Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese (306)

This antique Chinese wooden carved pedestal stand with attached mirror dates is from the late Qing dynasty. This piece of furniture would have sat on a dresser or chest. The carving is high quality and begins at the base. The mid section carving displays a dragon and pagoda. The frame of the circular mirror has bats carved all around.

This piece has been held in storage by a Texas collector and is in excellent condition...

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 pair of antique Chinese sleeve panels have wonderfully detailed hand embroidery of satin, seed, and couching embroidery techniques. The panels are bordered with plain silk of the period total length 21.5 x 9 inches wide

This large Tea Caddy is made from a hollow Bamboo section. The cannister lid fits tightly in order to keep the tea fresh. This style caddy would have been used by a Chinese family of modest circumstances during the Qing Dynasty.

Great patina, darkened with age...a handsome piece that stands 10 inches high and 4 inches in diameter.

Sometimes assumed by Westerners as "medical models" these are Chinese fertility dolls. As ritual items, they rarely come onto the market. Used by several Chinese ethnic minority cultures, including the Miao, Yao and Naxi, the old fertility dolls were hand carved, anatomically correct and with pegged and jointed limbs. The hair styles and head gear would vary depending on the minority group...

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each

This ingenious antique Chinese sundial can be carried in the pocket. When needed, the cover is removed, the pointer is raised and held in place by the notch in the raised semi circle arm. Direction is established by the small compass on one side of the pointer. The small fixed circular dial on the other side of the pointer uses Chinese characters...

This absolutely charming pair of baby booties is from the late Qing dynasty. They are made of silk satin ivory colored fabric and have a large satin stitched butterfly on each side. The front of the booties have an appliqued butterfly with tassles and pompoms. They are in pristine condition with the exception of the one missing pompom on one bootie.

This hand carved panel is from a Chinese Buddhist Temple erected around 1860. The panel is deeply carved with a scene which takes place at the foot of the sacred mountain. Bits of Mother of Pearl are inlaid into the mountain and is also used to highlight a few costume details.

This panel was used as an architectural element and has the mortise cuts in the top which were used to hold the panel in place. It is one of a pair of panels which were taken from the temple...

This large Chinese scale has metal balance beams and shallow metal bowls. The scale fits into an ornately carved red and black lacquer wooden case which is slightly domed and has its original copper band closure. There is some wood chip loss around what was the hole for the string which allowed the case to be hung up for storage. Dating from the 1800's the braided cords which attach the shallow bowls to the metal balance beam appear to be replacement cords...

During the Qing Dynasty, the feathers of the kingfisher bird were used to create ornaments for woman to attach to clothing and/or wear in their hair... Through the 1800's These ornaments were made and formed with heavy paper (light weight cardboard...) They had large areas of feathers and the edges of the paper form were bordered with gold paint...and the ornaments were often domed By the early 1900's the bird were becoming rare almost extinct ...so intricate and smaller sections of fea...

This is the 3rd of 4 small individual antique Chinese carvings which I am listing separately. This one looks like Shou Lao the Chinese god of longevity, who was often represented along with the immortals. Each has a peg on the bottom which fits into the own homemade stand

This old Chinese stoneware ceramic pipe bowl (smoke chamber) would have been placed onto the smoking pipe to allow for a small piece of opium to be smoked. The tiny opening at the top would allow the smoke to be drawn into the stoneware chamber and cooled before being inhaled by the smoker.

The piece has 2 different makers marks which are clearly stamped into each side of the clay underside of bottom hole.

This tiny antique knife from the late Qing Dynasty has a wooden handle and fits into its shagreen covered scabbard...Clearly it was originally hung on a chain ...A scant 4 inches in total.

During the Qing dynasty, an essential part of the Chinese woman's costume was the doodoo, which was worn covering the chest. This one is fine silk with lovely embroidery and is lined with traditional blue silk. It measures 16 inches across and 17 inches high. excellant condition

This antique cast iron 2 piece censer retains much of its original red paint. The inside bottom of the censor bowl is somewhat pitted from use. The chop marks are unrecogizable. The piece is 10 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches high.

This antique Chinese rectangular serving tray is elaborately inlayed with Mother of Pearl. The ornate 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...

According to traditional Chinese culture, shoes were considered to be a symbol of good luck, and shoes and a gift of token shoes would have been given as a sign of well wishing.

This tiny pair of wooden shoes are meticulously carved, with pierced work on both sides and the soles of each shoe...scarcely 2 inches long...excellant condition

Though sourced from northern China, this antique powder flask is most likely Chinese ethnic minority from the southern regions. There are 3 flasks for carrying gun powder. Used rifle cartridges are used both as stoppers and bullets are held in the shaped spacers between the powder flasks. It was made by shaping and then sewing 2 pieces of heavy leather (probably elephant hide)together.

This is a traditional Chinese pack saddle which were used throughout China for carrying various sacks of grains and goods. The front is carved foo dogs and there is a key carved decoration around the border. It is unusual to find this type saddle with the painted black lacquered finish. This one was probably owned by a wealthy family and used only for special events...

Really nice Meiji period wooden Japanese woman's box with drawers and locking cabinet section (sorry no key). Box has parquet decoration on all exterior surfaces, and original hardware. 12.5 inches wide 10 inches high and 9 inches deep...

This small strand of Buddhist prayer beads would have been kept in a pocket or looped on a belt. Bought in China from a Tibetan, the strand of tiny dark beads is broken up with coral beads to assist in counting. The 3 fabric triangles, from departed monks robes, are amulets containing various protective prayers. When used for ritual prayers, the fabric talisman would be held in the closed fist while the fingers count the beads...

This is the second of 4 small individual antique Chinese carvings which I am listing separately. I had always assumed them to be 4 of the eight immortals but upon close inspection, I am now not sure which gods, ancestors or legends they represent. Each character stands with its own faithful foo type dog and carries an implement of some kind. Each has a peg on the bottom which fits into the own homemade stand. This character stands 5.75 inches x 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick...

Carved from a single block of hardwood, this Chinese drum has great patina aged surfaces. An old folk art instrument, it shows the wear of use during many musical performances at chinese operas and street festivals. When "beaten" with its accompanying drum stick, it has a deep attractive sound.

This lacquered leather pillow would have been owned by a wealthy family during the Qing dynasty. Each end has a hand painted floral design with Chinese "well wishing" saying.

This old relic field marker was dug up by a friends father while doing archaeological research (i.e. digging up fields) in China years ago. For centuries, during planting,such markers were commonly buried in the fields as a talisman for a bountiful harvest. It is made of clay, high fired stoneware, and has a few chips missing...as to be expected after being buried in a field... Approx 2.5 inches high, it is an ethnographic item of rural China, and is an interesting expression of Chinese folk art...

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.

Inside of ring has embedded pipe scale from the glass working process and exterior layer of glass has stress crack with small chip missing...stress crack would also be from glass making process... but ring has been stable for couple of centuries...ring was bought in South China late 90s along with several other rings (all stone and sold) but this one was so unusual that I kept it ...really is lovely

This unusual hat stand is made of 2 very thin interlocking pieces which were black lacquered and painted with a floral and peach motif.

This is a charming old cloisonne teapot from the later part of the Qing Dynasty in China. During this time period the traditions and culture of tea making and drinking had evolved to include the appreciation of tea articles as art objects in addition to their utilitarian purposes. This well crafted miniture teapot would have been sought after for its sculptural form.

Each side of the body of the teapot has a different floral motif with a background pattern of clouds traditional Ruyi. The h...

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. This system would hold the hat on the head while miniumizing preasure and discomfort to the skin.

Visible in the pic...

This large Yi Minority Hair Comb would have been worn for most probably a wedding or other important festival. the comb was hand carved wood and covered with silver decoration...so only the wood tines are visible. 8 inches wide, 2.5 inches deep and 6+ inches high not including the chain and end pins...

Old Chinese hand carved wooden mask depicting legendary king of old China. Face was gessoed and polychrome painted. 15 inches x 14 inches wide and 6 inches deep. some areas of chipped and worn paint consistent with age

This antique Chinese box would have been used during the Qing dynasty, possibly by a scholar or shop keeper. The bottom of this box has covered compartments for seals, chops,calligraphy brush, ink sticks and a built in inkstone. There is an abacus built into the lid.

The original hinge pin was lost and has been replaced. The box was made with large dovetail joints and from a hard wood of unknown origins. The outside is dirty and I have not cleaned it. It was clearly heavily used and ther...

Lovely silk embroidered rondel cut from an antique 19th century Chinese robe. Intricate satin stitch depict 2 figures in the center surrounded by gold bouillon tread used for couching background. Diameter is approximately 8.75 inches ...Piece is in very good condition...no rips no tears

This Antique woven basket was typical of the baskets used in the kitchens of Hunan Province China. This particular style would have been used for rice storage...The red and black lacquer design is painted on all 4 sides. the interior is painted black lacquer. Condition is good considering age and usage of basket as a utilitarian item ..a few nicks and chips in the paint. 12 inches in diameter across the top. 9 inches high plus another 2 inches for the handles...

This pair of boots were made for the child of a wealthy Han family of the late Qing dynasty. They were made from a pale peach colored silk fabric and hand embroidered with silk thread using a satin stitch. The color on lower part of the boots, especially on the outside, has faded to a soft golden color. This would be due to sun exposure during use as the upper part of the boots would be covered by the childs pant legs. Considering the pristine condition, this child was carried about and did ...

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each

This 19th Century traditional Han Chinese robe would have been used for winter wear. It uses dark black satin weave silk fabric, and has very wide cuffs with floral embroidery and the shape is trimmed out with a floral silk ribbon. The coat has its original buttons and fabric loop closures...and has original lining. Excellent condition

In some regions of China, women made separate pairs of heels for their lotus shoes. That way, the heels could be worn with different pairs of lotus shoes, depending on the occasion, or mood. The heels had loops for straps which were used to tie the heels into place on the shoe...

For women of indigenous cultures, sewing needles were often hard to come by and considered valuable tools. Commonly, among such groups, cases were specifically designed to protect and safeguard the sewing. This particular antique silver needle case is from the Chinese Miao ethnic minority group and would have been worn by the women as a decorative costume ornament during festival.

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each

Leather products were rare and expensive during the Qing Dynasty in China. Fans were in common usage and a quality fan would have required a proper protective case. A wealthy woman could have afforded this suede fan case and would have considered it as the acceptable accessory to properly detail her finery.

The case is 9+ inches long with silk cord for drawstrings, elaborately knotted and tasseled.

These Chinese long wooden bobbins were used for winding thread for routine sewing chores. As a household tool, used by generations of women within the family, they were hand carved and painted with the continious use in mind. Inside each bobbin there is a small bead which freely moves back and forth and acts as a noise maker when the bobbin is in motion...or falling to the floor.

This ornately hand carved hard wooden frame comes with antique Chines lithograph of the summer palace. The frame is approx 8.5 x 13 inches...

This vamps of this lovely pair of Chinese Lotus shoes, aka bound feet shoes, are embroidered all around with butterflies and flowers. The soles are covered with fabric and leather...the heels are covered with leather which is nailed into place to call attention to the wearers movements when walking. Very condition ... one small rip in fabric at the back of one heel. Measures barely 4 inches.

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each

Traditional Manchu style Qing Dynasty embroidered silk vest..Original drop buttons and loop closures... stunning ...fits small woman...a few hard to find light stains.

Very fine small cloisonne tray dates to late 19th century Qing Dynasty. Made for export conforming with McKinley Tariff Act requirements 1890-1914..Tray has very ornate cloisonne enamel design Measures 3 inches x 3 inches x .7 inches high

During the Qing Dynasty, hair combs like this were commonly used. The structure is bone and the tines are of wood. A few tines have gone missing with age and use. The comb is about 5 inches x 2 inches.

This plain pot metal vessel was used to contain hair oil during the reign of Chinese Emperor Daoquang about 1850. Standing about 6 inches high and 3.5 inches diameter at the widest point, a woman would dip her comb into the oil before combing her hair. I do have an identical matched pair of these but am selling them separately.

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.

An unidentified hard wood was used to carve this set of 4 matching wooden saucers. They would have been used for tea bowls and have traditional red/orange lacquer paint over a treebark carved pattern on the front surface. Each saucer was carved into a diamond shape with gently curved sides and are each was carved into a thin, shallow bowl shape. This is a rare and unusual set in very good condition.

Each piece measures 5 inches x 4 inches and 1 inch deep.

This antique tea caddy still has some tea in it, but the tea is so old it cannot be identified by smell. I would not try using it. The bamboo veneer is carved on each of the 6 sides, some scenes and some calligraphy. The calligraphy is old Chinese so translation is...not easily possible.

This Chinese Double handled Cloisonné cup has its original blown cobalt blue glass insert... Old red wax seal on bottom from the 70's by Chinese gov official as being between 100 and 200 years old and therefore allowed to be taken out of China... see pic at bottom pic...1.75 inches x high 3 inches diameter of cup and 5 inches across includes both handles

I bought this antique Tibetan ethnic minority needle case years ago in China. Needles were an important sewing tool for women of every indigenous culture and for the Tibetans the needle case was frequently worn as a jewelry accessory for costume adornment festivals. The small jade bi functions as a weight for stability at the bottom of the needle case. It is beautiful.

There are a total of eight signs, each with a different "saying" having to do with well wishes. Due to the age of the calligraphy, and the vagueres of the old Chinese language, accurate translations have not been possible for each sign. Each sign is carved out of wood with raised wooden characters and inlayed with MOP flakes. Each is 21 inches tall and roughly 4.5 inches wide. I have listed them separately, to allow for pictures of each

This antique Chinese glass bead was used as a toggle during the 1800's. I measures 1.25 inches in diameter.

Carved from animal horn this eyeglass case dates to the Qing Dynasty. What appears to be the original cord allows the case to be hung on a belt...The original toggle was replaced sometime (probably in the 50's) with current blue toggle...

This pair of earmuffs are kept together with a silk ribbon. Worn to protect the ears in winter, the outer side has delicate embroidered flower motif, and the inside is slightly padded and has ear pockets which slip of the ears.