Large Indian Elk Horn Tea Caddy, Vizagatapatam, circa 1850

Beautifully carved Qing dynasty tea caddy from Elmwood (yumu), with floral motifs. Beautiful original patina, the body is in a brown lacquer and the handle is finished with an red color lacquer. The large size is very usual and was used in a large family compound. The tea caddy is designed to hold and keep warm, large tea pot filled with tea. The tea pot’s spout comes out the front opening for pouring. The horizontal bar used as the container’s handle has a pivoting lock when open, the handle bar can be removed and closing of the pivoting lock, the handle is secure for use. The wooden tea caddy...

Beautifully carved Qing dynasty tea caddy from Elmwood (yumu), with floral motifs and finished with an oxblood color lacquer. The handle has a finely carved bat motif, which symbolizes good fortune. The large size is very usual and was used in a large family compound. The tea caddy is designed to hold and keep warm, large tea pot filled with tea. The tea pot’s spout comes out the front opening for pouring. The horizontal bar used as the container’s handle has a pivoting lock when open, the handle bar can be removed and closing of the pivoting lock, the handle is secure for use. The wooden tea caddy...

Beautifully carved Qing dynasty tea caddy from Elmwood (yumu), with floral motifs and finished with an oxblood color lacquer. The large size is very usual and was used in a large family compound. The tea caddy is designed to hold and keep warm, large tea pot filled with tea. The tea pot’s spout comes out the front opening for pouring. The horizontal bar used as the container’s handle has a pivoting lock when open, the handle bar can be removed and closing of the pivoting lock, the handle is secure for use. The wooden tea caddy...

Made of Chinese northern elmwood, this smooth block of wood was once used as a rigid headrest or neck pillow. The soft curve and height of the block not only supported the head while...

Basket making is an ancient and humble craft, but in the hands of a skilled weaver a simple willow basket can become a truly beautiful work of art. This bent handle basket was made i...

This finely lacquered box was once presented as a gift, filled with popular snacks like roasted melon seeds, dried fruit, and cinnamon-toasted soy beans. The lightweight box is formed in the shape of a melon, a traditional symbol of perpetuity. Cloaked in layer upon layer of rich red lacquer, the box is intricately decorated with paintings of ruyi-framed lotus...