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: An exceptional Chinese cricket box (or cage) with finely molded gourd body, ivory rims, and an intricately carved tortoise shell cap. This outstanding box has virtually invisible seams, a complex design, and crisp mold impressions fully covering the body. The design includes vines, flowers and leafy borders, and two cartouches depicting garden scenes.

The gourd’s rim and cap are fitted with wide bands o... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A fine Chinese mid Qing Dynasty bamboo libation cup with a rarely seen original silver liner. This cup is well carved in the form of a citron tree trunk with reticulated branches and leaves. On each side is carved a Buddha hand fruit, named for its obvious resemblance to the Buddha’s hands in prayer. This fruit is a symbol of happiness, wealth and longevity, and was often given as a religious offering in Buddhist temples or to perfume a room for weeks with its fragrance. The bamb... 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 dark rosewood stationary box, the lid pierced and well carved with a pair of confronting dragons against a background of seven more dragons, all chasing pearls in a tumultuous sea. Dating from the early 20th C. (most likely early Republic Period), this handsome footed box has beveled-edges on the top and beaded edges on the sides. In excellent condition with nice weight to it. DIMENSIONS: 11 ¼” long (28.5 cm) x 6 ½” wide (16.5 cm) x 3” high (7.6 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A handsome and large Chinese rosewood table screen (or fireplace screen), crafted with a large framed rectangular panel surrounded by a border of flowering tendrils in an outer frame. These are supported by an elaborately carved and pierced base in the “three friends of winter” motif, featuring pine, bamboo and prunus blossoms grouped around a central rock outcropping. This motif is a prevalent theme in Chinese and Japanese art, and symbolizes perseverance, longevity and vitality ... Click for details