Antique Mongolian tinder box leather pouch with steel blade decorated on the front with brass accents. Appears to date from the 19th century. This pouch comes with a padded silk lined presentation box. Measures 5 7/8" long at the blade by 3" wide, including the top clasp. Good overall condition with a wonderful aged patina and much evidence of wear. The top clasp has come loose on one side. These functional fire starters were often hung from belts. This piece is from the private collection of A... Click for details
Antique Mongolian tinder box leather pouch with steel blade decorated on the front and back with a motif of silver scrolls. Appears to date from the 19th century. Measures 6" long at the blade by 2 3/4" wide, including the top clasp. Good overall condition with a wonderful aged patina and much evidence of wear. There is a stitched repair in the leather at the top edge which extends to the front and back. These functional fire starters were often hung from belts. This piece is from the private ... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A wonderful example of Chinese utilitarian folk art, this circular burl toggle (guajian) is shaped like a large convex button with a loop fashioned in back for suspension by cord from the belt or sash. Carved from a single piece of a richly grained burl wood, it has the wear and deep patina typical of an older wooden folk piece and is in overall fine condition. 18th C., Qing Dynasty. DIMENSIONS: 3 1/8” Diameter (8 cm).
DESCRIPTION: A Chinese miniature abacus (suan p’an) cleverly designed as a toggle (guajian) to be used as a counterweight for objects suspended from the belt or sash. The abacus has nine bamboo rods carrying two tiers of tiny, moveable wooden beads, five below and two above, all contained within a hardwood frame. A metal loop handle at the top functions as the cord attachment. Dating from the 19th C. Qing Dynasty, there are only minor signs of wear, and is otherwise in fine condition with no ... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A large Chinese glass fishing float, emerald green in color and wrapped with netting so that it can be secured to a line. This float was hand-blown into a mold and small bubbles can be seen trapped within the glass. These handsome globes make beautiful garden or dock accessories, and included with this one is a contemporary display stand (see last photo). Dating to the first quarter of the 20th Century (c.1920), the glass and rope are both in excellent condition, with no chips or ... Click for details
This late Qing Dynasty teacup box has a high handle carved with the figure of a deer, an auspicious Chinese symbol used to wish longevity. Foliage, flowers and scalloping are carved on both sides of the handle as well as on the ear-like curved ends that hold the handle in place. The rich red lacquer on the wooden box contrasts nicely with touches of deep, dark green and faint gilding. The container is fitted with a removable half-lid that allowed stacks of traditional Chinese teacups without ha... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: This is a rather unique Chinese utilitarian object for those of you who collect tools and other old household implements. Before the availability of electricity and modern irons, this useful implement was specifically shaped to perform the function of pressing clothes. The long handle is made of wood and attaches to a large cast iron bowl designed to hold hot coals. Shaped with one side flared to protect the worker’s hand, the bowl has been cast with interesting designs on its o... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A Chinese tortoise shell travel utensil kit (or trousse) with silver mounts and fittings. Quite unique and still attached are the original hand braided cord and finely embroidered disk which acted as a toggle when the set was hung from a waist sash. The scabbard is covered with clear tortoise shell and the silver mounts are substantial. The set includes a pair of ox bone chopsticks and a silver tipped wooden handled knife with iron blade. Good condition with some cracking to the... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A natural form Chinese burl toggle bearing numerous bumps and protrusions, with a center hole as the point of attachment for the cord. The underside is flat and overall there is a rich patina from age, wear and usage; overall fine condition and dating from the 18th century. DIMENSIONS: 2 ˝” long (6.4 cm).
A large basket from China’s late Qing Dynasty has a sturdy weave of reeds bordered by two wide bands of bent willow, originally painted with bright flowers that now are faded. An example of the provincial Chinese skill and artistry devoted to utilitarian objects, the basket is designed to form two serving bowls when fully opened. Dumplings were stored and served in this container, which is from the western region of Shaanxi, where excellent dumplings are a source of provincial pride. A metal rin... Click for details
