Pair Chinese Double Luck Lotus Slippers, c. 1850

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

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...

Each of these pointed slippers, crafted of beautifully embroidered 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...

19th century chinese decorative Jian medium sword with a double-edged metal blade and scabbard By: unknown Material: iron, metal, paint, brass, copper, wood, animal skin, zinc Technique: forged, hammered, painted, gilt, carved, metalwork, hand-crafted, hand-painted, hand-carved Dimensions: 3 in x 23 in x 1 in Date: 19th century Style: Qing Place of origin: China This 19th century Chinese Jian sword exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Qing dynasty decorative weaponry. The double-edged blade, forged from iron, exhibits a quadrangular cross-section and tapers to a sharp point. Its wooden hilt, intricately carved, is complemented by a brass pommel and guard, both featuring delicate chiseled ornamentation. The sheath, a testament to the artisan's skill, is constructed of wood wrapped in animal hide, displaying a distinctive black-and-white spotted pattern that adds texture and visual interest. Brass fittings, including an elaborately decorated chape, two suspension rings, and a locket, secure and embellish the scabbard. While the Jian was a classical Chinese weapon...

Sterling silver with gold accents and faceted amethyst stone. No hallmarks. Weight: 1 ozt.

A pair of finely carved wood statues depicting near mirror images of two Bodhisattvas, likely dated to 19th century of late Qing dynasty, but executed in Song style. Dressed in flowing robes, crowned and bejeweled, these Bodhisattvas are known as Avalokitesvara in Sanskrit. In China, his identify took a cultural transformation and became Guanyin (the one who detects the sounds of the world), who is worshipped for her compassion and mercy for those in the sufferings. Both posed in the seated "Royal Ease...

Architectural elements, pair of pilaster capitals, sculpted and finished in veined white marble. They have a coplanar rectangular base whose front si...