DESCRIPTION: Before the availability of electricity and modern irons, this simple but useful implement was produced to iron clothes. The long wood handle is attached to a large cast iron bowl designed to hold hot coals. The bowl has been cast with designs on its outer surface and is shaped with one side flared to protect the worker’s hand. After the bowl absorbed sufficient heat from the coals, it was pressed onto the garment using the flat bottom surface to smooth out wrinkles. Dating... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: Silver needle cases first appeared in China in the 1700's. Elaborate embroidery has a long tradition in China, and young girls began intensive training in needlework skills by age seven. Given the importance of embroidery in her life, a silver needle case was often presented to a girl as part of her dowry.

This particular case is an extraordinary example. Most silver needle cases held only one container for needles, while this elaborate case has a total of five large... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A colorful pair of Chinese cloisonne deer, both standing foursquare with heads turned, their bodies decorated with a profusion of designs including dragons and taotie masks, all on a turquoise blue ground. These are a nice larger size, perfect for a table centerpiece. Republic Period (1911 - 1949); very good condition. DIMENSIONS: Each 15.5" long (39.3 cm) x 15" high (38 cm).

DESCRIPTION: An unusual and quite old (18th C.) copper box toggle in the form of a peach, the Chinese symbol of longevity. Probably used as both a toggle and tobacco container, the two halves have a tightly fitting overlapping seal, with two loops forming the hinge at the stem point. This large solid copper toggle has a rich, aged patina and is in fine condition with minor signs of wear, as to be expected. DIMENSIONS: Approximately 2 1/4” long, tip to tip (5.7 cm) x 1 ¾” diameter (4.5 cm).... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A charming and well executed Chinese silver tribal bracelet, the wide band framed with parallel lines between which various mythical and humorous animals cavort. Included in the hand crafted repousse processional are donkeys, fish, and a dragon vying with a foo dog for a brocade ball. This tribal bracelet comes to us from one of the mountainous Miao groups, who are well known for their beautiful silver work. Estimated to date from the first half of the 20th century and in very good... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese Hill Tribe necklace, handmade of alternating coral colored beads and silver repousse lappets, strung on two lengths of woven silver chain with hook clasp. A very attractive short necklace dating from the early to mid 20th Century. In very good condition and a nice example of ethnographic Chinese tribal jewelry. DIMENSIONS: 9” drop when clasped; lappets are 1” long each.