DESCRIPTION: A round Chinese softwood peach toggle (guajian) with leaves and stem, representing longevity in Chinese iconography. Two holes on either side of the stem were used for threading a cord from which this toggle would have been suspended as a counterweight to some other object, such as a tobacco pouch. A nice example of Chinese folk art dating from the mid 1800’s or earlier, this toggle is in overall fine condition with normal signs of use. DIMENSIONS: 1 ¾” high (4.5 cm) x 1 ¾” wide ... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A large Chinese tortoise shell travel utensil kit (or trousse) with elaborate brass mounts and fittings. The bamboo scabbard has been overlayed with tortoise shell and fitted with highly decorative brass mounts with appliqués that include bats, butterflies, a goose, a ram, and engraved “Xi” characters (meaning double happiness). The set includes a large pair of ox bone chopsticks and a brass tipped wooden handled knife with iron blade. There are old repairs to the blade and one c... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A large opium pipe of the type that requires no damper, consisting of a long bamboo tube terminating at one end with a tapering brass tip and the other with a brass and copper overlay acting as the saddle, socket and damper. Around the bowl is a double flower design in copper and brass, and on each side is a decorative fish in brass with scales. Attached along the bamboo stem are lengths of braded yarn, one of which terminates in a brass ring. Purchased from the collection of Jean... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: An appealing Chinese toggle (guajian), carved from Huanghuali wood (a hardwood similar to Rosewood) in the form of a Buddhist lion seated on a plinth with one paw placed on top of a ball. With raised tail, textured fur on his back, and brass studs decorating the eyes and each limb, this foo dog would have been used as a counterweight for a tobacco pouch or other object suspended from a belt. Displaying a luscious patina from use and handling, this little grinning lion is a real ch... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A rare Chinese toggle in the form of a miniature Mongolian eating set or trousse, consisting of a reddish gold lacquered metal sheath finished with brass bands and bone cap, containing two removable and useable knives with horn handles and bone caps, a set of tweezers, and a suspension loop on the side. Overall fine condition with minor signs of age, rust and use, Qing dynasty, 18th C. DIMENSIONS: 3 3/4” Long (9.5 cm).

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).