CH880. This is a very heavy silver Timor bracelet in its
traditional shape. This is an antique that has been well worn
softening the finish over years. This is best for a flat wrist,
not a round one. The inside measures 1 3/4 inch by 2 3/4 inch
across on the inside. The opening is 1 inch wide so the wearer's
hand has to slip through that. This is quite a sculptural
item. 155 grams $465.US.
CH884. Most of what I sell is wearable but every once in
a while I add some pieces just because I find them attractive as well
as great cultural references. Here is some antique money from the
Kingdom of Thailand. These are known as Pod Duang (bullet money).
The group of bahts weighs 53.3 grams. The ones in the
preview pic (if you see it about 1 1/2 inches tall) are close to life
size. When you click to see the entire photo it is enlarged so
that you can see more of the details. The largest (1 baht) is
just over 1/2 inch across. The largest coin is 1 baht (Rama IV)
Mongkut (1851-1861). The other five coins are each 1/2 baht (Rama
III) Prasat (1824-1851). They each have a chakra, a sun sign
stamped into them representing the god Vishnu. The other stamps
indicate the ruler at the time. I am selling these as a group for
$295.US.
CH885. I find this style of silver ingot coin very
fascinating as they are made by pouring molten silver into a mold.
The bubbly part came into contact with the mold, and the flatter
part which looks like waves are washing across it is the top. where the
silver was poured into the sand mold. The coin has been counter
stamped while still hot - which might indicate the emperor at the time,
the value, or be a personal mark. This is a Chinese Empire Sycee
Tael in a drum shape from the 19th century, measuring 1 1/8 inch across
at the longest. $345.US.
CH887. This is a very gorgeous antique tool kit from
China with a very eye catching butterfly at the top. The wings
have been enamelled with blue and decorated with some very small beads.
There is a hook as an attachment which could be used to turn it
into a pendant - very carefully. The butterfly is a little over 1
3/4 inches across and the entire piece is 6 1/2 inches tall. It
has used a number of types of workmanship to create a very attractive
piece. $285.US.
CH902. These are described as Jatim beads coming out of
Indonesia. They come from a collection so were originally bought
a number of years ago. There is a little more than 20 inches of
beads with four patterned beads. The one in the central of the
preview image is just under 7/8 inch in diameter. The largest
bead is slightly over an inch in diameter. There are two damaged
beads - I will add an illustration of them when I have the chance.
The beads are sold as the entire strand for $600.US.
CH903. Strand #1 is 22 inches. $450.US. Strand #2 is 22 inches. $400.US.
CH904. The yellow beads on this strand are melons most
likely made in China and exported to Indonesia. They were
traditionally used in bride purchases. One has an old chip at one
end that you can see on the photo. There is a variety of beads on
necklace #1 in glass and crystal. The deep red oval beads are 1
1/8 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter. The strand is 29
inches long. $400.US. #2 is a short strand (10") of
the deep red beads. $200.US. (#2 is sold, #1 is available)
CH906. There are two antique hairpins from China here.
#1 is 4 inches tall. The decorative part is wired to the
pin so that it can move a little. The decorative part is 2 5/8
inches wide. It has layers and layers of decorative leaves,
flowers and flourishes. In the center is an eye shaped pearl
piece and to the sides leaves cut from stone. This is very
elegant. $185.US. Hairpin #2 is a delicate
small butterfly with wings carved from green jade. The hairpin is
3 1/2 inches tall and the butterfly 1 1/4 inches wide. $95.US. (#1 is sold)
CH907. There are some lovely antique enamelled hairpins
illustrated here. #1 is a single piece 5 inches tall. The
butterfly decoration is slightly over 1 1/4 inches tall.
$160.US. #2 is a pair of hairpins, very similar to each other
though one has a single pin and the other has a pair. The one
with two pins is 5 1/2 inches tall. The pins also have tiny spoon
shapes at the ends - I wonder if they were a cleaning tool as well?
$240.US.
CH909. This 13 inch long silver tool kit from China has
some strong design features like the carved silver rectangles in the
hanging chain. The piece has a hook at the top used probably, to
hook over a belt. Somehow this has a contemporary quality to it
as well. $250.US.
CH910. This is a rather magnificent antique silver bat
adorned tool kit. The entire piece is 17 inches long. The
bat at the top is 1 7/8 inches wide, just the same as the one below.
Bright green glass Peking glass beads pick up a little bit of
light. Any time I try one on, fastening it at my waist, I wish
that such romantic items were a part of our culture as well.
$585.US.
CH912. These are beautiful hammered antique silver pieces
of lion like dragons. They have holes pierced in them so that
they can stitched onto clothing or onto hats. Nice old ones like
these (and many other items) are becoming scarce now so I was happy to
find these. Pair #1 are 1 3/4 inches across. $85.US.
Pair #2 are 1 9/16 inches across. $95.US.
CH915. #1 - $20.US. #2 - $10.US. #3 -
$14.US. #4 - #13.US. #5 - $12.US.
#6 - $19.US. #7 - $21.US. #8 - $15.US.
#9 - $13.US. #10 - $14.US. #11 -
$14.US. #12 - $10.US. #13 - $12.US.
#14 - $15.US. #15 - $10.US. #16 -
$15.US. #17 - $18.US. #18. - $10.US.
#19 - $13.US. #20 - $14.US. #21 -
$10.US.
CH916. Here is a more complex Chinese silver piece. $30.US.
CH917. This is an absolutely wonderful ring from China with
beautiful art work on it. The carving is gorgeous. It is
one decorated piece of silver that has been curved into a ring
shape. The size can be changed but only gently - perhaps a half
size larger or smaller. Very carefully though. Right now it
is a size 9. You can see the designs on the enlarged
photos. $320.US.
CH919. Here is an unusual and very collectible Pyu bronze
ring from Burma. It is heavily patinated and a few hundred years
old. The top image is that of an eye decorated with lines that
make me think of a star. You can see gold rings of the same shape
on page 166 of "A World of Rings". The eye shape is 13/16 inch
across. The ring fits a size 6. $300.US.
CH921. I have two pieces of flower money here from Burma.
The original pieces have become very difficult to find and copies
abound. These are real, old, silver pieces of flower money
though, each pierced (long ago) for hanging. The smaller piece #1
is 2 inches across. $165.US. The larger piece #2 is
2 1/2 inches across. $285.US. (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
CH922. This is an antique key from Tibet, made of bronze
with a nice dark patination to it. The key is 4 3/4 inches long
and just under 1/4 inch at the thickets so quite heavy. It does
have a stringing hole. $150.US.
CH927. This is a beautiful solid silver bracelet
worn by the Wa and the Lawa from the area of the Golden Triangle.
The bracelet weighs 122 grams which is double that of many other
types of bracelets from the area. The decorative elements are cut
deeply and dramatically into the silver. The bracelet measures 2
1/4 inches by 1 3/4 inches across on the inside with an opening 1 3/8
inches wide. $385.US.
CH928. This is quite a large sized bracelet measuring 2
1/4 inches by 2 3/4 inches across on the inside with a 1 inch wide
opening. The bracelet has a bit of flexibility to it so opens a
little wider if needed when slipping it on. The bracelet is
slightly over 5/8 inch tall. It has a wire work background with
decorative elements soldered onto it, decorated with enamelling.
The ends have round decorations with dark amber coloured stones
in the middle - Minority work from China. $400.US.
CH929. This is a very appropriate pair of antique silver
Chinese bracelets during the year of the dragon as they are decorated
with images of dragons. The graceful and imaginative decorations
are hammered and pierced beautifully. The bracelets are hinged
and close firmly with lovely chains hanging down with small discs
stamped with "100%". The tallest part of the bracelets is
slightly over 7/8 inch while the shortest is 5/8 inch. The inside
of the bracelets measure 2 inches by 2 1/4 inches. $500.US.
CH931. You can see a bracelet similar to this one on page
267 of "A World of Bracelets". It came from the Hmong of
Thailand. Rather than wrapping as many do, this bracelet meets at
the back. This is solid silver that is thickest at the ridge
around the middle. The bracelet is 2 3/4 inches in diameter.
The widest part of the silver is 3/4 inch tall. $230.US.
CH932. There is a bracelet similar to this on page 267 of
"A World of Bracelets". It is wrapped tightly like this.
These bracelets were made by the Hmong people of Thailand.
These are always beautifully etched with expressive designs.
This bracelet measures 2 1/2 inches in diameter. The
tallest part is 3/4 inch tall. $230.US.
CH933. There is a bracelet similar to this on page 267 of
"A World of Bracelets". These are made and worn by the Hmong
people of Thailand and often worn in groups. This piece has very
expressive floral designs etched into it. The bracelet is 3
inches in diameter, and the tallest part is 3/4 inch high.
$245.US.
CH937. The mahjong tile here is 7/8 by 1 1/4 inches in
size and portrays a dragon - a worthy symbol now, in the year of the
dragon. The ring is a size 6. $58.US.
CH940. This is a very delicate and graceful antique silver
tool kit from China. The entire piece is 8 inches long and the
triangle is 1 5/8 inches wide. The triangle is engraved
beautifully on both sides with the same images. $200.US.
CH978. This spiralled piece is one half of a Miao silver
clasp. It can easily be used as a pendant. The piece
measures a little over 2 3/4 inches across and weighs 32.2
grams. $128.US.
CH979. There are two pairs of antique silver earrings here
from the Golden Triangle area. You can see by the fine work that
they are old originals rather than new copies, now popular as
well. You can see a pair very similar to #1 (a little over 1 1/2
inches tall) on page 227 of "A World of Earrings". These are
typically worn in Laos. $155.US. A pair similar
to #2 is illustrated on page 232. These are worn by the Yao and
Hmong. According to the book: "The minorities of
Vietnam and China also wear earrings with triangular elements.
Yao goldsmiths, who also work for other tribes, are highly
esteemed." $155.US.
CH981. This is a very attractive antique Chinese silver
needle case shown closed and partly open. It needs strings to go
through the double holes to keep it shut - beads are often hung from
the as well, but for me, they make excellent pendants for a
necklace. This one has been beautifully hammered with complex
images. 3 1/8 inches tall. $165.US.
CH983. Here are two gorgeous silver Tibetan stamp seals
(each with its own character) that I kept in my own collection for more
than a decade. #1 is 1 5/8 inches tall, and #2 is 1 3/4 inches
long. They have stringing holes across the part that is like a
band going around them. $195.US/each seal. (#2 is sold)
CH990. This vintage silver pendant (2 1/4 inches across) is
from Thailand. It is nicely pierced with two holes so easily
strung. $75.US.
CH993. This gorgeous antique (200+ yrs old) pale aqua
coloured glass piece is from SouthEast Asia. It is 1 inch in
diameter and 3/8 inch wide at the edge, a little wider in the
center. It was bought in Cambodia but I am not sure where it
originate or whether it is an earplug or a labret. Most likely
for the ear though. $185.US.
CH994. This style of earrings is shown on page 227 of "A
World of Earrings". They come from the Golden Triangle (Hmong and
Yao). These are made of silver, are traditional and antique and
beautifully made. There are many modern pieces for sale but these
are (you can see by the workmanship) original ones. $145.US.
CH1000. These antique silver earrings came from the area
known as the "Golden Triangle". I am unsure of specifically
where though. The earrings are similar but slightly mis-matched
as one has a domed piece soldered in the front. They are 1 3/16
inches tall and you need larger than European size ear holes.
They have been sitting out so are tarnished and need a good
cleaning. $110.US.
CH1001. You can see earrings along this line on page 283 of
"A World of Earrings". This is one antique silver "split" earring
from Indonesia which is quite old and worn. It can be used as a
pendant instead. The earring is slightly over 1 inch
tall. $115.US.
CH1009. This antique silver lock has been stamped with its
patterns against a mould. Each side's images are framed by
dragons. I am told that the "lock" can be opened on this piece
but I have not tried to do it myself. I tend to be clumsy.
The chain attached is not the original one but a silver one that was
added for practicality. The chain is 37 inches long. The
lock is 3 1/8 inches wide, just under 2 1/2 inches tall and 1/2 inch
thick. (90.8 grams) $450.US
CH1010. There are two Chinese silver hammered pieces here
which could work as pendants. They had been used sewn onto hats
or clothing in the past but can always have a new use. #1 is a
flower basket 1 1/2 inches tall. $55.US. #2 is
probably one half of a clasp illustrated with an animal. It is 1
1/2 inches tall. $60.US.
CH1012. I am not finding antique silver Chinese needle
cases so often anymore so was glad to come across these skinny
ones. In fact they look a little like narrow cigars which I am
sure is not the image intended. These are both very nicely
decorated though it is hard to show the 3 dimensional aspect of the
patterns on a photograph. Needle case #1 has delicate floral
designs all over, nicely smoothed a little from having been handled so
much in the past. It is 3 1/4 inches long and just over 1/4 inch
at the widest. Needle case #2 has an upraised design which is
floral as well. This is 3 1/8 inches long and just under 3/8 inch
at the widest. They both need cords going through the stringing
holes to hold them shut, though the lids do close firmly and don't slip
open on their own. $200.US/each needle case
CH1013. Here is an unusual antique silver enamelled needle
case which is actually still containing old needles. This needle
case is interesting though, as it is made from two - top half from one
case and bottom half from another. They match up very nicely
though so were most likely made from the same manufacturer. This
does make a very attractive pendant/dangle with the beautiful work on
it and the very nice chain and hook to suspend it. The case
itself is 2 1/4 inches tall, and slightly under 1/4 inch thick.
The chain with hook is 6 1/2 inches long. $330.US.
CH1014. This silver dangle from China is 6 3/4 inches long
with lots of dangles going off in different directions. It is
ready to hang where you choose. (15.4 grams) $110.US.
CH1015. This is one of the few items that I have had from
Mongolia. I wonder if it was used as a pin with some attachment
at the hook, or if it was used as a pendant. The piece is cast
silver. I do not know much more than that. $125.US.
CH1022. I have always really liked these antique silver
Burmese buttons where the center part hooks into the center of the
flower from behind to shut it. It is just tied on right now so
that it isn't lost. The button is just over 3 1/8 inches across
with an attractive and complex pattern. $195.US.
CH1029. These rings were commissioned by one of my dealers
in Bangkok and made there as well. The ring is made of an antique
Burmese opium weights added to a silver ring. This ring is a size
7.5. It measures 1 5/8 inch from top to bottom. $150.US.
CH1030. These rings were
commissioned by one of my dealers in Bangkok and made there as well.
The ring is made of an antique Burmese opium weights added to a silver
ring. This ring is a size 8. It measures 1 14/16 inches from top to
bottom. $150.US.
CH1031. These rings were
commissioned by one of my dealers in Bangkok and made there as well.
The ring is made of an antique Burmese opium weights added to a silver
ring. This ring is a size 7. It measures a little over 1 3/8 inches from top to
bottom. $150.US.
CH1032. These rings were
commissioned by one of my dealers in Bangkok and made there as well.
The ring is made of an antique Burmese opium weights added to a silver
ring. This ring is a size 8.5. It measures 1 5/8 inches from top to
bottom. $150.US.
CH1033.
This is a nice hollow light-weight silver dragon bracelet from China
though it was brought out of Tibet. It is 2 1/8 inches by 2
inches across on the inside - the part that the wrist fits
within. The opening is 1 inch wide at the narrowest.
$250.US.
CH1035. This is a very delicate looking, delicately made antique
silver bracelet from China. It has a diameter of 3/8 inch and the
inside measures 2 5/16 inches across. It needs to be slipped over
the hand so do measure other bracelets that you have to make sure it
will work. $325.US.
CH1038. Here
is a solid silver bracelet from China - a smaller version of the same
type as CH1034 just a little above (116 grams). You can see
similar
styles on page 250 of "A World of Bracelets". This style crosses
over
into the Golden Triangle as well. These lovely genuinely old
pieces are very hard to find now. The inside of the
bracelet measures 2 1/4 inch in diameter. $400.US.
CH1039.
The preview picture opens to a reduced size photo of this rather
wonderful head-dress from women of the Bai people living in Dali
Yunnan, China. You can google their name to see some of the
traditional clothing. These pieces were draped over the head so
that a piece with fringes fell on each side. This is a rather
wonderful piece with enamelled discs on it. They have the same
design on each side. The pieces from the hanging cord down
measure 22 inches long. The discs are just under 5/8 inch
across. This is a very unusual piece. $285.US.
CH1041. Here is a beautifully carved and etched
silver torque (less than sterling but a great colour so it looks like
sterling) from the area of the "Golden Triangle". The piece
itself measures 12 3/8 inches from end to end. The circle that it
makes including open space is 15 inches around. The space is
slightly under 3 inches wide. My neck is 14 1/4 inches
around and it fits me nicely sitting at the base of my neck. I
put it on from the side and then turn it to face the correct
direction. If one was nervous about it falling off, a ribbon can
be tied at the back. It was quite oxidized and I just gave it a
light cleaning. $155.US.
CH1042. I can never duplicate the real colour of red in a
photograph. This necklace has 18 strands of antique tubular glass
beads in a range of colours of red to them. There are a few dark
almost opaque ones in there too to add some contrast. The strands
are an average of 23 inches long and the entire necklace 27-28 inches
around. It is closed by a small vaseline bead and a loop.
This came from the Burma/Nagaland area. $375.US.
CH1043. This antique silver Miao bracelet from China
represents caterpillars according to "A World of Bracelets". It
has a great pattern to it with raised dome, really evoking the movement
and shape of the caterpillar. The bracelet is 1 3/4 inches by 2
1/4 inches on the inside with an inch wide opening. $245.US.
CH1049. This is a 46 inch strand of Irian Jaya trade beads. $100.US.
CH1051.
I have two strands of these Irian Jaya trade beads. Each strand
is 46 inches long. $125.US/each
CH1057. #1 has two strands of beads in it, each 24 inches
long. They are sold together for $75.US. Strand #2 is
a 20 inch long strand of orange white hearts. $25.US.
Strand #3 has two strands, each 23 inches long. They are sold
together for $50.US.
CH1058. This necklace came out of Thailand.
This is only 19 inches around so might have been made for a girl as it
is quite small. These are very attractive and delicate antique
beads. $30.US.
CH1059. This is a lovely necklace, ready to wear.
The fat red white hearts are not round but flattened on their
sides. I wonder if they were altered. The silver beads are
three sided with an eye on each side. The strand is 22 inches
long. $135.US
CH1066. This pendant has an image of two Qilin in
opposition. The Qilin are mythological creatures representing
wisdom and cosmic harmony. They have a dragon's head, a lion's
tail and mane and scaly body representing a deer. They can
symbolize longetivity as well. This antique pendant is the same
on each side and 3 3/4 inches wide. There are holes for
stringing... $165.US.
CH1067. This is a deceptive photo but in reality the
chains are both the same length with slightly differently patterned
hooks on top to attach the pendant to a neckpiece. The pendant is
2 3/16 inches wide and the entire piece is 6 3/4 inches long.
$115.US.
CH1069. This is one of the most beautiful chatelaines
from China that I have had. I love the intricate decorations on
the pieces as well as the fat little fish strung on as well. When
stretched out the length is 20 inches with pendants at each end and 9
inches of chain in the center. I haven't found a grooming kit
quite like this in my reference books. This is silver and an
antique with a beautiful colour to it. A little bit of buffing
would make it gleam beautifully. $395.US.
CH1071. This is the first 3-dimensional spirit lock that
I have had. The arms are 2 inches wide, and the box is 1 1/4
inches wide. The box is a little over 3/8 inches high. It
is a very interesting looking and unusual vintage piece.
$250.US.
CH1072. This is a lovely wide armed antique Hmong spirit
lock (bought in Laos). It is one of my favourite styles.
The arms on this one spread 3 3/8 inches wide. The widest part of
the pendant is 1 7/8 inches across. You can see how the single
piece of silver was hammered into shape by looking at the back - a huge
amount of work with hammering, then anealing the silver, then hammering
again, and anealing it to soften it... The spirit lock is worn to
protect the body from harm. $345.US.
CH1073. This is an intricately hammered antique Hmong
spirit lock (bought in Laos) with lovely wide arms to it. The
arms are 3 3/8 inches wide and the pendant part is 1 5/8 inches at the
widest. Spirit locks are worn to keep harm away.
$300.US.
CH1075. I have three pieces of genuine antique flower
money from Thailand here. It is created by dropping a quantity of
melted silver onto a flat metal surface, and as it cools the patterns
on the surface are created. The new copies are cast instead
and one can clearly see the difference from the back. The old
pieces were often holed so that they could be carried safely.
These have become quite rare now, generally going into collections.
Coin #1 is 2 1/2 inches across and weighs 44 grams.
$315.US. Coin #2 is 36.1 grams and 2 3/4 inches
across. $255.US. Coin #3 is 1 1/2 inches across at the
longest and 31.9 grams. $230.US. (#1 & #2 are sold)
CH1081. This antique wrapped silver Chinese ring has been
squared off a little when someone tried to change the size. It is
a 10-10.5. $120.US.
CH1082. This antique wrapped silver Chinese ring has been
hammered with a flower design and then enamelled with a dark
blue. Size 9.5. $75.US.
CH1083. Here is a sweet little enamelled flower
ring. The ring band has a cut in it but is still strong and firm
as the silver is antique and not very flexible. Size 7.5.
$35.US.
CH1085. I really like the soldered knobs on these
rings. They were bought in Laos. Ring #1 size
7. Ring #2 size 8.5. Ring #3 size
8.5. $75.US/each ring
CH1086. This patinated bronze pendant has two stringing
holes. One is about the roundish part, and one is through the
knob below. It is 2 1/2 inches tall. $45.US
CH1096.
These are all pendant style beads. There is also a chicken that
isn't in the photograph so there are ten pieces in all, carved from
tagua nuts. The frog in the preview picture is 1 3/8 inches tall
with the stringing hole going from top to bottom. $50.US
for the group.
CH1099.
These dyed pearls are left over from a project a number of years
ago. There are more than 36 inches of beads included.
$35.US.
CH2004.
This is a gorgeous antique spirit lock from China. It is a nice
plump one with intricate images hammered into each side. The
piece has been bumped around a bit so is not as perfect as when it was
first made, but it has a great look to it. One one side is a
little "V" shaped cut that you can see in the photo. The fine
hand made chain is 26 inches long. $220.US.
CH2007.
Here is an interesting necklace made with some interesting
beads. There are two softly facet carnelians (the one at the
front is 1 5/8 inches long and 5/8-3/4 inch in diameter) and a lovely
hand made silver closure. The other beads are Mizoram beads -
probably once strung in the type of necklace illustrated on page 243 of
"A World of Necklaces". I am not guaranteeing exactly what the
materials are - whether resin or amber/burmite - they came from India
where they were worn by the Mizo women. One of the blackish beads
is a tubular stone but the others are from a softer material like
resin. The small grey beads between look like aluminum.
This is gorgeous when worn and measures 18 1/2 inches around. It
is a treasure. $385.US.
CH2008.
This antique silver pendant is from Tibet and strung onto a woven
silver cord that is 34 inches around - very long! The pendant
itself is 2 inches in diameter. There is a coral bead placed in
the middle and something missing from the bezel above. This
is absolutely ready to wear (thought it might need a light
polish)... $185.US.
CH2010.
I have two necklaces here, both made up of Pacific trade beads - the
necklaces were made in Thailand and bought there. Necklace #1 has
a single strand of beads of two sizes. There are two round ancient
carnelians at the front and an ancient Pyu etched carnelian (a little over
1/2 inch long) in the front. There are more etched carnelians of the
same size in the earrings as well as sweet little flat beads (3/8 inch
across). The necklace is 18 inches long. $215.US.
Necklace #2 is a little over 18 inches long made of 5 strands of beads
with a coin style pendant and sterling silver clasp. The pendant
has designs on both sides. This piece is ready to wear and has a
pair of simply made earrings included. $195.US. (#1 is sold)
CH2011.
These two groups of beads were bought in Indonesia. Necklace #1
has 11 strands of tiny trade beads on it, the shortest one being 12
inches long and the longest 21 inches long. The necklace closes
with a cord having a knot at one end and a loop at the other. You
need a 14 inch neck or smaller for this to fit.
$45.US. Necklace #2 is made of Pacific trade beads of a
nice variety of colours with four coins attached. The coins are
marked with "Netherlands" and "India" from around 1910 to 1921 during
the time of the Dutch Empire in Indonesia. The beads are on 15
inches of the necklace strung in 3 strands. The entire necklace
is 22 inches around so you would need to make sure that you can slip it
over your head. $95.US.
CH2013. These two glass beads are from Irian Jaya but
researchers say they were most likely made in Southern China.
These yellow melon beads are gorgeous and I love their rich chrome
colour. Bead #1 is 7/8 inch long and over 3/4 inch in
diameter. $65.US. Bead #2 is 1 inch long and over
3/4 inch in diameter. $65.US. (#2 is sold)
CH2015. This pair of antique ear plugs from Indochine
could be used as buttons as well. They are made from coins
(slightly over 1 inch across) with the country name "Indo-Chine
Francaise". The coins are dated 1922 and 1930.
$40.US/pair
CH2016. I have two antique spirit locks here, bought
about 15 years ago in Bangkok. Chains have been added to them to
make them immediately wearable. Spirit Lock #1 is 2 3/4
inches across at the widest part of the arms. It is a little over
2 inches tall and the chain is 24 inches long.
$325.US. Spirit Lock #2 is 2 3/16 inches wide at the
widest part of the arms and is 2 1/4 inches tall. The chain is 23
1/2 inches long. $220.US. (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
CH2019.
Here is a magnificent necklace from the Chin people of
Burma. You can see some interesting collections in the book
"Beads of Borneo". This antique necklace goes 37 inches
around. It is made from red whiteheart beads, Pacific trade
beads, vaseline beads and various Chinese beads. A treasure on
this necklace is a single marble bead 3/4 inch in
diameter. The necklace can be draped around the neck and
worn like is but I would be gentle with the old stringing that it
has. $550.US.
CH2023. This necklace is from the Naga area and is very
typical. It is made up of 2 groups of red whiteheart trade beads
of 34 strands each - 64 strands in total. The strands are created
so that every two strands meet into a single strand at the ends, and
those single strands (16 in each group) are tyed together and bound
with black fabric. The necklace is 23 inches around and closed
with a loop and button. Because of the 64 strands of beads the
necklace is quite heavy. $450.US.
CH2024. This is a very attractive antique Naga necklace
with a 2 1/4 inch in diameter shell piece at the back. The
necklace is made of five strands of 25 inches of red whiteheart beads
topped with 3/4 inch of dark blue beads. They are brought
together with a Chinese version of a padre bead, and then 4 inches on
each side of "Sherpa coral" - glass beads made to imitate coral.
$450.US.
CH2031. These are interesting antique coiled glass beads
slightly darker in colour than in the photo. Strand #1 is 24
inches around. Strand #2 is 23 inches
around. $55.US/each strand. (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
CH2034. I love the fish necklaces, this antique silver one
from Laos carries a grooming kit/tool kit. One of the tools is
missing and I have not been able to find a matching one. I do
have silver pieces for sale at CH2036 below or something different
could be added like a carnelian bead or something to bring health along
with it. The fish is a symbol of abundance and success. The
piece is 19 1/2 inches long from one end to the other. The chain
part goes 20 inches around and the fish is 2 1/2 inches from one end to
the other. This is from the collection of James Lankton the bead
researcher and creator of the Bead Timeline book and poster.
$425.US.
CH2035. I rarely come across antique chains so was
absolutely delighted to get these Chinese pieces. Chain #1 is 18
inches around and closed with a small "S" hook. The piece at the
end is one half of an antique clasp and it can be worn with that at the
front as a pendant. Just lovely. $135.US.
Chain #2 is 10 inches around and closed with an "S" hook. The
pendant part (including chain) is 1 3/4 inches long. $110.US. (#1 is sold)
CH2036. These are all antique silver pendants from
China. Tool #1 is 5 1/4 inches long including chain.
$33.US. Tool #2 is 4 1/2 inches long including
chain. $38.US. Fish pendant #3 is 3 1/2 inches
long. $36.US. Pair of Buddha pendants #4 are 2 1/4
inches long. $42.US. Lion pendant #5 is 3 inches
long. $46.US. Pendant #6 is 3 3/4 inches long.
$40.US. Pair of pendants #7 is 2 inches long.
$36.US. Pendant #8 is 2 3/4 inches long. $43.US.
Piece #9 is generall used at the end of a necklace.
It has 1 stringing hole at the top and 3 below plus two hanging loops
at the sides. $28.US. (#8 & #9 are sold)
CH2037. This silver disc was etched with delicate patterns
all over the front. It has been worn down over a long time so
that the graceful lines are a little faded. I think it once
closed with a silver button but instead holes were pierced into it for
attachment. The disc is 2 3/4 inch across and the hole has a
diameter of 3/4 inches. It is an interesting piece to
use. $55.US.
CH2038. This antique silver container needs a little
cleaning up. The maker has used coins (1922 and 1937 - 25 cents)
as the bottom and as the lid. The coins say "Republique
Francaise" on them and the box was bought in Thailand. The lid
slips off easily. It was probably used for something like
tobacco. The container is 1 1/16 inches tall and the coin is 1
inch across. $110.US.
CH2039. These antique red whiteheart trade beads (made in
Venice) were bought in Thailand. To judge their lengths, strand
#6 is 22 inches long and strand #8 is 24 inches long.
$35.US/each strand. (#4 is sold)
CH2040. You can see this style of antique silver bracelet
from the area of the Golden Triangle on page 268 of "A World of
Bracelets". The author says: "Hollow bracelets, whether
twisted, grooved, smooth or bulging, are made by the Shan, but are
often worn by other peoples, such as the Lahu and the Akha of the
border region between Burma and Thailand." This bracelet has a
dent in one side as you can see in the photo. The rest of the
bracelet is undamaged. The bracelet is 3 1/2 inches across.
The inside of the bracelet is 2 1/8 inches by 1 3/4 inches with a 1 1/5
inch wide opening. It stands 1 1/8 inches tall.
$225.US.
CH2041. You
can see this
style of antique silver bracelet from the area of the Golden Triangle
on page 268 of
"A World of Bracelets". The author says: "Hollow bracelets,
whether
twisted, grooved, smooth or bulging, are made by the Shan, but are
often worn by other peoples, such as the Lahu and the Akha of the
border region between Burma and Thailand." This bracelet has not
been worn for a long time so has a layer of tarnish on it - a job for
the new owner. The wides part of the bracelet is 3 3/4
inches. The inside is 2 1/4 inches by 1 3/4 inches with a 1 inch
wide opening. The bracelet stands 1 inch tall. $245.US.
CH2042. You
can see this
style of antique silver bracelet from the area of the Golden Triangle
on page 268 of
"A World of Bracelets". The author says: "Hollow bracelets,
whether
twisted, grooved, smooth or bulging, are made by the Shan, but are
often worn by other peoples, such as the Lahu and the Akha of the
border region between Burma and Thailand." The widest part of
this bracelet is 3 1/2 inches across. The inside is 2 inches by 1
5/8 inches with a 1 inch wide opening. $275.US.
CH2045. Here is a lovely necklace put together with a variety of
components. The triple strand of blue beads are lapis lazuli from
Afghanistan. The carnelians are from China as well as the pear
shaped carving (I am not sure of the material - it is resin-like).
There are two antique silver beads on the strand as well.
The entire piece measures 22 inches around, and the pear shaped
part of the carved pendant is slightly over 1 1/2 inches tall.
Glass beads dangle below. $45.US.
CH2046.
CH2047.
CH2048. I have some groups of 11th Century Chinese made
beads that were bought in Indonesia and area. In this listing,
there are three short strands each in shades of ocean blue and
green. Strand #1 has been called "onion beads" in the past and is
10 1/2 inches long with beads averaging well over 1/2 inch in
diameter. $220.US. Strand #2 is 5 inches long.
$50.US. (on hold) Strand #3 is 8 1/2 inches long. They have a great matte surface. $135.US.
CH2049. These facet bicone beads were bought in Malaysia,
and were made by Indo-Pacific bead makers (probably in Java) who
manufactured them centuries ago. Because of burial the beads had
a matte surface to them but they were polished to bring out the colours
and the glow of the glass. There is still some remains of the buried
surface on some of the beads, just as a reminder of their
history. The strand is 34 inches long. $325.US.
CH2050. This short strand of Chinese made beads (11th
Century) is very dark navy, almost black, depending on the light.
There is one bead (the smallest at the end) with a dark turquoise hue
to it. The strand is a little over 9 inches long with the largest
bead measuring slightly over 3/4 inch in diameter.
$70.US (sold)
CH2051. Strand #1 is a group of Chinese made terra cotta
coloured glass beads, probably from the 11th Century. The strand
is 14 inches long with the largest bead at the front about 3/4 inch in
diameter. They would just need some spacers to make a great
necklace. $120. Strand #2 is vintage - originally I
thought that they were carnelian slices but when I examined them under
the light I found some beads had swirls through them, and they are some
kind of resin (or perhaps Bakelite) typically used in prayer
beads. There are 23 inches of these tablet shaped beads.
They are definitely ready for a project. $135.US
CH2052. Most of this group of multi-coloured Indo Pacific
Tradewinds beads have silver clasps at their ends but not all.
They are strung onto fishing line so need restringing no matter
what. They average 21 inches in length. $85.US/each strand
CH2053. I have always loved the Irian Jaya "melon"
beads. These beautiful antique glass beads are written about on
page 92 of "Collectible Beads' by Robert Liu. Under a photo of
similar beads the text says "Glass beads from Irian Jaya (the
Indonesian portion of New Guinea) are most likely Chinese, although few
such beads have ever been found in the People's Republic of
China. These beads are supposedly used in bride purchases."
Strand #1 is 23 inches long. Strand #2 is 22 inches
long. I have a bargain price on these strands at
$545.US/each (on hold)
CH2054. There are three strands of antique/ancient glass
beads here, all more than 26 inches long. They were probably made
in Sumatra, Indonesia. $185.US/each strand
CH2055. These antique/ancient glass beads were most likely
made in Sumatra, Indonesia. They have been made into 22 inch long
necklaces. $175.US/each strand (both on hold)
CH2056. This is a very attractive strand that is ready to
wear in the tradional way. It is made up of shell pieces and
glass beads including red whitehearts. All of the pieces are
antique. The necklace has 3 strands of beads on it, 13-14 inches
long. It can be tied to wherever is comfortable.
$155.US (sold)
CH2057. This prayer bead necklace came out of Tibet. It is
30 inches around plus dangles. This is not true amber but some
kind of resin. It does look very good with attractive colour
tones. $165.US
CH2058. The cord on this strand of vintage red glass beads is
broken, so they need to be restrung. $55.US.
CH2059. Here is a very attractive antique strand of glass
beads. There are 21 inches of beads on the strand.
$65.US.
CH2060. Here is a vintage enamelled container from China,
shaped like a heart. The lid screws off. The chain is 20
inches long, and the pendant is 1 3/4 inches tall. $105.US.
CH2061. The silver coin used to suspend the tool kit is
from Indonesia and says "Republique Francaise" on one side. The
chain is 26 inches around and the coin plus tools measures just under 4
1/2 inches long. The pieces are antique and nicely worn.
This is a great necklace as it is. $295.US.
CH2062. This needle case is quite complex. The figure
is 2 1/4 inches tall, and has 2 carnelians hanging from the case.
When closed, the entire piece is 5 1/2 inches tall.
$110.US. (sold)
CH2063. This Japanese coin has been set into a sterling silver ring. It is a size 7. $104.US.
CH2064. This group of antique opera rings from China is sold together for $75.US.
CH2065.
I have three raw silk hand dyed shawls/scarves from Thailand
illustrated here. Shawl #1 is 57 inches long (plus fringes) and
13 inches wide $50.US. Shawl #2 is 70 inches long
(plus fringes) and 13 1/2 inches wide $55.US. Shawl
#3 is 70 inches long (plus fringes) and 18 1/2 inches wide $70.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. (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
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.
CH649. There are three strands of beads and bells from
the Chin people of Southeast Asia. The strands were tied together
for wear but were easy to un-knot to sell separately as they are quite
heavy. Strand #1 is 26 inches long - $225.US.
Strand #2 is 18 inches long - $200.US. Strand #3 is 23
inches long - $230.US. (#1 & #2 are sold, #3 are available)
CH654. There are more than 40 inches of beads on this
strand, consisting of carnelian, glass and silver. I love the two
spotted beads and the pendant which is a piece of horn. I don't
know of what animal, just that it has a great colour and texture and
must have been found in the forests after the animal shed it.
$355.US.
CH662. I have three silver antique Chinese rings
illustrated here (slightly enlarged in size) - the first two are
hallmarked. The second and third are foolishly upside-down.
The rings are made to be adjustible as many Chinese rings
are - but because these are old the silver will not bend easily so it
is best not to try to adjust them but accept the sizes as they are.
Ring #1 with the floral/star pattern is a size 8 - $40.US.
Ring #2 has a butterfly pattern on it and is a size 9 - $40.US.
Ring #3 has a plump fish on it. Size 9 - $40.US.
CH663. These two enameled Chinese antique rings
are both hallmarked. They are enamelled with beautiful designs as well -
shown here in a slightly enlarged size. The rings are typically made with
adjustible backs but since they are so old, I would not recommend trying to
adjust them very much. Silver does get less supple over time. Ring
#1 has a flower on it. The blue is not quite as bright as the photo
shows. The ring is a size 7.5 - $50.US. Ring #2 has a tiny
butterfly on leaves set in a geometric shape. It is a size 7.5 - $45.US.
(#2 is available)
CH667.
This is an antique low end silver bracelet bought in South
East Asia. It is 1 5/16 inches tall and can be easily (carefully)
shaped to fit to the wrist. This is for an average wrist size -
not a small one. $45.US.
CH669. Theses pieces are from various parts of Laos.
Pendant #1 has a 3 3/4 inch long chain with a 1 3/8 inch long
fish. $30.US. Pendant #2 is a 2 1/2 inch long set of
tweezers. The entire piece is 5 1/4 inches long. $42.US.
Pendant #3 is 5 1/4 inches long. The silver case opens
from the side so that something precious can be tucked inside. It
has patterns of branches and flowers decorating it. The heart
shaped box is 7/8 inches tall and just under 1 inch at the widest.
$48.US. Pendant #4 is also a chain with a heart shaped
box. The entire piece is 3 3/4 inches long, and the box is 7/8
inch thick and 14/16 inches across. It opens from the side as
well. $40.US. Pendant #6 is a 16 1/4 inch long piece with
a chain for suspension, a 19th century 20 cent coin from the Republique
Francaise, and a grooming kit below. $158.US. (#2 & #6 are available, all others are sold)
CH670.
There are three silver chained pendant pieces here. #1 is
an elaborate silver piece composed of many parts.
Two chains hang from a ring 1 1/8 inch in diameter. One
seven inch chain suspends a box an inch across and just under 7/8 inch
tall when closed. Something secret can be hidden in the box.
An 8 3/4 inch long chain suspends a curlique which holds two
chains. Those chains attache to a panel with floral decorations
on it. It looks rather like a vase full of flowers. From
that a grooming kit falls. The entire piece hangs 22 inches long
from the ring at the top. This was bought in southern Laos and is
possibly a Yao piece. $425.US. #2 is a coin pendant with a
grooming kit attached to it. The chain is 23 inches around and
can be slipped over the average head. The coin is from the
Republique Francaise 1922 and is noted for weighing 27 grams. The
pendant plus grooming kit is 6 inches long. $310.US. #3
is a pair of hooks attached with a set of 3 chains. They could
work well suspending a pendant that has some kinds of loops on it, like
a good sized spirit lock. The chains are 24 inches long and the
decorative parts of the hooks are 2 1/4 inches long. $255.US. (#1 & #2 are available, #3 is sold)
CH671.
This three dimensional silver fish is a real charmer bought in
southern Laos and most likely from the Yao people. It is nicely
decorated but the patterns have been softened by wear and have caused
it to imply the blur of a living creature swimming under water.
The fish is just under 2 3/4 inches across. The fish is
attached to a double chain which is fastened on each side to jump rings
just under 7/8 inch across. The chains measure 9 3/4 inches on
each side adding up to 19 1/2 inches total. If you would like to
fasten the rings together as in a necklace ask me to include a silver
jump ring to make that connection. A grooming kit hangs from the
fish. Over the years three jump rings above the fish have been
worn though and have been replaced with string. It wouldn't be
difficult to change the string back to silver rings. This would
make a very charming necklace. $425.US.
CH677. Spirit
lock #1 is the only one available (all others are sold). The lock
is 3 3/4 inches across at the widest. It still has old rings
on it for hanging from so it would be easy to slip on a chain and shut
the spring rings shut. The design on this piece is delicate with
complex and tiny patterns. $445.US.
CH685. What wonderful rings!! The rings themselves
are new and made from sterling silver - the dragons on the rings
though, are antique Burmese opium weights. This is a great
combination. The smaller ring, #1 is 1 1/2 inches tall and a size
8. $150.US. The larger ring is 1 7/8 inches tall and a
size 9. $165.US. (#1 is sold, #2 is available)
CH691. I have always liked needle cases of all kinds.
These Chinese silver ones are my favourites though. I love
the way that the holder pieces slide out of the decorative cases.
Strings go through the top of one side, and through the bottom of
the same side, then some have beads or a pendant hanging at the bottom
and the string continues up the other side from bottom to top.
This string keeps the bottom from falling out. When you
want to reach for a needle (or whatever else you might have hidden in
there) then you loosen the hanging cord and pull the pieces apart.
These could be parts of a necklace or strung up to hang from a
waistband like in the old days. Please check page26 to 29 in
"Four Centuries of Silver". They are all more attractive than
they appear in the photo.
Case #1 is 3 1/4 inches long. $115.US. Case #2 is 3
inches long and has a signature on the inside piece. $155.US.
#3 is 2 7/8 inches long and it has a signature on the inside
piece. $155.US. #4 is 3 1/5 inches long. $115.US.
(#4 is available, all others are sold)
CH703. This grooming set is set up to wind around the
waist (it would need a clasp though as a round hoop keeps it shut) but
can easily be used as a necklace as it can slip over one's head.
The suspension chain is 26 inches long. The coin pendant is 1 5/8
inch across and from Indochine Francaise/Republique Francaise 1888.
The coin, chains and tools are 6 inches in length. The
piece has darkened nicely but can be rubbed a little to bring up the
gleam. This is very attractive. $365.US.
CH705. This is a great dangle coming from Laos. It
jingles quite a lot if you move it at all as there are so many
different parts. The entire piece is 7 1/2 inches long and it has
a very sturdy solid hook for hanging. By adding a silver hoop
here and there it could be manipulated into being a bracelet - it just
takes a little imagination to change things. $145.US.
CH711. This is an antique well used silver lime container
bought in northeast Laos near Xam Nua. It has a typical areca nut
shaped lid and still has a coating of white lime inside. The lime
is used while chewing betel leaves and areca nuts which is a tradition
in Loas, Vietnam and other parts. The piece is 5 inches tall when
closed and the base is 1 1/4 inches in diameter. A string ties
the two parts together so that the hands are free to roll the leaf up,
and perhaps wrap it around the nut. $320.US.
CH714. This is a piece in transition. There is
a 13 inch long chain above the fish and three 10 1/2 inch long chains
below. The fish inbetween measures1 3/4 inches across from mouth
to tail. This was collected in northwest Laos (Muang Sing area)
from a local landowner. It would originally have been from a
larger piece. It totals 25 inches in length. $320.US.
CH717. I have a series of beads strung up to around 30
inches or so. There are fine tubulars, twisted tubulars, ones
with light facets - as well as the round beads sometimes matching and
sometimes contrasting. I believe they are made in China with the
tubulars being very similar to antique European ones. The tubular
beads average 3 inches in length. $45.US/strand (#1, #3. #4, #5 & #6 are sold)
CH722. There are two items here, a pair of silver
chopsticks which are chained together, and a hair pin. The
chopsticks are made of solid silver cut in a rectangular shape.
They are 8 1/4 inches long with attractive hammered patterns on
them. These are antique pieces. $128.US. The hair
pin is a hollow silver piece finely decorated with silver wire at the
top and hung with two small dangles. The hair pin is 8 1/8 inches
long. $56.US. (hair pin is sold, chopsticks are available)
CH731. Here is a simple, direct bell bracelet. It
needs a very flat wrist for wearing and works easily gripped while
dancing in the tradition of Timor. You can see similar pieces on
pages 196/197 of "A World of Bracelets". The bracelet is 2 3/4
inches wide on the inside, and 1 1/4 inch at the tallest. The
opening is just under 1 inch wide. The bell has a diameter of 1
1/4 inches. $185.US.
CH741. This is an unusual antique enamelled silver ring from Northern
Laos - 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..
I have enlarged images so that you can have a good look at the
workmanship. This is the first ring that I have had that didn't
just have decoration but a word on it - "HONE". The enamelling is
dark yellow and dark blue with only a little remaining. The ring
is a size 7.5. $185.US.
CH759. This group of good silver pieces are Chinese
ornaments that were used on clothing, hats, shoes, etc. They have
various meanings of health, strength, protection, etc. The fish
of pair #1 are 1 1/4 inches across. $55.US/pair. The pair
of lions in #2 are 1 1/5 inches across. $60.US. The pair
of foo dogs in #3 are 1 3/8 inches across and have loops attached.
$60.US. The lion in #4 is 1 5/8 inches across.
$35.US. The lion in #5 is a little over 1 1/4 inches
across. $30.US. The lion in #6 is 1 3/4 inches across with
a loop attached. $35.US. The caterpillar on the leaf of #7
is 2 1/2 inches long. $40.US. The lion in #8 is just under
1 1/4 inches across. $30.US. #3 & #5 are available, the rest are sold)
CH760. There is a variety of different silver pieces here
from China. The baby in #1 is 3 dimensional so he has a front and
a back. He is 1 1/2 inches tall, with chain the dangle is 3 1/4
inches long. #2 is a very 3-dimensional frog with two hanging
loops. The texture on it is quite wonderful. The piece is 1
3/4 inches wide. $45.US. #3 is a 3-dimensional pair of
lotus blossoms 1 inch across. $25.US. #4 is a large lotus
blossom pendant the same on both sides. It has pieces inside to
make it into a noisy bell. $35.US. #5 is a 3-dimensional
boy. The piece with chain is 2 3/4 inches long. #6 is a
pair of boys (twins) each one is 1 inch tall. $40.US/pair.
#7 is a pair of lion hooks. They are 1 3/8 inches across.
$60.US/pair. (#6 is still available, all others are sold)
CH761. This is a very attractive silver tool kit which
most definitely could use some cleaning. The silver is quite
tarnished. The entire piece is 16 1/2 inches long and the
butterfly at the top is 2 1/8 inches across. This piece is well
over 100 years old and has some excellent work on it. The flat
tools are covered with engraving, and the tools at the bottom have a
spiral wrap of silver around the handle part. The scoop of the
middle tool is covered with engraving. This is a very special
piece. $285.US.
CH772.
These earrings are made of decorative buttons or pendants from
China. Some have enamelling on them, and some are simply silver,
and all are 100+ years old. Earrings #1 are shaped like flower
buds and their bottoms still have some enamelled blue on them. 1
1/8 inches tall. $35.US. Earrings #2 look like lotus buds,
they have leaves with 5 small holes around the top, point nicely at the
bottom and have writing on them. $35.US. Earrings #3 have
very perfect silver buds with a lot of detail. It will show
better once they have been polished a little. $40.US.
Earrings #4 are very detailed and come in two parts joined together.
The lower part is an enamelled blue lotus bud and the top part is
either leaves or a moth like creature. 1 15/16 inches tall.
$65.US. Earrings #5 are flower/lotus buds enamelled in
two shades of blue. Some areas are a little blackened. 1
5/16 inches tall. $50.US. The pendant is made the same way
as earrings #3. The top part can be facing this way or upside
down. It is just under 1 inch tall and has a large hidden loop
behind which can hold a coin or a chain. $45.US. (#4 & #5 are sold & the pendant is sold - the others are available)
CH776. The Chinese always do lovely work with silver.
Bracelets like this require a lot of hammering. Annealing
and hammering, many times over. The bracelet has very typical
patterns on it, and small pieces of metal inside for a very light,
delicate, rattling noise when moving. The inside of the bracelet
is 2 1/2 by 1 7/8 inches across, made for a wrist that is not smaller
than 7 inches around. The opening is 1 5/16 inches open.
$165.US.
CH778. These two Chinese silver buttons or cuff links are
antique, beautifully made, heavy and attractive. They are two
different sizes but I like the contrast and the similarites between the
two. The smaller square is just over 7/8 inches across with the
figures of two men hammered into it. The larger one is 1 1/16
inch across and has two slightly different looking men on it. All
of the handwork is very well done. The pieces close with a bell
on a short chain. These are very unusual and could be used in
many different ways. $135.US/for the pair
CH847. Here is a gorgeous more delicate silver Chinese
dragon bracelet with delicate patterning. The bracelet thickens
gracefully towards the dragon heads. The bracelet is 2 1/4 by 2
1/2 inches across on the inside. The opening is 3/8 inch across
but the bracelet twists a little to help to put it on. $175.US.
CH849. This decorated silver bracelet from China is 1 3/4
inches by 2 1/8 inches across on the inside. The opening is 1
inch across. $175.US.
CH850. This is a very decorative antique Chinese
bracelet. The patterns are soldered onto a frame made of circles
soldered together on the inside and outer frame. The inner part
of the bracelet averages 2 3/8 inches in diameter. The bracelet
is slightly over 1/2 inch tall. You need to be able to slip this
over your hand. $170.US.
CH854. Unmatched Meo earrings used by Hmong women from
the Golden Triangle. The shapes are always fascinating.
$45.US.
CH856. Unmatched Meo earrings used by Hmong women from
the Golden Triangle. The shapes are always fascinating.
$95.US.
CH857. This very attractive pendant is 2 1/8 inches wide
and 2 1/2 inches tall. It has been hammered with an intricate
pattern with 8 piercings as well. The loops are very large.
The metal is good silver but has tarnished over the years and once
polished will gleam beautifully... $145.US.
CH786. Here is an antique Chinese tool kit. They
are often sold as "opium tools" to create a mystique for them and raise
the price. They are actually used for make-up though, or cleaning
ones ears or nostrils, or cleaning ones fingernails. They are
attractive and practical and often hang from a belt or a chain.
This piece is 6 1/2 inches long and contains 3 tools. The
suspension piece for the tools is hammered (the same on both sides)
with images of two fish facing each other with some decorative work
inbetween. With the chain attached above, it is ready to hang.
$135.US. (sold)
CH787. This antique Chinese silver ring has been worn for
a long time so that the original enameling on it has largely been worn
down. There is still a little touch of turquoise blue on it as
you can see on the enlargement. As usual, this ring was
originally fitted to the owner. They were made with practicality
so that when bought the band could be squeezed to the correct size.
Now that it is old though, the silver is hardened and you can't
try to change it too much. The ring is a size 9. I am not
sure of what the image on the ring represents... $35.US.
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. (#1 & #2 are available, #3 is sold)
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.
CH392. I have two silver pendants here. #1 is sold. #2 is 2 3/4 inches
across, etched with a star, and decorated with a soldered on dome (like
in the brass disc below, it is charmingly off-center). This was bought
in Atoni, Timor and is very traditional. It looks like a sign of
strength in a place where life includes many difficulties. There
is one stringing hole at the point of a star. (31.3 grams)
$145.US.
(#2 is available)
CH427. Pairs of "buttons" from the Hmong people - bought in an Akha
village near Zien Kok in Laos. $55.US/each pair. (#3 is available - all others are sold)
CH428. Single "buttons" from the Hmong people - bought in an Akha
village near Zien Kok in Laos. $25.US/each button. (#2, #3 & #4 are available - all others are sold)
CH429. Moon shaped pendant bought in NW Laos - $75.US. (sold)
Round West Timor Atoni pendant - $95.US. (#2 is available)
CH433. Here are some great boxwood carved animals from Japan.
They are darker wood than the photo shows - it was almost impossible to
get a good image of these creatures... They are a good size - the
dog is the tallest at 2 1/8 inch, the snake is 1 1/2 inches, and the monkeys
are 1 5/8 inches. Most of these creatures have one or two holes in
the bottom for stringing so that they would hand upside down. They
are great for display, sitting among your beads as they can function as
Netsuke. The carving techniques are in antique style, but they are
not old themselves - they represent the spirits of people during the course
of the year. They do have signatures on their bottoms though.
The creatures are $14.US/each, two for $25.US, or three for $32.US. (#4, #5, #6 & #7 are available)
CH455. This comb came from Timor and is made of silver and
wood. The more decorative ones were worn by wealthy Suvanese, but
simpler ones like this were used by the Atoni who got much of their silverwork
from Savu and Ndao. (from Power and Gold) The comb is
known as a kilinoni and they are often worn in pairs, one at the
front of the head and another at the crown. This is 6 1/2 inches
across at the widest, and 2 3/4 inches tall. The back of the comb
is the widest - almost 1/2 inch thick but the piece thins down along the
straight line of the bottom. Charming. - $145.US.
CH468. This is an odd combination but I have left it as it
was when I bought it. The strand of ancient beads brought out of
Thailand is strung on fishing line so desperately needs re-stringing.
Onto the loop below is hanging a stone "earring" which could fall off if
one was just a little bit careless. According to "A World of Earrings"
- "Archaeologists have found a number of stone and shell ornaments in tombs,
their extreme hardness and durable character served symbolically to protect
the souls of those whom they accompany on their new life. The motif
of the open hoop, with a central hole, is a metaphor for the live-giving
power of the woman, and was found throughout the South-east Asian mainland
and islands until the twentieth century." The strand of shell, carnelians,
and stone is 22 inches long, and the loop of tiny tradewinds beads hangs
2 inches below. The stone disc is 1 2/3 inches across.
$275.US.
CH479. This is not an antique bracelet but a vintage one.
It is very attractive and portrays the traditional dragons of China.
The bracelet is hollow and fairly light to wear. The inside opening
is 2 1/2 inches across so it is for a larger than average wrist.
The height of the sides is 1 1/4 inches at the widest, and 1 inch at the
smallest at the back opening. 53grams $165.US.
CH482. This is the smallest of the wound bracelets - it just
has a hint of spiralling. The bracelet is just under 2 1/2 inches
across and can be gently tightened by an experienced jeweller. 30grams $95.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. ON SALE $500.US.
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.
CH519. This is a Japanese tie clasp, 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 was just informed of the meaning of this piece (much
thanks for the information). Here is what I was told: "It
says "'Ukita Kokichi' and '200 years' on the back of the
medallion. The medallion depicts him gliding in front of Okayama
Castle, an incident that took place in 1785. On the pin clasp it
says 'Japanese Aeronautic Association' so this is a pint made by JAA to
commemorate the bicentennial of the first 'flight' by a Japanese man".
$28.US.
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. (#3 & #7 are available)
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. (sold)
CH316. $55.US/each
strand. (#2 is 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. (#1 & #2 are sold, #3
is available)
CH263. Strand #1 - $110.US.
Strand #2 - $65.US. Strand #3 - $125.US. (includes jade)
(#1 is available, the others are sold)
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)
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. (#10 is
available, all others are sold)
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)
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.
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)
return to "Contents" page
.....Ancient
beads
.....Eastern
beads and ornaments
.....India
.....Africa
.....African
trade beads
.....North
Africa
.....the
Americas including preColumbian
.....Europe
.........Mexico -
traditional rebozos and market shopping
.....Contemporary jewelry
.....Mexico Silver jewelry
.....Collections