| 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 missing elements. For a similar example see: Schuyler Cammann, “Substance and Symbol in Chinese Toggles,” #204, p.232. DIMENSIONS: 2” long (5 cm). Price: $580 Stock #SN97 |
