I have run out of room on this page.  Clicking on the above image will take you to page #2 with a list of items from Burma, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia and Timor.

   CH561.   This enamelled cloisonne bracelet from China was made in the 1930s or so.  It has the colour sense of the older pieces, slightly more muted than the photo shows.  This is well done, and quite perfect really.  The inner diameter is just over 3 3/8 inches across.  Do make sure that you can slip it over your wrist.  I can, so I believe it is made for an average wrist tending just a little to the slim side.   $65.US.
   CH608.   These have been popular "Lavang" beads used in areas from the Naga lands to the ends of Asia, and were bought in northeastern Borneo.  These were made in China over a hundred years ago with the same type of glass as the melon beads below.  The beads are worn along at times like these, but at other times mixed with all colours and patterns of trade beads.  They have a very mellow colour to them.   Strand #1 is 24 inches long.  $120.US.   Strand #2 is  21 1/2 inches long   $115.US.
   CH609.   Here is a nice group of original old yellow chevron beads from Irian Jaya (Indonesian part of New Guinea) mixed with red/amber coloured wound glass beads as well as small deep blue ones.  These are all beads which were made in China (possibly Canton in the early 1800s) and were very important trade items.  I always examine the stringing holes of the melon beads as you can see the winding of the glass around them - it sits in gentle folds.  In some areas, a single bead would be a very important gift at a special occasion like a wedding.  Beads would be grouped together slowly over time.  This strand is 28 inches long and slips over the head as is.  The 16 melon beads average about 7/8 to 1 inch in length.   $475.US.   (sold)
   CH610.   These beads are called "Sherpa coral" often used in places like Tibet as a substitute for true coral.  These beads were made in China and are over 100 years old.  Sherpa coral comes in a variety of shades but these are a deep strong red.  These mix well with others.  Strand #1 is 27 inches long - $65.US.   Strand #2 is 24 inches long - $65.US.   Strand #3 is 24 inches long - $65.US.   Strand #4 are fat tubular beads - 27 inches long -  $95.US.
   CH611.   The large strand of these blue glass Chinese beads are sold.  The smaller strand is  35 inches long with beads averaging a little under 1/2 inch across.  The blue is a little darker and richer than in the photo.  $110.US.
   CH612.   These are really gorgeous blue glass beads from China.  There are some wonderful shades of colour with most of the beads being transparent, and some being opaque.  The strand was bought in Borneo and is 24 inches long.  $120.US.
   CH613.   This is one of the most amazing strands of antique Chinese beads that I have had.  These are known as "Peking glass" and were likely made in Poshan in northeastern China.  There are a few styles of colouring on these beads so they make a great (and huge) example.  Of the round beads, 3 have an extra hole so that they can be used like the bottom one - to suspend another bead or pendant bead.  There are three beads in shape of the pendant bead, and four small wound beads at the back.  The strand measures about 25 inches around and the average bead diameter is slightly under one inch across.  This is very heavy.  I was very impressed with the age, the colour, and the size...   $1400.US.
   CH614.   These mixed glass bead strands bought in Thailand measure an average of 26 inches long.  Most of the beads are wound ones from China, but every once in a while there is something else tossed in.   $28.US/each strand.    (#6, #7, #8 & #9 are sold)
   CH615.   These mixed glass bead strands were bought in Thailand.  They measure about 42 inches on average.  The beads are wound glass from China, with something else thrown in here and there.  $36.US/each strand.    (both strands are sold)
   CH616.    This is an attractive Naga necklace looking magical with the clear crystal very old  beads (there is a small glass melon bead as well).  There are 10 cast bronze heads, and some small Chinese made coloured beads.  The necklace is 22 inches long and fits over some heads as it is.  If your head is larger then you would need to restring the beads and perhaps add a clasp.   $250.US.   (sold)
   CH617.   #1 - The top strand of beads here was bought close to Nagaland.  The double strand is 22 inches long and contains a nice contrast between beads.  The spotted eye beads are Venetian (thought one or two might be from China) and held in high regard - $155.US.  Strand #2 is a simple strand of Venetian, Czech and Chinese beads.  It is also 22 inches long.  $24.US.    (#1 is sold)
   CH618.   I have three old Dong bracelets here.  They are similar but each has its own character.  The bracelets were made from sheets of flat silver which has been hammered with a high decoration from behind, then wrapped around something and hammered into shape.  There is a lot of work involved in making these including the perfection of the shapes and the annealing that has to happen with the hammering to keep the silver from breaking.  A similar one is shown on page 247 of "A World of Bracelets".  Bracelet #1 is 2 3/8 by 11/2 inches on the inside and weighs 38.5 grams -  $96.     Bracelet #2 is 2 1/8 by 1 7/8 inches across on the inside and weighs 66.4 grams -  $166.US.   Bracelet #3 is 2 1/4 by 1 1/2 inches across on the inside and weighs 52.4 grams -  $130.US.
   CH619.   This is a very attractive Laotioan silver bangle.  It has a modern look although it is a good traditional old one.  A similar one is shown on page 244 of "A World of Bracelets".  The description describes it as a piece of the Minorities of southern China.  The bracelet is made of a sheet of silver which has a raised pattern soldered onto it.  The edges have been hammered into shape and big blobs of silver soldered into the middle of the illustrations.  It is 1 1/4 inches tall, and 2 3/8 by 1 3/4 inches across on the inside.  Very attractive.:  53.8 grams.  $175.US.
   CH620.   Between CH620 and CH621 there is a beautiful collection of five good silver antique spirit locks, each of them showing  wear from the past in the area where they would have been suspended.  There is some beautiful wear on these and a silkening of the silver.  The spirit locks were used by the Hmong in their "soul calling" ceremonies to "lock" the soul of the wearer into his or her own body.  They are worn by children, women and men for all of their lives.  Their shapes somehow express their meanings with large patterned areas and delicate swirls above.  These are among my favourite of all objects, and when I am feeling a little ill at ease, or lacking in direction or motivation, I wear a spirit lock myself and feel somehow aided and protected.  My chosen locks will be with me forever.  A thing of spirit is a good thing.  Spirit lock #1 - $250.US.   Spirit lock #2 -  $220.US.     (#2 is sold)
   CH621.   Here are the other three old worn spirit locks:   Spirit lock #1 - $265.US..   Spirit lock #2 -  $245.US.   Spirit lock #3 -  $200.US.
   CH622.   These are two Miao containers made of good silver.  They have three sections to them so that they can be used for storage.  I think it is for lime or betal nut, but you can choose to store what you wish.   #1 is newly made and 6 3/4 inches tall including the dangles -  $110.US.  #2 is an antique piece, 6 1/2 inches tall with dangles - $200.US.
   CH624.  This is a silver buckle which is 4 inches across.  The silver wire with the button soldered to it gets sewn on one side of a jacket or tunic, and the scalloped large piece gets sewn on the other.  One hooks the the button into the dome to shut it tight..  This is generally used by Lahu and Akha people of the Golden Triangle, and at times by the Lisu.   - $145.US.
   CH626.   This delicate antique good silver Chinese tool kit is 14 inches tall.  Each part of this is carefully and gracefully made.  There are two tools hanging from it - once there were three.  There is one hoop left to hold something else in the middle but it is not strong so if you are to hang something there it should be quite light weight.  This is 19th century and very attractive.   $240.US.
   CH627.   This is a very interesting antique Chinese tool kit.  There should be another tool in the middle but that is long gone.  The wonderful thing on this piece is the unusual enamelling on the good silver.  The entire piece is 12 1/4 inches long and would be great as a pendant or as a belt hanging.   $260.US.
   CH628.   These are Chinese silver pieces formerly sewn onto hats or clothing.  To figure out the size of them, the last piece #6 is 1 3/4 inches across.  $40.US/each    (#1, #2, #4 & #6 are sold)
   CH629.   Here are some more Chinese silver pieces .  #1 is 2 5/8 inches tall and was once sewn onto a hat or textile.  $60.US.   #2 is a lion with holes for sewing it onto a textile  - $60.US.  #3 is a silver lock -  $55.US.   #4 is a pair of silver hooks with butterflies on them - 3 1/4 inches tall with a 1 3/8 inch long hook behind - $125.US/pair     (#1 & #2 are sold)
   CH630.   This strand was brought out of Burma/Myanmar.  The beads are mostly made of amber coloured Chinese glass dating from the 1800s.  At the back there are some melon shapes and  there is a pale jade bead at the front.  The strand is 22 inches long.  There are some internal fractures but no breaks.   $210.US.   (sold)
   CH631.   Here is a very nice 19 inch long strand of ancient Carnelians which came out of the area.  $350.US.
   CH634.   Here is a pair of Dong ear ornaments, measuring 2 7/8 inches tall including the hanging loop at the top.  They are flat, sculpted and very attractive.  They would make excellent pendants or if you can carry a weight on your ears (about 10-12 grams each) they can have a renewed life as earrings again.   $85.US.   (sold)
   CH635.   This spiraling silver Dong bracelet is a beautiful thing, but small with an inside diameter of 2 3/8 inches across.  Made for a very slender wrist so please measure a bangle of yours to make sure that this can slip over your hand.   The silver is hammered into a shape where it becomes narrower and narrower - it narrows at its ends so that it can wind gracefully around the original hoop.  This is all one piece of metal - thickest in the underlying piece and thinnest in the wire spiraling around it.  That is quite an amazing job to create it.   To see a similar piece, turn to page 248 of "a World of Bracelets". $160.US.
   CH636.   The dragons on this Golden Triangle bracelet were originally seen on Yunnan pieces from where they were borrowed by the Yao and Hmong.  The thick piece of silver to form the main part of the bracelet was folded into shape so that the seam runs around the inside of the bracelet.  I love seeing the evidence of the workmanship of a piece.  When I tried these on the mouth of the dragon nipped at the skin on my wrist.  Once on though, it feels and looks great.  Your wrist should be no bigger than 6 1/4 inches at the most.  Inside the bracelet measures 2 1/4 by 1 1/2 inches.   $150.US.   (sold)
   CH637.    Bracelets like these are shown on page 271 of "A World of Bracelets".  They are described as being Yao or Hmong.  These are old, attractive, good silver and quite large in size.  They measure 2 3/4 inches by 2 inches on the inside.   $445.US/pair    (sold)
   CH638.   There is a beautiful silver bracelet here - from the Golden Triangle.  These are made by the Hmong of Thailand and worn across the area.  "The spiral represents the repetitive rhythms of life and the being's permanence over the transience of change."  (A World of Bracelets, p. 267 & p. 272)  They are hammered, decorated and wound.  The bracelet winds smoothly around.  It is just under 3/4 inches tall and 2 3/4 inches across on the inside.  $195.US.   (sold)
   CH639.   This 1 3/4 inch tall silver dorje is from Mongolia.  It is old, nicely worn and a real treasure.   $85.US.  (sold)
   CH640.   These are 22 to 24 inch long strands of Indo-Pacific bead strands - hundreds of years old, perhaps a thousand...  These were used all over Southeast Asia for constructing necklaces.  If you see the preview window at 1 1/4 inches tall, then you will see them close to life-size.   $36.US/each strand
   CH565.   Here is a very unusual Chinese silver necklace.  The necklace is 26 inches long, and the pendant part featuring a little house is 3 1/2 inches long.  The necklace has old coral and turquoise on it as well as a coral coloured glass bead at the bottom.  This dates from the 1800s.  The chain is attached by string to the beaded part - which is very typical.  The unusual part of this is the house or temple.  This is 1 3/8 inches tall and features different characters on each side.  I would suppose that these are holy men.  One side has a roof which seems to have a liftable part to it.  It is stuck shut at the moment though and I don't want to try to force it open.  One would have to figure out by what method it was meant to open and then work very carefully.  As it is now it cannot currently be opened.  I have not cleaned this piece at all either - the new owner can have that job.  I imagine that it has been sitting for quite a long time without being worn and is ready for a new life.  This is a memorable piece and would be gorgeous gleaming with the light of silver.   $445.US.
   CH567.   Bhutan is a country maintaining much tradition, lodged between Burma, Nagaland, Tibet, Nepal and India...  It is a beautiful mountainous place discouraging any large tourist industry, wishing to remain reasonably untouched.  This is a collectible and wearable piece featuring a strand of coins (from Bhutan dating from the sixties and early seventies)  joining two silver pendants which clasp into a loosely woven sweater or jacket.  Pendants very much like this are illustrated on page 277 of "A World of Necklaces".  If you would like a glimpse of the culture do buy a copy of the dvd of the movie "Travellers and Magicians" - a remarkable movie made by Khyentse Norbu a Rinpoche in Bhutan.  The lightly domed pendants are 2 3/8 inches across, and the entire piece measures 20 1/2 inches long.    $750.US.
   CH568.   Here are two Chinese immortals which were first sewn onto hats.  The hats were generally worn by children (boys wore them between infancy and their fifth year) and in some areas of minorities, by woman.  There are eight immortals, each representing something different.  The one on the left is holding a lotus blossom (the patron saint of a housewife), and the one on the right is a Buddha.  They are both sitting on wooden stands carved to fit.  They can slip out of the stands easily so if you wanted to keep them displayed like that, it might be easy to use a little bit of something sticky like plastecine to keep them in place.  The first one is just over 1 3/4 inches tall, the second one is 1 1/2 inches tall.  They are sold together for $75.US.
   CH569.   Here is a very large Buddha or god from China.  He is very protective, and was once worn sewn onto a hat.  This is beautifully hammered out of silver, and is just over 2 1/4 inches tall and just over 2 inches at the widest.  This has not been polished, and would shine beautifully if he was.   $70.US.
   CH570.   This is a very attractive sterling silver ring from the Philipines - it says on the coin "twenty centavos Filipinas" and has a portrait of a standing woman with a hammer laying against an anvil, with a smoking mountain in the background.  The other side is difficult to read, but it looks like the coin was minted in 1944.  The back is gracefully made.  This is a size 7.   $45.US.
   CH572.   This silver bracelet for a young girl, or someone with a very very small hand.  It measures slightly over 1 3/4 inches in diameter in the inside.  The wearer's hand has to be able to slip in as the bracelet has been soldered so that it will not open and close.  It is put on like a bangle.   -  $35.US.
   CH574.   I am not sure where this is from, but my suspicion is from the East.  This chain is 14 inches long and it has tools hanging from it.  The tools were not made with stringing holes, so a loop of wire holds each one to the chain.  There is a clasp to open this.  This is not high silver, but there is a mix to the metal.  This is all hand made.    $35.US.
  CH575.   This silver Chinese necklace has 23 inches of delicate chain connected to a gold plated creature.  Below that is a pendant with a good sized carnelian below.  The part below the creature is 5 1/2 inches long.  It looks lovely when worn.    $220.US.
   CH576.   Here are two pairs of delicate, intriguing earrings from China.  They are enamelled, and highly decorated even though they are quite tiny.  Earrings #1 are 2 3/8 inches tall and dance when you move.   Earrings #2 are 1 7/8 inches tall and very complex.  These earrings are both made of silver but have not been cleaned so are tarnished to a dark grey.  I think that these are very collectible.  $65.US/each pair..   (#2 is sold)
   CH580.   Here is a small pair of Chinese earrings which just slip in.  They are made of silver but need a very good cleaning.  Antique versions of these would have had bird feathers inside to create the turquoise colour.  These newish ones (20-30 yrs old) are enamelled instead.  They measure a little over 1 5/8 inches in length.  $35.US.
   CH581.   Here is a group of Chinese rings marked "silver".  The last three have been gilded.  These rings all came from a now-closed store and were in old stock from the 1950s or 1960s.  The first two are brightly enamelled with the same scene - 3 people acting something out.  They were most likely bought at a Chinese opera as a souvenir of a piece.  The rings are all adjustable so the size can be changed a little in either direction.  I wouldn't try to make a big change though, as the shape of the front might be damaged.   Ring #1 is about 8 1/2.   $25.US.   Ring #2 is about 8 1/2.   $25.US.   Ring #3 with 3 enamelled 3-D frogs sitting on it is about a 7.   $45.US.   (fish ring is sold)   Ring #4 has a floral carving of cinnebar on it, and a delicate ring of finely wound wired and is a size 7 1/2.   $45.US.  Ring #5 has a carving of a woman cut from either bone or ivory.  I can't tell from the look of it.  It also has a ring made of finely and delicately wound wires.   Size 9.   $45.US.
   CH582.   Here is a monumental silver necklace weighing just over 13 ounces.  My oh my.  The necklace is made up of 8 large pieces of "flower money" bought in bought in Rangoon, the capital of Burma, now Myanmar.  Flower money was used in a number of areas including Thailand and Siam.  It was generally made of melted coins poured onto a flat surface.  It was  valued for its weight but often had interesting patterns in it which give pieces different names.  The smaller discs hanging from the necklace are cast copies of small flower money.  Everything is strung onto folded link silver chain.
This is a very heavy piece and a bit on the clumsy side, though I tried it on and it did look pretty good.  One could take it apart though and re-make it if one wanted.  Pieces like this changed over time as the owner gained money, or spent it...   $650.US.
   CH584.    This pair of wound silver bracelets is from the Golden Triangle - made by the Shan but worn by other people such as the Lahu and the Akha of the border region between Myanmar and Thailand.  The silver is not sterling but a few notches below..  You can get some more shine out of it though.  I love the way these feel and fit - they can be manipulated just a little to change the fit - not too much, but a bit...  Right now the insides measure 1 7/8 by 1 5/8 across.  The outside measures 3 3/4 by 3 1/8 across - these are substantial but light weight pieces.  My wrists are 6 inches around and they fit perfection.   $255.US/pair
  CH585.   Here is a very attractive 6 sides hollow silver bracelet from the Golden Triangle.  A similar one is shown on page 268 of "a World of Bracelets".  This is good silver and will polish up nicely showing off the attractive hammered decorations on it.  This was made from a sheet of silver and you can see the soldering line around the inside.  This measures 2 by 1 3/4 inches across on the inside.  It has a narrow opening of 7/8 of an inch so you need a slim wrist to slip it on.  I can't quite get it on myself.   $155.US.
  CH586.   It is nice having a pair of hammerred silver bracelets - although these are slightly different, they look great together - in fact, I enjoy investigating the differences.  They were made by the same maker at the same time and he must have enjoyed himself duplicating some patterns and adjusting others.  Since there are no openings on these pieces you need to be able to slip your wrist into a circle measuring 2 1/8 inch in diameter.  The bracelets are just under 7/8 inches tall.  They measure a little over 3 inches across on the outside.   $250.US/pair.
   CH592.   Here are two strands of old Southeast Asian trade beads.  Strand #1 has a brass piece attached to it as a pendant.  There are 26 inches of the orange beads, and some additional ones as decoration.   $115.US.   Strand #2 has 11 1/2 inches of beads centered with a spotted Venetian trade bead.  $55.US.
   CH593.   These three strands are almost convincing imitations of the typical trade beads above.  These are made of plastic though, and weigh very little.  The center beads are Chinese copies of Venetians.  I must say, they are attractive anyway.  $60/all 3 strands.
   CH594.   These beads were bought in Myanmar.  Strand #1 is Bohemian reds - just under 22 inches of beads.  They are attractive and useful as they would play well with others.   Strand #2 are just a little paler in colour than in the photo - a calmer colour.  There are 25 inches of these tile beads from China.   $38.US/both strands together.
   CH595.   Here are three strands of newish carnelian beads bought in the Myanmar area.  Strand #1 has 19 inches of beads.   $22.US.   Strand #2 has 17 inches of beads   $22.US.   Strand #3 has 20 inches of beads   $22.US.
   CH598.   This chopper was bought in Burma.  It does not have a sharpened blade to it - the width of the curved piece is the same all along it, so it is not made for cutting, but perhaps for chopping.  It is built in the same way that an ulu (for Inuit people) is in the north.  The handle is brass and the "blade" is white metal (steel?).  The handle is 3 1/8 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter.  The distance from the top of the handle to the bottom of the blade is 3 3/4 inches long.  Less than 50 yrs old.   $95.US.
   CH599.   This is a very beautiful antique (over 100 yrs old) tool bought in China.  It is made of brass and copper, and I can't tell what other metal.  The tool is 6 3/4 inches long and made in the same way that a decorative knife is made.  It is beautifully decorated with decorative openings through it.  The smaller openings have curves of brass decorating them.  The large opening is the rectangular one which is open on all four sides.  There is a little ball inside (I can't tell what it is made of) which moves around when you move the tool.  The working part of the tool is a curved scoop.  I was told that this is for opium but I don't know if that is true.  What I do know is that it is old, beautiful, and very nice to hold onto and look at.   $175.US.
   CH600.   This is a nice pair of silver bracelets winding around the wrists.  These are best if you can squeeze your hand small enough to fit into a 2 3/8 by 2 1/4 opening.  The bracelets could be gently opened a little more but one would have to be experienced with doing that, to avoid breaking them.  Delicate patterns of branches and flowers are etched onto the pieces.  Pair of bracelets - $135.US.
   CH601.   This wrapped bracelet could be carefully changed in size.  I would ask someone experienced to do it though to avoid breaking the silver.  It is a hammered piece (you can see the constant hammer marks on the inside) that has been decorated by delicate patterns showing branches and leaves.  This is quite worn from years of wear.  The  bracelet is 2 1/2 by 2 1/8 across on the inside.  - $65.US.
   CH602.   This bracelet is from Timor, Indonesia.  This is solid silver with a geometrical design carved into it.  It is well worn and has been loved for many years so that edges have all been nicely smoothed.  This bracelet is for a small wrist.  It measures inside 1 7/8 by 1 3/8 inches across with an opening that is an inch wide.  Your wrist should not be larger than 6 inches around.  -  $120.US.
   CH603.   I do like this bracelet which looks like twists of silver.  It is actually a hammered piece with a line cut deeply around and around.  The bracelet measures 2 3/8 by 1 3/4 on the inside with a 7/8 inch wide opening.   - $95.US.
   CH606.   This is quite an impressive pair of earrings, not often seen.  These come from the Chinese/Tibetan border, are made of good silver and beads made of small branches of coral.  A very interesting thing about these earrings is that some of the chains with beads and dangles hang from the lotus blossom image which one sees at the front, and the rest of the chains with beads and dangles hang from a removable piece which slips over the hanging loop.  You can see what it looks like when I slipped it off.
I think that these earrings have changed a little over time and that the coral beads were not always there.  The wire fastening them on is skinnier than the other wire, and worked a little differently.  To keep old items wearable, changes sometimes have to be made over the years.  If you plan on wearing these you need only slightly extended ear holes, but you need to be able to carry some weight as each earring weighs about 41.6 grams.  These are very collectible, and very exotic to wear.  With both pieces together they measure 7 1/2 inches from top to bottom.  With the disc and chains removed, it measures 6 inches in length.  $355.US
   CH607.   If you like the colour of jade, this is a great piece.  I don't know if the colour has been altered at all, but it is an old piece, probably around a century old.  The jade slide is 3 1/2 inches wide and just under 1 3/4 inches tall.  It has a simple floral design traced into each side. It is quite difficult to see as it is a shallow pattern.  There is also a thin slice cut into the piece between the two hanging holes.  It is about the thickness of an envelope and adds a very nice touch to the pendant.  The jade has light scratches on it from long wear.  They are only evident when you look carefully.  The hanging hooks extend from two coins which are not sterling grade.  The old chain though, is sterling and 18 inches long.   $275.US.
   CH497.   This is a lovely silver bangle - made from rounded wire that has been hammered at the ends and wound into curls for decoration.  This would fit a young woman, or someone with slim wrists.  The bracelet measures 1 7/8 by 1 1/2 inches on the inside.   $60.US.
   CH501.   This Chinese pendant is a bit of a mystery to me.  I am use to all of the little picks and tweezers and points, but I am not used to this shape.  This seems to be a holder for something, or a stamp to impress on something else?  The bottom of the piece at the base is shown on the scan.  I have been going through my books, and I am still searching.  It is very attractive though, made of silver with a bright carnelian decorating it, and it measures 5 3/4 inches in length.  What a fascination!   $44.US.
   CH510.   This is a wondrous pipe from Japan.  I haven't had one before and was fascinated by this one.  The 8 inch long body is made of brass and silver.  The brass is hammered all over leaving interesting patterns laid into it.  Hammer marks, marks that look like grass growing, and little circles making me thing of water passing by.  In shaped silver is a tiger looking as if he is in a fighting mood, and behind him is a man wearing a kimono ready to challenge him.  It is very beautiful.  Between the two metal sections of the pipe is "wood" that looks like bamboo.  The metal pieces (be careful please) can be gently pulled off the bamboo so that it can be replaced when necessary.  This is a true collector's piece from an old collection of Asian items.  I am sure that it can be used, or can simply sit as a thing of beauty.   $575.US.
   CH515.   I was captivated by the gracefulness and traditional feeling of these brand new hangings...  The pendant portions average about 1 3/4 to 3 1/2 inches in height with the pieces being about 12 inches long from top of hanging loop to bottom of fringes.  These are all symbolically important, each bringing good wishes and safety in their own way.   $34.US/each
   CH517.   Here are some slightly rough, new Japanese Tsubas (hand guards of swords).  These help to balance the weight of the swords as well as guard the bearer's hand from their opponent as well as from the sharpness of their own sword.  These are cast of iron in a variety of shapes and decorations.  Because they are so interesting in their design, they can be used as curious (and heavy) pendants.  The antique ones are very expensive as they are collected widely.  The new ones don't have the smoothness and gleam of the old, but are still interesting.  #3 is $55. the rest are $45.US. each.
   CH518.   These two 19th century Chinese hair pins are both enamelled, and very charming.  #1 is an image of a butterfly similar to what was done with feathered colouring, but done in enamel instead and having two tiny dangles.  It is 2 7/8 inches long and made of silver.  One little bit of enamel is missing below the left wing but it is very attractive and would look great as a hat pin or threaded into a sweater.  $60.US.   #2 has a sense of humour to it.  This is 4 3/4 inches tall and 3 3/4 inches wide.  Above the silver pin is an enamelled owl standing calmly.  Swimming to his sides are two fancy fish with dangles of beads hanging from their mouths.  It is quite an unusual piece which again, would be great pinned onto a hat or onto clothing.   $120.US.   (#2 is sold)
   CH519.   I don't know what this silver tie clip is yet.  It is Japanese I believe, and portrays a man with wings tied to him by ropes.  He is flying over a bridge with a temple in the background.  There is writing on the back and the year 1985.  I would suppose that something significant happened then - perhaps some sort of festival, and that this is a memory of it.   The new owner will have research to do.  $28.US.
CH521.   There are two bracelets similar to these on page 268 of "A World of Bracelets" one of my favourite reference books.  These are a little more dramatic though with a stronger more sculptural twist to them.  Also these have open ends which are not sealed closed with sheets of silver like the ones in the book are.  These are good silver and come from the Golden Triangle.  According to the book, "Hollow bracelets, whether twisted, grooved, smooth or bulging, are made by the Shan, but are often worn by other people such as the Lahu and the Akha of the border region between Burma and Thailand.  The inside dimensions are 1 7/8 by 1 5/8 inches with an opening which is 7/8 inches wide.  These are too narrow for me to put on as my wrists aren't quite delicate enough (well I can slide them over my wrist but am afraid if I put them totally on, I might not get them off again - yikes!).  A good and experienced jeweller could pull them open just a little if you needed slightly more clearance. I am happy to see them simply on display as they look so gorgeous. One weighs 119 grams and the other weighs 120 grams.  It had to be a very skilled silver-worker to make them so close.    $450.US.
   CH526.   A Timor bracelet similar to these is shown on page 296 of "A World of Bracelets".  It is curious how the embellishments are raised on little poles. Bracelet #1 is 2 by 1 3/8 inch across on the inside with a 1 inch wide opening.  It is made of good silver- $145.US.    Bracelet #2 is 2 1/8 by 1 5/8 inches across on the inside with a 1 inch wide opening.  It is quite unusual in that it was made of brass which has been thickly coated with silver.  The silver is much thicker than layers usually are.  The bracelet has been worn quite a lot though so that the silver is worn off in areas and the brass easy to see instead.  I really don't mind the way that it looks.   - $105.US.   (#1 is sold)
   CH536.   These Chinese pieces are hammered silver, some for use as pendants and some for sewing onto fabric or laying against a piece of jewellery or whatever you could imagine.  They have really increased in price over the last few years, but I find them delightful and becoming more rare, and I think that very nice pieces of jewellery could be made with them as centerpieces.  #1 (1 7/8 inches tall) - $65.US.,    #2 - $65.US.,   #3 - $65.US.,   #4 - $70.US.,   #5 - $55.US.,   #6 - $50.US.,   #7 - $50.US.,   #8 - $70.US.,   #9 - $80.US.,   #10 - $55.US. (#1, #8 & #10 are sold)
   CH537.   These 19th century silver Chinese rings were made as souvenirs from the opera.  They are all carefully resizeable to a degree - generally a size or so in either direction.  The images on them referred to the specific operas that were attended when they were for sale.  They are true pieces of the history of creativity.  Ring #1 has a number of characters engraved onto it and is a size 10 and $185.US.   Ring #2 has a creature hammered into it which I think might be shishi the Chinese lion, it is a size 6 1/2 and $195.US.   Ring #3 also has a creature on it which might also be shishi, I am not sure  - - but these rings really do look great and sit great - I wear mine on my middle fingers and get zillions of compliments - - this one is a size 10 and $195.US.  See page 95 of "Four Centuries of Silver".   (#1 is sold)
   CH541.   Here is a pair of Chinese 19th century enamelled earrings - well they were not made as a pair but have wound up becoming one.  The two earrings are of the same style and manufacture, but have different designs decorating them.  One pair is slightly larger than the other too and the hooks go in the same directions.  They are very unusual, rare, and have an eclectic look to them.  The larger one is 2 1/2 inches across, and the smaller one is 2 3/8 inches across...  $290.US/pair
   CH544.   Here is another heavy (190 grams) bracelet from the Hmong of the Golden Triangle.  It is too wide for me and would just fall off my wrist so I would recommend it to someone with a much sturdier wrist, wide enough to hold the bracelet, yet flexible enough to slip into the bracelet.  I sold a similar one to it, to a man, and it worked out perfectly for him.  The silver is thick and you can see the marks of the hammering which give it a great texture.  When you see new versions of pieces like this, they are cast as that is a much faster way of working.  New pieces don't have the intrigue of a piece like this.  This is wound tight and decorated with a hammered design.  It must have been anealled many many times.  The inside diameter of the bracelet is 2 3/4 inches across and the circumference is 8 1/2 inches.    $350.US.   (sold)
   CH545.   Northern Laos cloisonne enamelled silver bracelets - very charming and very rare.  I have little documentation on these, but if you check page 160 of "a World of Rings" you will see a Mien Yao ring with similar enamelling.  They have sat in a personal collection for many years.  Much of the enamelling is worn off, but you can still see the hints of the colours leaving a great and interesting texture.  Bracelet #1 is 2 1/4 inches by 1 5/8 inches on the inside with a 1 inch wide opening and bracelet #2 is 2 3/8 inches by 1 3/4 inches on the inside with a 1 5/16 inch wide opening.     $325.US/each bracelet
   CH546.   This is a new pair of bracelets, but made of good silver, graceful and attractive.  The bracelets measure 2 3/4 by 1 3/4 on the inside so will fit a medium to large sized wrist.  The opening is 1 1/8 inches wide.   The pair weighs 106 grams.   $245.US.
   CH547.   This piece is just amazing.  I know it is expensive, but I couldn't resist having it around for a while.  The ring is Mongolian and made of ivory which has been wound with brass at the end.  I know very little about this other than the fact that it is very sculptural and very beautiful.  The piece is almost 2 inches from back to front, and the flat end of the ring is 1 3/8 inches by 3/4 inch.  I don't know if this would have been worn as a ring (size 11) or hung as a pendant.  This definitely needs some research.    $750.US.
   CH548.   This is a 32 inch long strand of Peking glass "crumb" beads.  There is a great flourish of colour on them.  - $325.US.
   CH549.   Here are two very attractive Peking glass beads.  strand #1 is about 15 inches long - it needs just a little more in the way of spacers or a few beads at the back to make a necklace.  The strand has a great variety of colours within it, and some collectible old beads from China - $175.US.   Strand #2 is 34 inches long with quite a few unusual dark reddish amber coloured glass beads on it.  Mixed with the other beads, there is a sense of age and richness.    - $300.US.
   CH550.   There are two silver Chinese needle containers here, with Peking glass beads attached to them. - #1 is 3 1/8 inches long.  The bottom should slide out to hold the needles, but it seems to be sealed shut so is now simply a pendant. - $135.US.   #2 is 3 inches long and works well with the insides slipping out easily. - $135.US.
   CH552.   These two strands of beads came from Borneo where they are highly valued.  They were made hundreds of years ago and brought from China through the trade routes.   - Strand #1 is 19 1/2 inches long and beautiful blues and greens which would be great even strung just as they are.  - $375.US.   Strand #2 is just over 20 inches long with fat richly coloured beads with a nice old mustard yellow central bead at the bottom.  - $440.US.   (#2 is sold)
   CH553.   This is a 9 inch strand of beads which were bought in Borneo.  They are a good deep red colour, 8 smooth and transluscent and the rest opaque.  They would look beautiful with just about any colour.  $35.US.
   CH555.   This 19th century Chinese silver disc probably slipped onto an earring once upon a time.  Now it is looking for a new purpose.  This is very thin but strong, and lightly engraved.  It is 2 1/8 inches across and has a nice rimmed hole in the middle.  This could hang very nicely as a pendant.  - $100.US.
   CH556.   This necklace was newly put together in Thailand.  It consists of antique tradewinds beads mixed with new silver and a casting of a tiny elephant opium weight.  The necklace is 18 inches long and the pendant is 5/8 inches tall including the hanging loop.   $145.US.    (sold)
   CH557.  This is an interesting collection of silver coins.  They are of the French republic, but on the side of the coin where it says "10 CENT", it also says "INDO-CHINE FRANCAISE".  The 29 coins date between 1922 and 1937 and measure 3/4 inch across.  The cord is tied in the back so you can knot it around your neck and wear it as is.   $300.US..
   CH343.  Here are two antique rings that are both full of charm.  Ring #1 is an enamelled ring from Laos bought near Luang Namtha  - it is approximately a size 9 - and could very gently be changeable in size by a half or so in either direction as it has a wrapped silver back.  This would have been made by the Mien Yao who were silversmiths loving enamelling.  According to the book "the Yao" by Pourret, "The Yao silversmith is often a priest of some rank." and the pieces made are imbued with meaning.  You can see a selection of these rings on page 61 of "Peoples of the Golden Triangle."  $85.US. for the ring.  (#1 is sold)   Ring #2 is engraved with very fine and delicate lines and circles.  It is Hmong silver and was bought near Luang Prabang.  size 8 - 8.5, it can be very slightly adjusted as it has the wrapped back as well.  $75.US.
   CH345.  If you can't identify this silver container and tools from the Belu people of Timor, I will give you a clue.  It has to do with Betel nuts.  Hmmn.
Well, it is a container for powdered lime made from ground up limestone, a bit of which still exists inside the container and is used while chewing the nuts.  The betel nuts are chewed with lime and betel leaf producing a rather mild narcotic affect.  Unhappily the lime wears away at the teeth and causes the gums to change colour to a deep red.  Usually I see these containers made of natural materials, and it is wonderful to see one fashioned out of silver.  This would look great hanging from a very long and chunky chain perhaps with a bead or tow attached.  There are two tools, the longest being 4 1/2 inches in length.  The container itself is 3 3/4 inches long and 1 1/4 inch in diameter.  It is beautifully and delicately decorated with floral designs.  The cap of the container sits nicely and tightly and simply pulls off to open.  This is close to 100 years old and quite a collector's piece.  $385.US.
   CH346.  Here is an amazing pair of silver boxes bought in northeast Laos near Xam Nua.  I hadn't seen anything quite like this before but found a similar box and chain illustrated on page 133 of "Jewelry of Southeast Asia."  The hammered and engraved boxes have insides that slide open nicely, and stay shut securely.  The big fat rings they are attached to are fastened to double sided connectors which are fastened to a chain.  The chain is meant to connect the piece to the waistline of a woman.  In the book it says that this "...was suspended on a chain at the waist by Vietnamese women, early 20th century.  ...the silver boxes are for tobacco, lime and cosmetics decorated with repousse and engraving."   "The dragon is the most common motif on the heart-shaped container."  The larger box is 2 inches across and 1 1/8 inch tall.  The smaller box is 1 7/8 inch across and 1 inch tall and they are both decorated on all sides.  When hanging, they fall for 9 1/2 inches.     $420.US.
   CH355.   This is a very good silver tool kit coming from Laos.  This hangs from an 8 1/2 inch length of doubled chain to attach the kit to a belt.  Adding a clasp could turn this into a necklace.  The chains travel down to a highly decorated disc - the same on both sides.  From the disc hang tools as well as a good sized fish (for luck) and from the fish hang more items - two bells and a smaller decorated disc.  The smaller disc holds even more tools.  They look great showing their hammer marks and their bits of decorations.  The entire piece measures 20 inches long, and even looks wonderful when sitting laid out or hung on the wall in a collection.  This dates from the turn of the century.  $395.US.
  CH362.   Here are two pectoral discs from Timor dating to the the early 1900s.  They are worn by men/hunters under some circumstances, and by women under others.  They are important spiritual pieces expressing the soul and abilities of the wearer.  According to page 163 of Jewelry of Southeast Asia, "Timorese women sometimes wear the pectoral disks associated with headhunting and the courage of male warriors.  Childbirth is equated with warfare, and like warriors returning from battle, women may wear male ornaments at rituals performed following the birth and the customary period of seclusion."   These are very unusual and very collectible pieces.  The patination and the simplicity of the silver pattern is breath-taking.  An almost identical one is illustrated on the page quoted from above.  The top pectoral is 4 3/8 inches across.  It has a dome shape standing in the middle of it and a stringing hole that has been punched through the silver encircled by hammered dots.  The edges have been hammered so that they curl up a little, just like one might do to the sides of a pizza.  This is highly patinated from age.   $250.US.   The second pectoral is 4 3/4 inches across.  It has a flatter dome in the center, and once had a loop soldered onto it.  Only the remains of that are left and a hole has been punched beneath it.  Under the hole a design has been hammered into the silver.  It looks very mysterious.   $250.US.    (CH362 #1 is sold)
   CH363.  Two silver pendants are illustrated here.  The top one was bought in NW Laos near Xien Kok.  This is a 2 7/8 inch wide pendant hammered with a flower design in the center.  The pendant has a loop soldered onto the top.  Wear has cut through it over time and it has been folded together to create a strong suspension.  This is ready to be strung onto a strand of beads.  $40.US.   The second pendant is an Akha flower shaped piece.  This is 4 1/2 inches across and quite heavy.  It is hammered with a simple design and hammered with lightly domed circles.  This too is ready for wear.  It has two holes at one end and a single hole at the other.  It can be used to suspend something as well...  $95.US.   (#1 is sold)
   CH366.   This strand of beads was bought in Myanmar where much trading is done.  Material is brought from many areas to sell there.  This necklace seems to have a good range of a beautiful variety of beads.  Small faceted glass ones look like Russian blues in blues and greens.  There are clear beads, amber coloured beads, one carnelian, one rusty coloured stone bead and some dramatic dark orange glass beads in the front.  The strand is 34 inches long.  $160.US.
   CH370.  Two newish necklaces are shown here.  I included them because they are influenced strongly by the work of the past, and are well made and very attractive.  #1 is an enamelled piece bought in Laos that was probably made in the last 40 years or so.  The work is quite elaborate with floral shaped discs piled together in the middle of the enamelled circle.  The enamelled pattern reminds me of the rising of the sun.  The 16 inch long chain looks old and can be used on other pendants that you have as it can be hooked on or off on silver "S" hooks.  The pendant is 1 5/8 inch across.   $95.US.   #2 is a silver spirit lock with a sturdy, boxy 25 inch long chain that was bought in NW Laos near Zien Kok.  Pieces like this are generally made in northern Thailand.  The spirit lock helps to lock the wearer's spirit to the earth to keep them grounded and safe.  $95.US.  (#2 is sold)
   CH371.   These are Buddha and monk brass amulets which are generally bought when visiting temples in Thailand.  They all have writing and other imagery on them - as you can see by the backs shown on the scan. They are great as pendants...  $7.US/each or 2/$12.   (#1, #3, #5, #8 are sold)
   CH372.   I have a wonderful tobacco container here, bought many years ago in China - by an antiques furniture dealer.  He kept it in his own collection until now.  When I first looked at it, I thought it was wood, but it is made of bone.  The only bone that I can imagine is from an elephant, so perhaps this is made from the tusk.  The container is stained a darker brown than it appears on the scan and it is beautifully carved with a scene that runs easily all around it -  mountains, water, two houses, and a man carrying something over his shoulder walking across a flat zig zaggy bridge to his home.  There is some writing on one side, and the top is carved as well - ocean and islands and two simple little boats in the distance.  There are some old bumps and scratches but they have been well worn long ago.  The container is 3 1/4 inches tall and the oval top is 3 1/4 by 1 3/4 inches.  The strings holding it together are quite new.  A carved carnelian bead sits on top (diameter 5/8 inch) and a long (1 3/8 inches) porcelain bead sits below.  I think that the container would be happier with a thicker cord running through as this doesn't seem quite in proportion.  The opening inside is 2 1/8 by 1 1/8 inches across in a rectangular shape which contrasts nicely with the oval.  There is only a distant smell of tobacco.  This is a very special piece, quite certainly over 100 years old (except for the beads and string).  $440.US.
   CH311.   These are some amazing banded agates - probably of Indian or Middle Eastern origin but found in the Suphan Buri area of Thailand.  The burial period dates from 1000 to 500BC.  The beads are more attractive than they appear on the scan - glossier, and more subtle in look, as well as more intriguing to examine....    #1 is about half of an original bead - very nice but one end is original and smooth and the other end is sharply cut.  It has a small swoop of stripes on it.  A little over 5/8 inch long.  $35.US.   #2 is 3/4 inch long and nicely cut at each end.  It has a lovely swirl of white running through it.  $65.US.   #3 is 1 1/4 inches long and quite lovely.  It has beautiful colours and some transluscency at each end.  It has one flattish old worn chip on it.  $175.US.  (#3 is sold)   #4 is beautiful as well with rich and elaborate patterns.  It is a little over 1 1/8 inch long.  $165.US.  (#4 is sold)  #5 has some very fine old chipping on it that has been worn nicely - very small.  It is 1 3/16 inches long and elaborately decorated in a variety of colours.  $165.US.  #5 is sold)   #6 is quite fat (over 1/2 inch in diameter) and over 1 1/4 inch long.  It is a chunky fellow that has an old worn chip at one end.  It is still very attractive and the chip is well worn.  $165.US.
   CH314.  $45.US/each strand.   CH314 to CH317 are strands from a Chin necklace.  The strands are tied together at the back, then beads are slipped over the strands, and the pieces are totally tied together.  This was in poor condition so I spent a few hours unknotting and unknotting and unknotting, to get this selection of strands.  There are interesting beads among them including lots of carnelian, old Chinese glass, some Venetian made beads, and a few cornaline d'aleppo.  The two final strands each have a marble bead on them - very collectible, and most likely made in Germany.  The Chin, who wore these necklaces would collect beads, and redo the strands with new additions.  I think that the last time this was restrung was when the brass bells were added as they are quite new.
   CH315.  $45.US/each strand.   (#4 & #5 are available)
   CH316.   $55.US/each strand.
   CH331.   Beautiful bone carving from Japan with oval hollow opening going through it.  4 inches tall.  $125.US.
   CH271.   This is a very special silver Chinese necklace - it must be from the south where various tribes pass through.  I will have to do some research.  The necklace is 24 inches long and chatters delicately constantly.  The little pendants (most of them are three dimensional) jiggle against each other.  Red glass beads add some liveliness to the strand.  This is heavy at about 2.25 ounces.  It is nicely worn as it is over 100 years old and has been often worn.  An unusual item.  $350.US.
   CH273.   These two Neolithic stone discs from China are pretty amazing.  They certainly show their age.  The dark stone (#1) has rough wear around its edges, and an old worn surface chip that you can see on the scan.  It measures slightly over 2 1/4 inches across and 1/4 inch thick.  It would make a great pendant.  The second Neolithic disc is made of an old whiteish stone that is 2 1/2 inches across and 1/4 inch thick.  These are rare pieces.  $75.US/each. (#1 is sold)
   CH280.   There are two Chinese pieces here that date to the second half of the 1900s.  The pendant with chain dangles (#1) is a little over 4 inches long and was probably one of the dangles of a pair of earrings.  Now it is a delicate pendant instead.  $45.US (sold).  The second piece is a small pendant of a butterfly.- 1 1/4 inches across - hollow, and the same on both sides.  $35.US.
   CH282.   This Chinese apron chain is very nicely made.  It has complex pieces constructing the 19 1/2 inches of chain woven together into the shape of flowers.  The chain ends with butterflies that have hooks attached to them.  It would be a great way to suspend a pendant.  $140.US.
   CH290.   Northern Laos cloisonne enamelled silver bracelets - very charming and very rare.  I have little documentation on these, but if you check page 160 of "a World of Rings" you will see a Mien Yao ring with similar enamelling.  They have sat in a personal collection for many years.   #1 is  $290.US.   #2 is $250.US.   #3 is $280.US.   (all sold)
   CH294.   Northern Laos enamelled rings - they are approximately size 7 - and are gently changeable in size by a half or so in either direction as they have wrapped silver backs.  These would have been made by the Mien Yao who were silversmiths loving enamelling.  According to the book "the Yao" by Pourret, "The Yao silversmith is often a priest of some rank." and the pieces made are imbued with meaning.  You can see a selection of these rings on page 61 of "Peoples of the Golden Triangle."  They are rare and not illustrated often.  $75.US/each ring  (#1 is sold)
   CH297.   This is a strand of bronze age Ban Chiang stone beads which were unearthed in Lopburi, Thailand and date to some time between 2000 and 4000 years of age.  They don't really fit together like an average necklace as some have flat ends and others have slanted ends, but somehow they look great strung together anyway.  I didn't want to separate the bunch and sell them individually as they were dug from the same place.  The bottom fat bead is 2 1/8 inches long at the widest part, and 1 5/8 inches across at the narrowest.  These are typical slanted ends.  The beads are a variety of types of stones, most with massive holes going through them.  The entire strand spans 16 1/2 inches.  It is really great if you like weight and substance and age.  $800.US.
  CH299.   There are three sets of silver ear pieces here.  They were bought in Laos from members of the Lahu Shi tribe who range across the Burma, Thailand, Laos boundaries.  These have been worn a fair bit, and show a nice level of wear to them.  If you don't have large piercings to hold them, they could be used slipped over dreadlocks or braids, or be used with beads strung through them, or whatever else you can imagine.  Pair #1 is 1 7/8 inches long, and 11/16 inch across - $65.US.  (pair #1 is available)   Pair #2 is 15/16 inches long and just over 1/2 inch across.  They contain the thickest sheet of silver - $50.US.   (sold)    Pair #3 is 7/8 inches long, flared and opening up to almost 3/4 inch across - $55.US.   (sold)
   CH300.   Silver earrings from Northern Laos.  Quite old, with a nicely worn chain attached.  $265.US.   (sold)
  CH301.   Silver earrings from Northern Laos.  The earrings are quite old but the chain was probably made in the last 20 years or so.  $210.US.
   CH243.   I received these beads from a very reputable Bangkok dealer.  They come from Eastern Thailand and are dated from the early bronze age 4000-2500 BC.  I have not dealt enough with shell to have a good sense of their history, but these are definitely extremely old beads with some remnants from burial still sitting on them.  The beads are sturdy and ready to be put in a wearable arrangement - they are currently just wound onto fishing line like many old beads are.  There are 30 inches of beads with the widest being about 3/8 inch across.  $145.US.
   CH245.   Another treasure is this child's jacket.  It was bought in Northern Laos but originated from the Lahu tribes in Burma - not that far away.  The jacket has a beautiful closure on it - you can see similar ones on page 37 of "Peoples of the Golden Triangle".  One side of the jacket has the large disc attached to it, and the other has the button attached which slips into a hole in the center to make the flower.  The jacket has been embroiderd, and has thin panels of multi-coloured fabrics sewn onto it.  There are small raised silver discs gouing all around the jacket as well as around the sleeves.  There are coins and shells attached to the front.  This would look beautiful hanging on the wall with arms extended as in the illustration, or it would look delightful on a child.  The chest is 28 inches around, the sleeves are around 10 inches around and the jacket is 14 inches long.  My only wish is that this was an adult size so that I could keep it.....   $245.US.
   CH247.   Here are two antique Lao brass torcs.  These are quite well worn, so easily over 50 years old.  The pieces are made in the very traditional way of hammering metal for hours to shape it thickest at the front, narrower at the back, and ending in leaf shaped curves.  Almost all Yao people in Laos wear necklaces, many of the based on silver or brass torcs like these.  They can be worn alone or in groups.  They can also have pendants suspended from their loops and you can see the wear that this has caused on the second piece.  The engraving on the flat pieces generally represents birds or small animals - these are too worn to be seen clearly but I would think that they were birds...  These pieces aren't quite smoothly oval anymore.  They could be rounded by an experienced silversmith.  The top one is 5 3/4 inches across on the outside, and has a 2 1/2 inch wide opening.  The bottom one is 5 3/4 inches across and has a 2 1/4 inch wide opening.  #1 is $135.US, and #2 is $125.US.   (both sold)
   CH249.   This is a beautiful collection of four good silver antique spirit locks, each of them showing  wear from the past in the area where they would have been suspended.  There are more spirit locks later on this page as well, and it is important to choose one that has the best feeling for you.  The spirit locks were used by the Hmong in their "soul calling" ceremonies to "lock" the soul of the wearer into his or her own body.  They are worn by children, women and men for all of their lives.  Their shapes somehow express their meanings with large patterned areas and delicate swirls above.  These are among my favourite of all objects, and when I am feeling a little ill at ease, or lacking in direction or motivation, I wear a spirit lock myself and feel somehow aided and protected.  My chosen locks will be with me forever.  A thing of spirit is a good thing.  Spirit lock #3 is the only one available  - $220.US.
Here are some images of spirit locks being worn - a variety of chains can suit them, or a cord.  The same types of styles work for men too, perhaps with heavy-ish chains.
CH253.   Here are some very simple silver Chinese bits and pieces.  These are made for people who can't afford to purchase the elaborate high labour jewellery work - yet need amulets to watch over them for health and a good life.  Piece #1 is fairly complex.  The six sided pendant was gilded and some of the gold is still left on it.  It finishes the top part of the necklace which can slip over a narrow head as the length of the chain is 21 inches.  A fan and a copy of a coin hang from it.  Below that is more chain suspending two 3 dimensional fruits and holding onto a Chinese lock pendant.  That pendant is slightly over 1 1/2 inches wide.  $65.US.  The rest of the pieces were made for children.  Necklace #2 is a skinny  12 inch long chain holding an amulet that is 3/4 inch wide.  It has writing on the front and a signature stamp on the back.  $25.US.  Necklace # 3 is very similar - 12 inches of beads and an amulet with writing on one side and a signature and stamp on the other.  $25.US.  Necklace #4 is a little larger than the other two - the chain measuring 16 inches long and writing on both sides of the pendant.  $35.US.  None of these pieces have openings or clasps but a chain could be cut at the back and a clasp attached for opening.  I have small "S" hooks for $1.US each if you are interested... (#1 and #4 are available)
   CH254.   This is a nice collection of old Chinese carved pieces, dating to be around a hundred or more years old.  They are nicely worn and show a little age from wear.  They were made in the spirit of the ancient ones but are no longer modern copies, not after all of this time.  #1 is 2 1/4 inches tall and about a third of an inch thick.  This seems to be a portrayal of an animal seated on a bell.  The stringing hole is slightly to the back so the piece hangs on a very gentle angle.  $50.US.  #2 is pink with grey streaks running through it - a lovely colour.  It is bell shaped again with some deep lined drawings on it.  It is also about 2 1/4 inches long but almost 3/4 inch thick.  $55.US.  #3 is a fish swirling in the water.  It has a stringing hole that has a slit running across it (just under 1/16 inch thick) so the cord holding it up should be nice and thick and unable to slip through the narrow slit.  It is an energetic looking piece.  2 1/3 inches tall.  $55.US.   (#3 is available)
  CH261.   In the book "Manik-Manik di Indonesia" monochrome beads just like the central ones here are illustrated.  Those beads sit in the Jakarta National Museum and were found in megalithic stone graves in Besuki near Bondowoso, East Java.  Although these beads are often referred to as "Majapahit" beads, the book says that their actual name is "Jatim" beads and that they are older still - dating to around AD900.  Indo Pacific glass beads are found in farmer's fields as well, and often traded individually.  In countries such as Palau, they have been traded in and are used as "money" or as special gifts on very special occasions.  Gathering a group of beads that could be worn together was a long and worthy endeavour.  Here we have simple single beads, surrounded by Tradewinds beads made from the same area, though possibly older.  Strand #1 has mostly rust coloured beads backing up the Jatim.  The necklace measures slightly over 22 inches and the central bead is about 3/4 of an inch across.  $150.US.  Strand #2 has 22 inches of more colourful beads and a 7/8 inch diameter central bead.  $160.US.   (#1 is available)
  CH262.   These two strands of beads are made from a bag that I had received, dug up in Western Thailand.  They are quite beautiful - the crystal lovely and clear, and the blue beads delicate and sweet.  Strand #1 is largely made up of clear crystal beads (made of both stone and glass), but contrasts nicely with pale blue and green glass glass. Some of the glass discs are flattened circles.  There are 16 inches of delicacy in all.  $145.US.  Strand #2 has a central crystal stone bead that is quite opaque and measures 7/8 inch in length.  It is surrounded by blue and green glass beads with a total length of 16 inches.  $145.US.  These are both ready to wear with sterling silver clasps.
  CH263.   Strand #1 - $110.US.    Strand #2 - $65.US.   Strand #3 - $125.US. (includes jade)   (#1 & #2 are available)
   CH206.   This is an amazing quite rare old Naga pendant strung onto Chinese "padre" beads (the string has broken so the buyer will have to re-string the piece).  The Warrior's pendant is cast of brass and highly patinated to an almost black colour after many years of exposure to the air.  It is 2 1/2 inches tall and 2 1/2 inches wide and quite thick and heavy.  You can see the sculpting of the back on the scan.  Many modern copies are made of this sort of thing, but this is old and authentic and was worn for years in the head hunting society.  $325.US.
   CH213.   Neither of these bracelets are made of silver.  The material seems to be aluminum, or aluminum with other metal mixed in.  These were made from pots or old containers that had no other use as the community must have been short on high end metals.  Everything was used and nothing wasted.  Bracelet #1 is one of the more unusual pieces that I have seen.  The bracelet has flattened bumps sitting on it and they are inscribed with the numbers "1", "2", "3", and "4".  How unusual!  there is a lot of complex decoration on the piece too - it is quite old and has been very very worn and looks great and dramatic on the wrist.  The inside of the bracelet is 2 1/4 by 1 3/4 inches across  - $175.US.  Bracelet #2 is lighter simpler.  It has round balls soldered around it and stripes between.  It is wonderful that such pieces were made from old cooking pots.  2 1/8 by 1 3/4 inches inside - $85.US.   (#2 is available)
   CH217.  Bracelets very much like this superb silver pair are shown on page 264 of "a World of Bracelets".  They are from the Golden Triangle of Burma and very similar and all impressive.  The body of the bracelets are made from sheet silver that has been trimmed with a squared off edge.  Around the bracelet twisted wires have been wound and soldered in place at the ends.  Over the silver wires elements have been added on, decorated with repousse hammerings.  It is all an elegant construction.  The insides are 2 1/4 by 1 5/8 inches across.  The sides of the bracelets are 2 3/4 inches high.   $450.US/pair
   CH223.   Four bracelets from Indonesia, Timor are illustrated here.   The knobby ones imply the ability to use them as weapons, as long ago they were made larger and more aggressively to be useful like that.  Similar ones are shown on pages 296 and 297 of the bracelet book.  Bracelet #1 is very knobby and quite heavy old silver.  It seems crude and has an almost organic look when worn on the wrist.  The inside measures 1 3/4 by 2 1/8 inches across.  It is circled with groups of three large lumps except for one spot on the circle which just has a bar going across it.  It has changed with old wear I guess.  $75.US.  Bracelet #2 is solid silver and also quite heavy.  It too is very well worn, but cut in a more geometrical kind of way. It has four sided triangles going around it, each one with a small silver knob on top.  Very nice.  The insides are 1 3/4 by 2 1/4 inches across.  $145.US.  Bracelet #3 is wide and curved in shape. It has high ridges on each side that are dotted with silver lumps as well.  This is a very lumpy site....  There are little spiral decorations soldered into a design at the ends of the bracelet.  It looks very tribal when worn.  The bracelet measures 1 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches on the inside and is just under 1 inch thick.  $165.US.   Bracelet #4 is heavy silver, and highly decorated, though quite slim.  Spiral designs which were popular with both men and women have been soldered all over the surface and are now very well worn over very many years.  Each decorated segment is topped with a silver knob - quite worn too.  The ends of the bracelet flare out just a little which gives a sense of grace to the piece.  The insides are 1 3/4 by 2 1/2 inches across.  $145.US.  (#1 is available)
  CH224.   These Indonesian Indo-Pacific disc beads are more unusual than you might first think.  They were found in the Cambodia , Bhutsabong area  and are thought to be from the late Iron age there (about 1500 years old).  These are not made of stone, but of glass.  Typically a much smaller version would be found.  These are thin slices of the red/brown glass that one usually sees in drawn seed beads.  The slices are very thin and delicate and should be strung and worn with some care.  There are a very few beads with chips (less than 10) and I left them on the strand so that they could be pulled off and experimented with.  The strands are about 22 inches long and the average diameter of the beads is about 1/2 inch.  A rare find.  $325.US/each strand.

   CH235.   Here is a set of Miao brass needle cases.  They are made of two parts - an outer case hammered with floral designs, and a part inside where needles can be put into skinny barrels and kept safe.  There is a space to run a string through both cases so that the inside can be pulled in and out when needed.  The upper cases are about 2 3/8 inches long, and the longest lower ones are a little over 2 1/2 inches.  They would make great and curious pendants.  Pendant #7 still has beads attached in the typical way, and costs $45.US.  The other cases cost $40.US each.   (#4, #5, #6, #9, #10 are available)
   CH194.   Strand #1 mini Peking glass transparent blue beads - $35.US.   Strand #2 old sand cast Eastern glass beads - $15.US.   Strand #3 old "padre" trade beads strung with Peking glass and deep blue tubulars - $40.US.   (strand #2 is available)
   CH178.   Pyu beads from Burma - from about 700AD.  Strand #1 - This strand is 16 inches long with a 1 1/2 inch long pendant.  It is  very gracefully designed with stones matching each other nicely.  The crystal is very clear and you can easily see the drilled holes.  The green stones (I have to figure out what kind of stone they are) have a soft transluscent look to them, though truly they are opaque and you can't see their holes from the outside.  They just have a dreamy look to them anyway.  It is truly enchanting.  Ancient carnelians and bits of shell divide the beads up.  The necklace is closed with a sterling hook so is wearable.  - $375.US.  Strand #2 is mostly made of carnelians measuring19 inches long with a 7/8 inch long crystal pendant.  The pendant is beautifully shaped and looks light enough to fly.  The tubular stones are well drilled and delicate looking and the spacers set them off nicely.  They are made of stone and glass.  This necklace also has a clasp and is ready to wear.  -  $250.US.
   CH139.   There are two silver finger bells/bracelets from Timor here.  I find that they slip over my wrist and can be worn as bracelets, though they do make some ringing noises.  The bracelet bells were made to either be clutched in the hand or worn on the wrist - - you can tell by their shape as what their better use would be.  They were worn by a female dancer of Central Timor who shook the bells in rhythm to her dance.  There is a bell inside.  These are possibly influenced from the old court styles of Bali where similar bracelets are found.  (p.299 Power and Gold:  Jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines."  Bracelet #1 is most likely shaped like this for holding.  I find though, that it has a fit that works on my wrist.  The inside of the bracelet part is 2 7/8 by 1 1/8 inches.  It is beautifully shaped.  The bell sitting above it is 1 1/4 inches tall, and very solidly made.  $150.US.  Bracelet #2 looks more similar to the shape of a wrist.  The inside measurements of the bracelet part are 2 3/8 by 1 1/2 inches.  The bell stands 1 1/8 inches tall, and is again very solid and monumental looking.   $150.US.  (both sold)  These pieces are both much more attractive in real life than the scan can convey.
   CH142.   These earrings all come from Northwest Laos.  They are all graceful and attractive.  Earrings #1 measure just over 1 inch from top to bottom.  The earwire is delicate and would suit any average ear holes.  They extend into an attractive decorated twist. - $50.US.    Earrings #2 are made from silver wire that has been wound into a circle.  The end of it has been hammered and rolled into a small, tight spiral.  Spirals often mean endless life, and hopefulness.  The earrings are 1 1/4 inches tall.  $40.US.   Earrings, #3 and  #4 are flattened spirals, again from Northwest Laos.  Designs have been hammered into the flattened parts.  #3 are 1 1/2 inches tall, #4 are 1 5/8 inches tall - $40.US/each pair.  These are Miao and can be seen on page 180 of "a World of Earrings".   (#4 is available)
   CH145.   These Laotian earrings are shown on page 227 of "a World of Earrings".  You can see why I like the book so much as it is highly illustrated and a real value to any collector.  The author says that the pattern wound into the bottom of the earrings represents a poppy.  Earrings #1 are a well matched pair measuring 1 5/8 inches from top to bottom.  The poppy pattern is made from silver that has been hammered to be very thin and then wound up tightly.  Lovely. - $50.US   Earrings #2 are not well matched.  Perhaps they suit a collector who will keep them on display, or someone who is individualistic enough to not might different sized earrings.  One is 1 1/2 inches tall and the other is slightly over 1 5/8 inches tall. - $45.US. (#2 is available)
   CH150.   There are 18 inches of deep blue glass East Java beads here (bluer than they appear on the scan).  They have a similar look to Ban Chiang beads but are made in a slightly different way.  The beads appear to be folded - not drawn or wound in their shaping.  The shapes are usually padded onto the beads (see page 133 of "Magical Ancient Beads" by Jamey D. Allen).  They are about 1000 to 1500 years old (some researchers believe they are over 2000 years old but more work is necessary in their research to make that an inarguable statement.), and are often cleaned off very thoroughly to appear less damaged by age when they are found at their burial sites.  According to page 40 of "Manik-Manik di Indonesia/Beads in Indonesia"  "A common practice of the population in East Java is to soak the beads in coconut oil for a few days to clean the dirt and to give the beads a shiny appearance.  Large monochrome beads will later be ground to clear persisting dirt, to make it shiny, to smoothen any unevenness or to make it into smaller beads."   I was deceived at first as to the origins of these beads - they were bought in Bangkok and are very similar to the beads that Robert Liu has illustrated on page 84 of "Collectible Beads", but their origins are Javanese, and not Thai.    $350.US.   (sold)
   CH151.   There are two strands of Pyu beads from Burma here, both quite wonderful.  They date from around 700AD.  One strand is composed mostly of carnelian with an odd bunch of stone spacers in between.  The centerpiece of the 18 1/2 inch strand of beads is crystal which complements the bright, full of life carnelians very nicely.  The strand is brighter and livelier than it appears on the scan.  $250.US.   (sold)
The second strand of Pyu beads is largely made up of green stone, beautifully cut into long and narrow lengths.  The carnelians between are colourful.  There is also a bright blue glass bead and a shaft of crystal (it has a deeply chipped end).  The central pendant bead is almost 2 inches long.  It has a pinhole going into the side of it, perhaps something left from when it was cut as you can see the stringing material through the tiny hole.  This could be restrung into a truly memorable necklace.  $350.US.
   CH123.   This is an ivory netsuke (man reading by a bell) made in China in the mid 20th century as a copy of the original Japanese designs.  This nicely carved and patinated ivory netsuke is signed.  According to the History of Beads, creating Netsuke was creating miniature works of art.  They often reflected social, political or economic circumstances in Japan.  It was often used traditionally as a counterweight to balance the comfortable sitting of an inro.  This piece probably portrays a priest by the temple bell.  It is 2 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches high.  It is beautifully and deeply carved.  There are two wide connecting holes through the bottom of the piece, and parts of the bell could be used as loops as well.   $75.US.
   CH112.   I should rescan these beads when I get a chance as the centuries old carnelian is brighter and more robust than it seems here.  The carnelian is scattered among shell beads having been created in the Cambodian bronze age 2000BC to 1500BC. They were created and traded quite often.  This is again, an unusual necklace with an appealing selection of shapes within it.  With a strand that is about 24 inches long, the lengthiest bead is 1 1/8 inches long.   $220.US.
  CH095.   I find this strand of Nagaland beads truly captivating.  At first glance the beads look like rock crystal but they are actually centuries old Chinese made glass.  The glass beads were formed into spheres and then, while hot, pressed on three sides to flatten them.  Tiny air bubbles are collected inside, especially close to the stringing holes.  Lightly spotted black glass  beads act as occasional spacers.  The necklace is finished with turqoise coloured tile beads as well as some "Sherpa coral" (actually glass as well).  The whole necklace is is very charming.  There are 24 inches of beads, with the clear glass ones measuring just under 5/8 inch in diameter.  Very special.    $475.US.
   CH060.   This wide, flat, starry silver pectoral disc dating from the late 19th century (4 1/2 inches in diameter) is from Timor.  According to page 163 of Jewelry of Southeast Asia, "Timorese women sometimes wear the pectoral disks associated with headhunting and the courage of male warriors.  Childbirth is equated with warfare, and like warriors returning from battle, women may wear male ornaments at rituals performed following the birth and the customary period of seclusion."   This is a very unusual and very collectible piece, wearable by someone with a lot of panache....  The piece has a modern stringing of antique beads.  The patination and the simplicity of the silver pattern is breath-taking.  The rarity of this piece is what makes it expensive and at the same time valuable.  An almost identical one is illustrated on the page quoted from above.   $420.US.
   EA360.   This ready-to-wear necklace came from Burma.  The back beads are antique red white-hearts and the warm brown graduated beads leading to the front are pipestone.  The colour has a little more of a warm orange tone that the scan shows, and is very attractive.  At the front of the necklace is a large wound white glass bead that I suspect might be of 18th century Dutch origin.  The accent beads are interesting - there is one pair of black glass beads spotted with white from China, and another similar pair from Venice.  There are also two quite round 1/2 inch carnelian beads which are richer and more attractive than they appear on the scan as well.  28 inches long - $80.US.
  EA340.   The amazing shape of this antique silver bracelet  is typical of Timor (Indonesia) and can be seen on page 299 of "Power and Gold:  Jewelry from Indonesia, Malyasia, and the Philippines".  The description there says "silver 'bracelet' meant to be worn around the clutched fingers of a female dancer who shook the bells in rhythm to her dance.  Possible influence from the old courty styles of jewelry from Java or Bali, whose Indianized kingdoms periodically extended their trade influence into Eastern Indonesia.  Similar bracelets are found in Bali today."   Also see page 211 of "Jewelry of Southeast Asia".  The bracelet is 2 5/8" by 1 1/4" on the inside.  From the top of the bell, to the back of the bracelet is 2 1/2".  This bracelet will dramatically fit a slender wrist, wider than it is deep.  Very distinct.  - $245.US.
  EA341.   These exquisite antique silver Dong or Miao earrings from Guizhou, China are finely, gracefully, kookily and intricately worked.  Highly collectible, you can find them illustrated on page 185 of "A World of Earrings:  Africa, Asia, America".  The earrings are the same size as the bottom one illustrated - about 2 1/4 by 2 1/4 inches.  If you look closely you can see the impressive fine wirework that is one of the main decorative features.  The large earwire has been hammered and lengthened into shape and consequently has an interesting and very attractive texture.  If you have large and strong earholes, these are wearable, otherwise they would look wonderful in a display case.   (44 grams)  $285.US.
  EA342.   The two Akha silver buttons illustrated here, can be seen in "Peoples of the Golden Triangle" worn as closures to a blouse or jacket.  The larger button is 5 1/4 inches across and decorated with hammered designs in a geometrical framework.  Lightly domed, the piece is graceful and beautifully patinated.  It would fasten to a garment by use of two soldered on jumprings behind the button.  There is a loop which would be sewn onto the other side of the garment and a 1 1/4 inch long hook behind the button which would catch onto it  - $185.US.  The smaller button is fastened by a button type closure which creates the central dome of the piece.  Very slightly domed, this is a very tribal looking piece.  2 1/2 inches across.   $95.US.
  EA343.   You won't find these Neolithic slate scrapers from China (circa 5000BC) illustrated in any jewellery books, but they would nevertheless make sensational pendants.  Used purely as tools, the central hole would have been drilled to fasten on some sort of handle for ease of use.  They may have scraped skin or something relatively soft.  The two have quite different personalities, #1 being more worn and softer around the edges (1 3/4 by 3 1/2 inches) and #2 being more angular (1 3/4 by 3 1/4 inches).  These have lasted eons but should still be handled with some care and definitely not dropped or banged against anything as even stone breaks when thinly sliced.    $95.US/each  (#2 is available)
  EA345.   These are beautiful hammered & repoussed antique silver beads from Afghanistan.  They are early 20th century and generally show the wear and patination of their age.  Their colouring is much better than it appears on the scan and they are all charming beads, continually more difficult to acquire...  #1 (3 1/2" long) - $60.US,   #2 (4" long) - $58.US,  #3 - $48.US,  #4, #5, #6, #7 - $38.US/each.   (#2 & #6 are available)
  EA346.   #1 is a lovely antique Turkoman "bead" set with vibrant natural carnelians on both sides.  Quite imposing, it measures 4 1/2 inches in length, is good silver and lightly decorated with a gold wash.  The box type construction makes the piece 3/8 inch thick, not including the stones.  It weighs about 60 grams, is quite worn, and has a wonderful substantial feel to it.   - $98.US,  #2 is a smaller version of the same piece - this time only 2 3/4 inches long and 17 grams. The carnelians are slightly raised in their bezels and are darker in colour than #1. - $35.US,  #3 is a silver Afghani amulet, very old and very worn - measuring 2 1/8 inches . Beautifully patinated.   - $34.US. (only #2 is available)
 

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    .....Ancient beads
    .....Eastern beads and ornaments
    .....India
    .....Africa
    .....African trade beads
    .....North Africa
    .....the Americas including preColumbian
    .....Europe
    .....Modern copies of ancient objects
    .....Odds and ends
.........Mexico - traditional rebozos and market shopping