Catalog (106)

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.

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 man's beaded hat aka skullcap is typical of the Pashtun people in the region of Southern Afganistan. Because of the extensive beading pattern, it is rather stiff and heavy.

Presumably, the interior layer of fabric was from pieced of fabric from other garments.

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 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.

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.

Hand made from quality leather and decorated with delicate thread embroidery at the toe tips and last border, the traditional pair of womans leather shoes would have been worn by a woman of some means...judging by their overall condition, these shoes have been worn a few times.

These geta (shoes) were worn by a girl or young Japanese woman. Build up from several layers of materials, the felted soles have slits to allow access for the changing of thongs should they become soiled or worn. Small pieces of leather nailed are the heels. The upper fabric liner is made from two pieces of contrasting fabric sewn together and show a small amount of dirt and an almost imperceivable foot imprint about the toe area. Presumably this pair would have been reserved for inside hous...

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 belt would have been worn for festival gatherings. Decorated with beads, cowrie shells and central turquoise medallion the belt strap is narrow approx 1.25 inched wide. Hanging from the belt are beaded strands in graduated lengths with each strand ending with a cowrie shell. There is a cord tie attached so that the belt can be tied at the back of the wearer. It is a lovely piece

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

Possibly made from an old kimono, this sweet drawstring purse charming painted and appliqued scenes of trees, rocks and flowers going around the body of the purse. The bottom shows a country gentleman sitting on a rock under a tree enjoying the mountain view. overall condition is very good, however the fabric sleeve for the drawstring is deteriorated. Purse measures 7" across bottom

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 wonderful pair of lotus shoes are typical of boots from Shandong. They have a black cuff with hand-embroidered butterfly motif and the remanents of a thin pink woven band. The blue vamp is somewhat faded toward the front of the boot and has delicately embroidered butterfly on each side. The soles have worn leather heels. The inside silk lining is bright pink and in very good condition.

This pair of Lotus Shoes have a lotus blossom embroidered on each side of the white silk vamp. Used and showing many signs of wear, they are also a bit are dirtier than they appear in the pictures. One of the leather heels is missing. They measure just a bit over 5" heel to toe tip. Chinese women made their own shoes....White silk shoes, carefully embroidered, clearly made with hopes and dreams for the future....considering the dirt and wear, it appears that life did not go as she had hoped...

This traditional antique basket purse was made and used by the men of the tiny island of Balika,Indonesia. The patina shows both the age and the wear pattern. This is one of a pair of "old purses" which were brought back to the US by an Anthropology intern who spent a summer studying and documenting the lives of the islanders in 1980. The condition is very good and the piece measures 16" high by 12" wide and 4"

This is a pair of old chinese handmade boots which were brought back to the US by an American missionary. In China, it was a woman's responsibility to make shoes for the entire family. This pair was made of cotton fabric, using traditional Chinese techniques. Being slightly padded, they were probably for winter use. They are in excellent condition...an authentic and interesting artifact of old China.

This charming old Chinese headband was handmade for a small child sometime in the late Qing dynasty. It is one of the nicest animal headbands that I have seen, and it is in good condition. The cat's face would have been worn at the child's forehead and is 3 dimensional. Made with silk fabric, with silk thread for the elaborately embroidery, the face is complete with ears that flap, and side paws. Opened at the back seam for easy framing, it can easily be re-sewn to fit display stand.