is of low grade silver which was typical of the Chinese jewelry around the late 1800's and early 1900's. The necklace is light weight and comfortable to wear.

This traditional Miao Chinese Minority hair pin would have been worn by young woman for festival. The butterfly motif is in reference to the Miao creation myth. The hair pin is 5 inches long.

These 8 old Ivory napkin rings may have originally been made for tourist souvenirs. They have hand painted/dyed images of landscapes boats ets...Each has a different Chinese calligraphy saying of well wishing... priceing $80 purchasers choice of any 2

This is a traditional old style Chinese doodoo which is worn buttoned to the front of a womans shirt. It is made of black cotton fabric and embroidered with silk thread using a satin stitch. The motif is typical Miao...birds and flowers. It is in good condition appears slightly faded. This piece measures approx 11" X 11" and would look very nice framed. Age approx 65 yrs old

Rare old Shui ethnic minority baby carrier is from Gui Zhou province China. The upper section is elaborately embroidered using mostly satin stitch technique. The lower section is embroidered with horsehair wrapped thread design. Although this carrier shows extensive use, and shows a bit of dirt, it retains its beauty. Measures approx 20" x 36"

Incredible precision is the hallmark of this hand embroidered baby carrier from Ge Jia. The piece is bordered with batik and hand stitch detail which is so fine and precise that it looks like it was done on a machine but it was definately done by hand. This carrier is in very good condition. This older style is now highly prized and rarely appear on the market. baby carrier is 23 inches wide at the top and 27 inches long.

This is a very finely embroidered baby carrier from LiPing region. Threads of green and purple silk are used in satin embroidery stitches which are so heavy and so finely done that they almost totally cover the hand-loomed fabric. Additional decorative elements include border areas banded with tiny triangular folded fabric and hand-loomed bands.The upper portion of the carrier would be used to protect the baby's head from the elements. The 3 tassles indicated either that the mother has 3 child...

This is a charming one-of-a-kind hand-carved box. It has a crudely carved dog on top with wooden hinge that swings open. There are side openings for striker strip.

Long lengths of treads or first braided into a "tape" and then the tape is tightly sewn to a background in elaborate pattern to depict various elements of Miao legends and myths.

This Chinese hair comb was hand carved from a beautifully "grained" translucent animal horn. Obtained from an ethnic minority person, the pair of ducks carved into the handle were commonly used by mainstream Han Chinese as a symbol of a long and happy marriage. Items with this symbol would often be gifted for an anniversary.

Possibly from Yueli are of Nandan county, this antique Chinese ethnic minority Miao top could have been worn for every day It has hand batiked front and back panels and the front apron has hand embroidery accents on the batiked section. Pic 1 shows the back with the "apron"extention which extends to the top of the knees... Pic 2 show the front which ends at the waist... Fits a small woman and I mean small or could be used as a striking wall piece...

This was the traditional jacket used by girls of the Yi Chinese ethnic Minority. Girls wore this style until they were married. This garment is small and was most likely worn by a child between 7-10 years old. Condition considered good...intricate batik work, original silver buttons,hand embroidered detailing around collar,front closure,sleeve and bottom borders... wonderful display item...

Traditional Qing style side closing, black satin weave cotton fabric with elaborate trim... really striking and wearable garment

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"

There are many hopes expressed in this baby carrier: red cotton background fabric for the joy of having the baby, the yellow golden embroidered thread patterned in sun symbols and swirling lines throughout the carrier are the wind blowing the bees and pollen around the fields for a sucessfull harvest. Carrier is divided by a strip of very fine needlepoint for added strength. The upper portion of the carrier covers the baby's head from elements and lower portion supports for baby's body. piece ...

This Miao Chinese ethnic minority jacket would have been worn by a teenage girl for festival. All the batik work was hand-painted and all stitches and embroidery was done by hand. The row of silver hemisphere's across the back represent the "bubble" in the Miao creation myth.

The jacket is approx 70 years old and is from Zhi Jin

This hand carved wooden comb belonged to a Miao Chinese minority women with limited means. Comb would have been worn horizontally between the top of the woman's head and under the twisted bun of her hair. Comb is decorated with symbols which a burned into the wood. comb is 5 x 4 inches

Charming Chinese small traditional child garment from the 1930's ...Expensive (from a wealthy family) deep blue silk damask fabric, with hand embroidered decorative central medallion on the front. The top is trimmed out with wonderful detailed pink, white, and tan trim, I think this trim was actually manufactured in France and imported to China during the 30's. There are cord Monkey fist and loop closures. Really good condition, 2 very light stains on the trim fabric just under the chin seen ...

Made by a women of the Miao minority often referred to as the "tiny Miao" ...not because of their stature but because they were recongnize for their "tiny" embroidery stitches... This jacket was worn for festivals ...and shows some use...wonderful display piece and also could be worn by a small person....

Meticulously embroidered panel for baby carrier that never got finished.. and was packed away to be finished later...probably by a loving grandmother, and then backed and border probably her daughter for sale. Miao people in the region of Zhi Jin including border ...measures 20 x 23.5 inches the last 2 pics are of the back side of the embroidery

During the late 1800's and early 1900's eyeglasses became an important accessory for the Chinese. Upon seeing eyeglasses on visiting Western dignitaries and businessmen, the Chinese perceived and admired these "spectacles" as age enhancing. Not only did the eyeglasses improve eyesight...but they added age and dignity to the face of the wearer. Equating age with wisdom and respect, many Chinese took up the custom of wearing eyeglasses. Those Chinese with good eyesight...used clear lens with no...

This small purse was made by Miao girl to be given to "boyfriend"...If he accepts and wears the purse on his belt...he favors her. The embroidery stitch is called Daiz but westerners know it as Peking knot aka forbidden stitch. 5.5 x 3 excellant condition

Traditional Chinese rural style pillow of bamboo. This pillow would be stored with legs folded under during the day. Good condition 16"x4" by 5" high with legs extended.

This is a charming traditional Chinese child's "wind hat" so called because of the protection the hat gives to the back of the neck. The silk threads of the satin stitched embroidery depict lots of flowers and butterflies. Hat is in good condition

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

Pair of black satin weave cotton fabric with white silk satin stitched thread embroidered floral design. very good condition. Each panel measures 7" x 29" Embroidered section measures 4"X 19"

This pair of sleeve bands is made of black cotton satin weave fabric with very delicately stitched floral motif embroidery. Each panel measures 6" x 26" with embroidered area measuring 3" x 9"

This is a Tibetan Ritual Celestial Crown also know as a Diadem or Ringga. It is worn by a necromancer or oracle during rituals. The "crown" consists of 5 separate paintings on paper and each painting is backed with thin cardboard for stiffness. The sections are connected with string. When worn, the crown is tied around the head with string. The sections are painted with the five Dhayani, celestial Buddhas, each painted with his traditional color and gesture. Each section is 4 wide by 6.5 h...