DESCRIPTION: A Chinese stag antler button toggle, carved from stag horn to resemble a mushroom cap with convex top and thick rim. The reverse side is concave with a slightly protruding suspension loop knob at the center for the cord to pass through. This is an old piece, dating from the 18th C., and is worn smooth from usage, resulting in an absolutely wonderful patina. DIMENSIONS: 1 ½” diameter.

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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 Chinese molded gourd cricket cage with ivory rim and cap. The fitted cap is inset with a circular carved and pierced plaque of lotus and blossoms against delicate grillwork. Dating from the early Republic Period, C. 1920 and in good condition with one age fissure on one side of the gourd and one tiny piece of grillwork missing. On the base can be seen a very old sticker. DIMENSIONS: 4 1/2” high (11.5 cm); cap is 2 3/4” in diameter (7 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A pair of Qing Dynasty ox bone calligraphy brushes with etched robed figures and tiny Chinese inscriptions on their handles. The bristles are attached to dark horn ferrules and the handles terminate with round beads threaded with silk cords through the brush tips. DIMENSIONS: Each 10 ¾” long (27.4 cm).

DESCRIPTION: An antique strand of Tibetan Buddhist prayer beads (or mala), handcrafted with beads of light tan yack bone strung on a cord and terminating in a large antique ivory guru. Malas such as this one were handed down in Tibetan families for generations, and genuine antique malas are becoming quite difficult to find. This 19th C. strand has been restrung with a large copper button clasp so that it can be worn as a choker (see last photo), making a most unique and beautiful necklace. DIM... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese export ivory needle case, the entire surface deeply carved with various creatures in the clouds, including an undulating dragon, a phoenix in flight, birds, butterflies and bats. Engraved on a plaque on one side is a three letter script monogram. The cap is threaded and inside we find five sewing implements of various types and shapes, unusual in that these pieces are most often missing from such cases. This very ornate, larger size case is in excellent condition save a c... Click for details