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 boxwood toggle (Guajian) carved as a pair of men’s shoes resting side by side, a symbol of marital harmony and the wish for sons. Very nicely carved in relief with the fine-grained boxwood having a wonderful, aged patina from years of use. There are two circular “lu” (riches) ideographs on the toes (a wish for wealth). These symbolisms explain why such toggles were considered good luck charms. The shoes have remnants of an original red translucent lacquer and are... 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

DESCRIPTION: Long acknowledged as masters of porcelain, the Chinese also excelled at pottery making. Qing Dynasty domestic pottery used regional clays and showed distinctive regional styles. This utilitarian pottery, used for the storage of oil and other household goods, exhibited tremendous beauty and artistic skill. Crafted of red clay, this handsome jar is an excellent example with its incised floral and geometric decorations in two-toned brown glazes. Dating to the mid 19th C, it is also ... Click for details

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.

CULTURAL BACK... 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