Catalog (603)

This cradleboard was made by Cecilia Cuthair of the Mountain Ute Indians in the 70's probably as a child's toy. There is no papoose or doll inside...but it is stuffed with cloth covered newspaper to keep its shape. The front is soft cream colored deer or elk skin (brain tanned) with beaded trim. The rear is covered with animal skin.

The cradle board is 20 inches long and 8 inches at the widest point. Condition is pristine.

This pair of bookends was carved by the Igorots on the northern part of the Island of Luzon in the Philippines sometime in the 1950's. Each bookend depicts a tribesman cautiously peering over his shield at the tribesman on the other side. From the position and shape of the right arm and hands, it is likely that each native was originally holding a spear. A very dense black wood was used to create these sculptures

This Japanese pipe case, aka kiseruzusu, and matching sagemono, aka inro, are of burl wood and held together with ojime cord and a sliding bead coral

According to the writing on the back, this small embroidered pencil holder in was made in 1897 by a Mrs Lee for M.J. Thomas who was a member of the Chinese Chicago Mission group. The embroidery stitches are tiny and some of the threads are frayed but it is a warm memento of friendship and an artifact from another era in relations between China and the US.

This charming pair of lotus shoes are from northern China and date to the late Qing Dynasty. The delicately embroidered flower goes across the toe of each shoe and the wide ornate woven band forms a cuff around the top of each shoe.

Small embroidery with central floral motif using seed stitch, on traditional dark blue silk fabric. May have been used on garment as inside pocket. Approx 6.5 inches on each side.

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 Chinese carved bamboo brush rest has traditional dragons chasing pearl and cloud motif. The background shape is the 5 mountains and the rim of the mountains have carved ridges. The piece measures 3.5 inches high and 6 inches across. The natural curve of the bamboo allows the piece to stay upright, and the piece remains balanced on the 1/2 inch thick bamboo. Condition is very good.

This wide cuff Chinese bracelet has deeply repousse design composed of detailed symbols related to Miao Ethic Minority myths and legends. Such bracelets would have been worn in matched pairs, one on each wrist, by the women of the "short skirt" Miao of Dan Zhai, and the bracelets would have been handed down from mother to daughter for generations.

The cuff is almost 3 inches at the widest point in the front because of its large size and rolled edge it easily slips onto most wrists.

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

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

This haori is made with a fabric of lush silk with subtle weave pattern design. In contrast, the silk lining has a bold floral design. This is one garment that can easily be worn with the "correct side" outside or inside out....

This antique iron candle holder was sourced from Shanxi province China. From a peasants home, it could be set on a table or hung on a wall. It is an interesting ethnographic folk art relic.

This Buddhist figure was cast in bronze and sewn into a leather case. It would have been carried in a pocket or worn hanging about the neck by the leather thong...a personal amulet or talisman meant for protection. Good condition, 4 the case in 4 inches high and 3 inches across at the widest point.

This antique Chinese silk dragon court vest is couched with silk thread embroidery designs of dragons, birds, flowers, clouds etc. and accents of gold bouillion thread. Vest shows some minimal wear and is in overall good condition.

The vest dates to the mid 19th century and has a front rank badge with bird facing the wearers left shoulder. This indicates that the original owner was the wife of a civil official. The bird on this rank badge is a made of matching embroidery and fabric sepa...

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 Indonesian container would have been carried by a man using the handmade string as a shoulder strap. The "purse" was hand carved out of a local hardwood and both the top and bottom have decorative details.

The container sits stably on it base but can also be hung on the wall as an interesting sculpture artifact.

Approximately 9 inches high, 7.5 inches across and 4 inches deep.

This Chinese Door of Hope doll, along with several others, was brought back to the US during the 1920's by the American Baptist Missionary, Rebecca Cloud-Stewart. On one of her many trips back to the US to visit family and friends, she brought the collection of dolls as samples to sell and raise money for the Door of Hope orphanage. After many years in China, Miss Stewart returned permenently to her home in Georgia. During the 1940's and 50's, she would often go to the local schools, lecturing a...