Chinese Silk Skull Cap with Gilt Lacquered Box, c. 1850

These pointed slippers, beautifully embroidered with light blue plum blossoms on black silk, were shaped to resemble a lotus bud and enhanced the diminutive shape of bound feet. A practice that began in the Tang dynasty and reached the height of its popularity during the Qing dynasty, foot binding was a painful process intended to make a woman's feet as small as possible by restricting bone growth from an early age. The smaller the feet the more attractive and erotic they were, giving elite women a mark of elegance and a distinctive - albeit tortured - gait of small, light steps. These beautifully preserved lotus slippers...

These dainty, pointed slippers, made of blue silk and embroidered with pink flowers, were shaped to resemble a lotus bud and enhanced the diminutive shape of bound feet. A practice that began in the Tang dynasty and reached the height of its popularity in the Qing dynasty, foot binding was a painful process intended to make a woman's feet as small as possible by restricting bone growth from an early age. The smaller the feet the more attractive and erotic they were, giving elite women a mark of elegance and a distinctive - albeit tortured - gait of small, light steps. These embroidered silk lotus slippers...

These dainty, pointed slippers, made of cotton and silk embroidered with pink flowers, were shaped to resemble a lotus bud and enhanced the diminutive shape of bound feet. A practice that began in the Tang dynasty and reached the height of its popularity in the Qing dynasty, foot binding was a painful process intended to make a woman's feet as small as possible by restricting bone growth from an early age. The smaller the feet the more attractive and erotic they were, giving elite women a mark of elegance and a distinctive - albeit tortured - gait of small, light steps. These silk lotus slippers...

Originally tucked in a pocket as a charm, this tiny shoe was kept close at hand as a talisman for marital happiness. Meticulously carved from wood, the shoe is decorated with a double happiness symbol, the traditional symbol for conjugal bliss. A lovely Valentine’s Day or anniversary gift, the charm has a compartment ready to be filled with a note or small gift...

This elegant table chest was once used in the intimate quarters of a Qing-dynasty woman to store her cosmetics, jewelry, and other personal treasures. The wooden box is cloaked in la...

These pointed silk slippers, beautifully embroidered with pink plum blossoms, were shaped to resemble a lotus bud and enhanced the diminutive shape of b...

Rectangular form with hinged lid opening to a fitted interior, with lower conforming case.

"Black Lacquered Lotus with Peacock Feather Lining" Wow! As it's sister the oval lacquer, this is hand made with sections that are attached by hand. The inner lip is molded to the shape. Then filler is used to cover all of that work. A primmer is applied to smooth out the interior surface then it is sanded.This process is done three times.Once the surface is smooth a first coat...

A double circle box. Covered in black and ivory Guinea feathers hand applied one feather at a time! This artisanal technique is done with a secret sauce tha...

"Black lacquered oval box with peacock feather lining" Wow! This is hand made with sections that are attached by hand. The inner lip is molded to the shape. Then filler is used to cover all of that work. A primmer is applied to smooth out the exterior surface then it is sanded.This process is done three times.Once the surface is smooth a first coat...

Antique Victorian Chinese export black lacquered wood and mother of pearl inlaid folding games box, backgammon, chess and checkers game. The fine antique Chinese game board in black lacquered wood and mother-of-pearl inlays, decorated with architecture, chinoiserie scenes of animals, figures, boats and landscape on the outside, medallions of floral design on the inside. Handcrafted Chinese black lacquered folding game set box with the exterior designed as chess board the interior as a backgammon board, both boards inlaid intricately carved and etched mother-of-pearl and abalone shell. Dimensions: Length: 25” Width (folded): 11.25” Height: 3” Dimensions: unfolded: 22.75" x 27 x 1.5". Circa 1920s, this great game set remains in good vintage condition. There is no game pieces included just the box. Collectible fine antique Asian game set...

This 18th century Italian gilded reliquary box is made to contain a personal relic or shine. It has brackets for wall mounting. The front of the door has...