Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian (57)

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...

This Chinese Jacket from Yunnan Province, was part of the traditional Yao Ethnic Minory costume. Approx 50 years old this textile is handwoven from indigenous plant fiber. The fibers are supposed to "last forever" so jacket will "never show used"...The thread used for hand embroidery (mostly using cross stitch technique) appears to be cotton. Jacket would be worn open, the silver buttons are intended for decoration only...

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.

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

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...

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"

This traditional saki (sake)container was probably brought over by a veteran from WWll. The sisal wrap covering protects the stoneware "keg". There is a filling port with cork plug on the top and a 2nd port for pouring low on one side. The sisal covering has painted kenji and graphics on one side...which is somewhat discolored from years of sitting on a shelf...approximately 8x8x8 inches...

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.

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.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Kartika, or Drigug, is a ritual flaying knife used in burial rituals, with the handle crafted as a dorje. A tool of the wrathful female deities known as Dakinis, the kartika symbolizes the cutting of all things material, symbolized by the human body. The blade is left dull (never sharpened) because it was used in a ritual representing the flaying of flesh and not for the actual purpose.

This headdress would have been worn by a young Pashtun woman. It is heavily beaded and decorated with wonderful embroidery, and various buttons and coins. The Pashtun range across Afghanistan, Pakistan and Northern India. This hat was sourced in India but it may not have started there.

The head dress hat is 25 inches long and is in excellent condition.

Chinese Miao Ethnic Minority blanket panal from Huang Ping. Approx 35 years old and excellent condition. Home spun cotton fabric pieced and appliqued. panel size approx 35 inches x 48 inches...the original border/bed overhang fabric (plain black) has been cut down and sewn to form a frame for the panel.

This charming primer was published in 1933, and used throughout Japan for 2nd year students...some pages have a few hand written English translations. At the time when this book was used, Japanese kenji and Chinese calligraphy characters were very similar...over 100 pages many with artwork

Worn for festival, this shapely Tibetan belt is covered with black and coral colored beads, cowrie shells and has a central medallion of silver with turquoise beads. The belt is secured around the waist with cord ties which extend from each side, I have used it as a wall decoration. At the widest section, the belt is 4 inches...The entire beaded length is 26 inches, but with the cord ties it will accommodate a large waist size

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"

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.

Vintage Woman's Jacket from Miao Ethnic Minority of Southern China. Indigo Dye fabric, covered with intricate batik pattens. lower panel on back has rows of hand woven decorative tape... comfortable to wear or use as great wall decoration. 36 inches long x 21 inches across shoulders. Fits med size woman...field tested...

This tea set was brought back by American missionary who was in China 1920-1948...She was repatriated to the US immediately after WW2 and returned by way of Japan. Considering condition of Japan when she was there, set was probably made sometime before WW2. The 4 piece set was probably used to accompany hina doll display The Habachi has separate lid, food bowl, cup/saucer, netsume has removable top, each piece hand turned wood...