Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (482)

Carved from Rosewood, on one side, this Chinese toggle has a wooded scene with a horse and pair of deer. On the reverse side is the symbol for longevity. Toggle is 1.5 inches x 1.25 inches

Yes, contrary to Western myths, lotus shoes were worn by all classes of Han Chinese women.... This pair of Chinese peasants lotus shoes were made from scraps of blue indigo dyed cotton fabric Clearly they were well worn, which is part of the reason that peasant shoes are rare... They are from the southern part of China...just under 5 inches...

This old Chinese ethnic minority needle case is hand carved with geometric marking from end to end. Needle cases were essential tools for all indigenous cultures and frequently became important objects of decorated folk art.

The front of this Tibetan Flint Pouch is decorated with silver and bronze ornamentation and an inset coral bead. The back is decorated with bronze buttons to protect the leather from excessive wear. The pouch still has its original leather strap which would have been used to secure the pouch to the wearers belt.

Flint was an essential and valuable item for nomadic and indigenous cultures and as such was frequently carries in pouch specifically designed for its use.

This antique Chinese lotus shaped serving tray is elaborately inlayed with Mother of Pearl. The MOP design covers the surface of the tray and also goes about the exterior face of the narrow rim. Wood is most likely ebony and tray dates from mid 18th century.

Condition: All the MOP inlay is intact but there are numerous tiny nicks and chips in the surface finish on the inside and outside edges of the rim surround...

This Korean antique is a hand carved woodblock which would have been used to print a repeating decorative design pattern onto a textile. It is very old, and well worn with great patina.

Being of both simple and elegant design, this small religious shrine is so typical of Japanese aesthetics. It is made from Cedar wood and dated on the back as "Showa, 2nd year, March 17. Approximately 5" high and 3" wide.

This set of old Chinese bookmarks was sent home to the US by Baptist Missionary Rebecca Cloud-Stewart... Each bookmark has original string and is made with embossed paper with silver surround on image of rural China.... set comes with Original Paper cover very good condition...never used... size 6.5 x 2 inches the ties are not included in the measurements

This traditional Chinese antique tea container was made from bamboo. The outside has a carved rib design and was lacquered black. This tea caddy would have been used regularly by family and friends during the Qing dynasty. The inside lid is stamped with the manufacturers information.

The tea caddy is 10 inches tall and shows patinated wear marks and chips in the lacquer surface which would be expected on a piece of this age.

This antique document case would be used to house and transport important documents. The high quality silver decoration of vines and flowers uses both pierced and repousse techniques. The curious emblem displays a spade, heart, club and diamond. Originally owned by a wealthy family, it is from what was considered northern India, (possibly now Pakistan), during the Raj period, before partition...

I call him sweet face...a bit dirty with age... Japanese hina aka girls day doll from late Edo period. lost his drum..6inches high including hat

Floral embroidery in several shades of blue silk thread decorate this white silk sleeve band. Mostly embroidered with satin stitch, there is a rose embroidered with peking knots and high-lighted with gold couching. There is some slight discoloration on the white silk border which could easily be avoided in framing. Embroidered area measures 4" x 16 full panel measures 7" x 32

This Meiji period Japanese vase has ginbari panels accenting the neck and wide goldstone band with gin-bari flowers.

Vase is 8 inches tall and is in pristine condition

All along the four edges of this bone toggle, there is a carved circular pattern design. This pattern is very similiar to a Yao Ethnic Minority pattern and would be unusual in a Han piece.

The last picture enlargement shows how the toggle would have been used to secure the cords of a hat. The bead would be moved up the cords so that the toggle would be tight under the chin...

After hand-weaving their home spun yarn, the Miao women of Na Dan would use contrasting thread colors to create an intricate embroidery of geometric patterns on their precious baby carriers. These pieces were highly prized, used primarily for festival, and were handed down through succeeding generations.

The pouch at the top of the tassel most likely contains various herbs to bring health and good fortune to the baby...

This very nice traditional Chinese pillow has leg supports which fold up when it is not in use. The top is made of shaped and stained bamboo slats which flex for soft comfort. The body of the piece is made of a dark wood with carved scrollwork along the bottom edge. Each end has an elaborate carving of a bat in flight. good condition 15"x 5" x 4" with legs extended

This rare antique bag was made and used by the Yi ethnic minority... It was made from hand corded plant fiber,tied into a series of knots to form a shallow sack. Originally there would have been a fabric shoulder strap which would have been tied around the loops on either side of the top of the bag... The front of the bag is decorated with a traditional silver ornament depicting a butterfly. The bag is in tact: no holes, or rips but is dirty from use and age....

This antique lidded container was made for jewelry or other small household items. Obviously hand made, probably by the original owner, it does have a few surface nicks from age and use. With a 5 inch diameter and standing approx 4 inches high, it is a charming artifact of Chinese folk art.