Catalog: Antiques (488)

This antique copper reposse gau houses a picture instead of a clay tsa tsa which was common for a family gau. when the family could afford to do so, the picture would be replaced by a clay tsatsa. Curiously, this gau also houses 2 amulets, which were typically provided by a monk. The paper is very old and I am told it is bad Karma to unfold the amulet...

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.

Strand of Tuareg seed pod prayer beads from the region of Timbuktu, Mali. A talisman is added on with handmade cord and decorated with elephant hairs (from tail) and cowrie shells. The original cord was broken long ago and a few seed pods are missing. The original cord has been left in place and I have added a second strand to keep the strand together.

Animal horns carved and shaped this way were used by herders and farmers to give a sick animal liquid medicine. This yak horn was bought in China but was probably made used the Tibetans. Judging from its size, this horn is from a mature (older) Yak...The tip is carved into a delicate animal head ...there are a few surface growth stress cracks on the under side which would be common for a large older animal. horn from tip to end is 11 inches and has good translucence

Sourced from an old estate, this pair of lotus shoes came with a hand written tag/label sewn to the back of one heel and a red paper the shape of the inner sole place inside on of the shoes. The paper is at the point flaking and disintegrating and the writing is in old Chinese and no longer readable. Because of the "tag and label, I suspect that these shoes were presented as a "gift" to a Western missionary, teacher or friend...

This antique copper gau would have been kept in a prayer niche in the home and would be worn as an ornament for festival. In place of the Tsatsa (clay figure), there is a Tsakli. It was common practice to use a tsakli (small picture card) to represent the religious item which would be placed in the gau, when time and money became available. The original written talisman remains inside the gau also...

This textile wallet would have been used to keep sewing supplies Each page is made from heavy hand paper, hand painted decoration and folded in such a way that numerous pockets and flaps are available for storage of small bits of fabric, snipes of thread, needles, etc. the outside of the wallet is covered with homespun fabric which now attests to the age and use of the piece. This wallet is from the Dong ethnic minority of China, and would have been passed down from one generation to another...

This antique hat from Afghanistan is heavily decorated with variety of old Middle Eastern coins.

This is an old Chinese inkstone has hand carved ox with head turned toward the natural "dragon's eye" moon. There are some chips along the edges of the ink stone and areas of natural inclusions. It is a very fine grain quality stone, dating to the early 1800's and measures 6 x 4.5 inches, and a bit over .5 inches thick.

This traditional embroidered vest was made and worn by the woman of the Miao minority culture living in the Ge Jia region of China generations ago. The textile fabric was hand woven with a specific thread count to allow for the geometric embroidery pattern which was added later.

This old Chinese Miao ethnic minority child's hat is thickly padded for winter wearing. The red silk fabric with silk thread satin stitch embroidery really stands out. One silver butterfly ornament decorates the back of the hat and provides noise to protect the child from evil spirits. a bit dirty but hat is in very good condition.

This antique type of metal work was common in Nepal during the 1800's and into the early 1900's. The birds beak is carved from bone which is dyed to color. The "jewels" are colored glass i.e. enamel drops of orange, turquoise and dark brown. Beak to tail tip the bird measures 3.5 inches and stands 2 inches high. Very good condition with one "jewel" missing on the side.

The gently domed top of this incense box is decorated with a traditional painting of crane diving for fish over sea rock. The sides of the box lid have scalloped indents to allow for easy opening. Box is 5+ inches x 3+ inches X2 inches high.

Wonderful patina on this old tray from the Philippines. Woven from bamboo strips, this tray is approx 30 inches in diameter.

This antique beaded headband is from Guang Dong province in China, and is typical of headgear worn by Chinese woman around the turn of the 19th-20th century. It would have been worn the narrow portion across the forehead, with the rounded flap portions covering the ears and fastened in the back of the head.

This box is covered with unusually fine cloisonne work. the four sides and top all have the same design motif. Nicely hinged at the back and sits on 4 separate ball feet. excellent condition, measured 4.5 inches x 2.5 inches x 1.5 inches.

Antique pair of Japanese samuri dolls aka musha ningyo representing the Empress Jingo and her faithful minister Takenouchi no Sukune. Unfortunately, the baby Ojin has been lost. Both dolls are beautifully detailed and in excellent condition. She is 9 inches tall and he is 6 inches tall. Shown on a home made stand

This Rondel was most likely cut from a Qing dynasty antique Chinese robe, this rondel was bordered. The silk is slightly faded but in good condition. The satin stitch embroidery is clear and clean with no stains. Rondel is 16 inches diameter