Chinese Teacup Box with Longevity Emblem

Chinese: Folk Art: Utilitarian Accessories Pre 1910: item #941389
60-25

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

Chinese Cast Iron Clothes Press, 19th C.

Chinese: Folk Art: Utilitarian Accessories Pre 1900: item #925350
MS195

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

Shaanxi Willow and Reed Dumpling Basket

Chinese: Folk Art: Utilitarian Accessories Pre 1910: item #921672
58-63

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

19" Dia. Chinese Qing Lacquered Reed Folk Art Container

Chinese: Folk Art: Utilitarian Accessories Pre 1900: item #902453

Massive Chinese late Qing dynasty (late 19th century) tightly woven lacquer coated reed circular covered folk art container, possibly used for holding dumplings. 19" diameter x 6 1/2" high. Very good overall condition with some wear to the lacquer coating consistent with its age and use. This piece is from the private collection of American expatriates who lived in Hong Kong in the 1970s and 1980s.

Chinese Late Qing to Republic Woven Reed Covered Basket

Chinese: Folk Art: Utilitarian Accessories Pre 1920: item #902248

Chinese woven reed folk art covered basket. Late Qing to Republic period (early 20th century). 7 3/4" high, excluding the woven strap handle. Very good overall condition. Form is slightly misshapen. This piece is from the private collection of American expatriates who lived in Hong Kong in the 1970s and 1980s.

Chinese Goose Form Travel Water Gourd

Chinese: Folk Art: Utilitarian Accessories Pre 1920: item #892471
SAO220

DESCRIPTION: A double-lobed water or wine gourd decorated with a dark burgundy lacquer and double braided silk cord with two tassels. Both the stopper and the counter-weight of the tassels result in the gourd resembling a goose when set on a table. The cords allow the gourd to be fastened to the wearer’s sash and prevented loss of the rosewood stopper. Excellent condition with a lovely patina, and dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, Qing Dynasty. DIMENSIONS: 9 ½” high (24 cm) ... Click for details

Qing Cypress Well Bucket with Stand

Chinese: Folk Art: Utilitarian Accessories Pre 1900: item #882450
58-66

A late 19th century Chinese cypress wood well bucket from Shaanxi Province has great folk appeal, with its heavy iron fittings and interesting shape. This is a very sturdy piece made to carry large quantities of water from the village well. The bottom comes to a point and fits inside a simple wood stand, a clever design that holds the heavy bucket secure yet allows it to be tipped to pour water. The cypress staves are narrowed and shaped inward to form the bottom point, and the problem of making... Click for details

Lacquered Red Chinese Teacup Box 19th Century

Chinese: Folk Art: Utilitarian Accessories Pre 1900: item #876853
58-78

A late 19th century Chinese box made for storing small teacups, this piece is an example of an everyday utilitarian object with design and workmanship that stands the test of time. The box is constructed of shaped wood staves fitted together in barrel fashion and secured top and bottom with brass bands. The lid is in two parts, with the back half affixed and the front half removable so that the stacked cups were secure but easily taken out of the container. The box is lacquered in dark red and t... Click for details

Chinese Offering Tray with Sanskrit Buddhist Icon

Chinese: Folk Art: Utilitarian Accessories Pre 1920: item #875350
62-53

An early 20th century Chinese offering basket is affixed to a bamboo pedestal encircled with ink sketches of flowers representing the four seasons. The inside bottom of the tray is centered with a sauvastika, a Buddhist icon resembling a swastika but with the crampons turned to the left. Though the ancient Sanskrit symbol may have come to China as an auspicious Buddhist sign, it since has become a largely ornamental symbol of good fortune and can be seen in carpets, embroidery and carvings. In T... Click for details

Chinese Tiered Basket with Handle

Chinese: Folk Art: Utilitarian Accessories Pre 1900: item #873005

Antique Chinese 2 tiered basket, made of bamboo with beautifully carved bamboo handle, intricately woven split bamboo sides and lid, top of lid had double happiness character, stands on 4 small feet, brass fittings. Size: 20 1/4" high x 16 1/4" wide