Silk Collectibles and Curiosities

Beautiful and meaningful handcrafted church relics with IHS and Pax Christi symbols. Last year we acquired the best part of a collection of handcrafted antique church relics. The former owner was an avid collector and restorer of religious...

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...

For your consideration is this super stylish "Arvey" Genuine Corde bag in chocolate brown with original change purse. Three gold tone bars across the front f...

For the collectors of stunning and unique, handcrafted religious art. If you truly understand how much time and what skilled effort went into creating this piece and if you recognize the incredible details in this hand-embroidered 'cloth' then you will also recognize its value. Together with many other unique and top quality works of religious art this piece too was part of a collection of immense rarity and beauty. This piece is one of many unique items that were collected over a period of decades. Mind you, each hair and each line of shade that you see on the face of Jesus and his disciple is hand-embroidered. It is most likely that this extremely time consuming and rare quality piece was made by a highly skilled nun, in early 20th century Europe. We think either in Holland, Belgium or France. The cloth on the back was obviously put there to prevent the original back from fraying, thus protecting this church...

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

Gold and silver wrapped thread on canvas, gold thread embroidery, embellished with decorative appliques and sequins; silk lining. Rare example of a magnificent cap worn on the Sabba...

For your consideration is this superbly stylish and rare 1930s Art Deco pyramid box bag, a beautiful design. I can't sing the praises of this bag enough, it's an absolute delight. Th...

These pointed silk slippers are beautifully embroidered with colorful bats and golden coins, symbols of happiness and good luck, and were shaped to resemble a lotus bud to enhance one's 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...

25th Design Patriotic American silk flag with 48 stars. Arizona Statehood Feb 14, 1912; New Mexico Statehood Jan 6, 1912 Period: 1912 Origin: United States Size: 12" x 17". Family ...

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...

From Dolce & Gabbana, a self-lined black lace sleeveless dress. An iconic D&G design with variations seen in every one of their collections. Beautiful Italian cotton lace in black, ...

Cartier Art Deco evening bag. Silk with gold thread, gold clasp (untested). Silk interior with gilt monogram J.W.T. and signed Cartier.

Franco-American textile with the image of an eagle supporting knotted and draped american and French flags beneath four war planes; embroidered silk floss and metallic bullion thread...

Lord Roberts of Kandahar silk handkerchief. This wonderful souvenir handkerchief has been newly framed in a shadow box frame and is mounted onto a linen background. The handkerchief is printed with an image of Lord Roberts of Kandahar in his military regalia with the words 'India 1879-1893, South Africa 1900, Lord Roberts of Kandahar' around the image. Kandahar and skiing are synonymous with each other after Lord Roberts lent his name to the world's very first downhill ski race...

No self-respecting man in Qing-dynasty China would leave the house without some kind of hat. In fact, headgear was so central to social status that a boy’s passage into manhood was m...

A fine and exquisite example of the designers work. The bag is signed and numbered 0089. Known for his elegant refinement the designer was born in 1939 and passed in 2014. Working in Rome and fully understanding the Mediterranean love of pure refinement his designs express a sublime play of luxury with simplicity. These small clutches are in demand the world over. Examples of his work can be found carried by the best-dressed women from the highest levels of society and in institutional collects such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London as well as a long list of other international museums and institutions too numerous to mention. Crafted completely by hand in Italy these are like fine small sculptures with no two being alike. The gems and stones used are examples of the lapidary art...

Hand puppets, like this one from China’s Zhejiang region, have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries. In the late 19th early-20th century this tiny robed gentleman proba...

Victorian Era religious shadowbox frame depicting Christ and the instruments of Passion also known as the Arma Christi. Features background print in sepia...

Great handmade French book cover portraying children playing with kittens.

Antique Black Silk Umbrella With Silver Handle A beautiful old antique umbrella. This beautiful piece will look great in a somewhat older interior, but...

Introducing a truly rare and remarkable item up for auction, we present the Rare Samurai Sangu armor parts, which include arms and thigh armor pieces. This extraordinary ensemble, marked with the unique identifier , originates from the mid Edo period, circa the 17th to 18th century. While this set of armor has experienced the passage of time, it remains in fine condition, bearing witness to its historical significance. Please note that there are some rust issues present throughout, which only add to the authenticity and character of this exceptional piece. Additionally, the original silk fabric has largely deteriorated, as depicted in the accompanying photos. Designed to fit a full adult size, this Samurai Sangu armor is a versatile addition to any historic samurai armor collection. The included arms and thigh armor pieces complete the ensemble, ensuring an immersive and comprehensive representation of traditional samurai warfare attire. Weighing approximately 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds), this set strikes a balance between durability and mobility, allowing the wearer to move with ease while maintaining essential protection. It is essential to note that this item is sold in "as-is" condition, preserving its original state and historical integrity. International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges associated with the purchase. It is recommended to consult with your country's customs office to determine the specific costs involved before placing a bid or making a purchase. Own a rare piece of samurai history with this exceptional Rare Samurai Sangu armor set...

COLORADO STATE FLAG OF EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, MADE OF SILK, CIRCA 1911-1920’s, EXTRAORDINARILY RARE IN THIS PERIOD AND THE EARLIEST EXAMPLE THAT I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED Early state flags are few and far between. While I am asked for them constantly, most states did not actually have official flags until the 20th century. On May 6th, 1911, Colorado became among the last to adopt a design. The project of doing so was spearheaded by the Denver Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The bill was introduced by Senator W.H. Sharply and adopted by the Eighteenth General Assembly. The artwork was the product of A.C. [Andrew Carlisle] Carson, President of the Ohio Society of Colorado. The meanings behind the elements in the design are as follows: The large letter "C" stands for Colorado and simultaneously for the Centennial State (Colorado entered the Union in 1876, the year in which our nation celebrated its 100th anniversary of independence), as well as the Columbine State (reflecting the state flower). The red color is included due to the fact that the word Colorado translates to scarlet or red in Spanish. The circle represents the sun, while the gold color symbolizes all-the-year sunshine, Colorado’s status as the greatest gold state, and one Columbine color. It was also included so that the Colorado state flag would have one more color than the U.S. flag. The color white reflects Colorado’s status as the greatest silver state, its eternal mountain snow, and one Columbine color. Lastly, the shade of Yale blue symbolizes all-the-year blue sky and one Columbine Color. Members of the D.A.R. were proud to note that this was also their color. Made sometime between the initial year of the adoption of this design and the 1920’s, this particular flag is the earliest Colorado example that I have ever encountered. The blue and white bars, red “C,” and golden circle are a’’ made of silk taffeta. This was a costly fabric, reserved for the best material a flag-maker produced. The flag is constructed in the manner of a battle flag, to be carried on foot. Squarish in its overall profile, silk was the fabric of choice for flags employed in this function, due to the fact that it was light weight, and thus practical for hand-carrying, while simultaneously formal in appearance, appropriate for the sort of ceremonial use that military presentation often demands. The style of the hoist is also typical for field or parade use. Here the fabric was rolled over to form an open sleeve, through which a wooden staff could be inserted. The sleeve is lined on the interior with black cotton. Leather tabs, at the top and bottom, fit over metal posts on the staff, designed to accept them, to fix the flag in its proper position. The bars were pieced and joined with lineal machine stitching. The hoist and fly ends were finished and hemmed by the same method. The devices are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with a machine buttonhole / blanket stitch. Though machines that produced buttonholes were, remarkably, available alongside the earliest standard machines, in the 1850’s and 60’s, the use of this sort of stitch in a running format, for appliqué work, remained highly unusual, even as late as the first half of the twentieth century, probably because it used a ton of thread when compared to the zigzag or satin stitch. It could be expected to appear more often in the hands of a maker of very fine flags, that employed embroidery machines and commissioned custom, fancy work of all sorts. Though unsigned—in no way uncommon in early examples, which were seldom signed—that is precisely the sort of firm that produced the Colorado flag...

38 star antique American parade flag with scattered star orientation, made of silk, with generous scale and vivid colors, Colorado Statehood, 1876-1889 38 star American national p...

Elaborate sailor’s souvenir embroidery from the orient with a beautiful hand-painted image of Washington crossing the Delaware, surrounded by a large eagle, federal shield, crossed flags, a cannon, cannonballs, and anchor, circa 1885-1910: Between roughly 1880 and 1915, American sailors visiting the orient could obtain beautiful needlework embroideries on shore, with patriotic American themes. These extraordinary works of art were acquired as mementos of a long voyage, often with the hope that they might be presented as gifts for loved ones and friends. Using silk floss, elaborately embellished with both silver and gold metallic bullion thread...

13 HAND-EMBROIDERED STARS AND EXPERTLY HAND-SEWN STRIPES ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG MADE IN PHILADELPHIA BY SARAH M. WILSON, GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER OF BETSY ROSS, SIGNED & DATED 1911: ...

48 crocheted stars on a very graphic, three-dimensional flag made from silk ribbon and crocheted rings, WWI Era (U.S. involvement 1917-18) Homemade, ha...

Rare violet & yellow Suffragette parade banner, the plate example illustrated in the text reference on the subject, made ca 1910-1920. Hand-painted banners...

Rare & Beautiful American Parade Flag With Images Of Teddy Roosevelt And His Great White Fleet, 1907-1909, Ex-richard Pierce Collection: 46 star parade ...

"EQUAL SUFFRAGE FOR MICHIGAN IN 1916," ADVERTISING FAN FOR THE BISSELL 'CYCO BALL BEARING CARPET SWEEPER,' COMMISSIONED BY ANNA BISSELL (1846-1934), AMERICA'S FIRST FEMALE CEO Oriental-made, twill-woven silk fan with gilt lettering that reads : "Bissell's 'Cyco Ball Bearing Carpet Sweeper' makes sweeping easy," set within an interesting, open, geometric design. A purposefully curved, paper label beneath was applied by the "Michigan Equal Suffrage Association, Kalamazoo, 405 So. Burdick St.," whose byline is along the bottom. On it, a terrific message reads: "OVER 100,000 WOMEN pay taxes in Michigan on property assessed at $177,596,938. In 1910 OVER 175,000 MICHIGAN WOMEN signed a petition sent to Congress asking for Equal Suffrage. 247,373 MICHIGAN MEN voted...

PATRIOTIC SILK KERCHIEF OF THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD, WITH AN ENGRAVED IMAGE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, CROSSED 34 STAR FLAGS, AN EAGLE, AND "UNION FOREVER" SLOGAN: Patriotic kerchiefs that date prior to the 1876 Centennial of American Independence are rare among surviving 19th century textiles. Printed on silk and made during the opening years of the Civil War, this example consists of a white ground with red and blue borders. Inside is a prominent, copper engraved, device that consists of a large image of George Washington, crowned by a spread winged eagle that grasps a billowing streamer in its beak and talons. The ribbon boasts the Federal sentiment "Union Forever." The likeness of Washington is derived from Gilbert Stuart's Athenaeum portrait. Below this is a facsimile of Washington's signature, cradled by crossed American flags, each with 34 stars arranged in circular medallions. Although political textile historian Herbert Ridgway Collins associated this kerchief with the centennial of American independence,* there is overwhelming evidence that it was produced earlier. The large scale is much more indicative of kerchiefs produced in the 1860's and prior. Made of silk, the binding is hand-stitched, which is also common of those produced before 1876. When these facts are added to the pro-Union Civil War slogan and flags in the 34 star count, the combination of all these factors points firmly to Civil War period manufacture. Kansas was admitted into the Union as the 34th state on January 29th, 1861, about two-and-a-half months before the Confederate assault on Fort Sumter that marked the beginning of the Civil War. The 34th star was officially added on July 4th of that year and the star count remained official until July 4th, 1863. Further evidence can be found in an example of this kerchief that resides in the collection of the Adams County, Pennsylvania Historical Society, with firm provenance to a woman by the name of Emma Yount. The story goes like this: “With the Battle of Gettysburg looming and the countryside in turmoil, the Union cavalry rode into Gettysburg on the afternoon of June 30, 1863. The troopers dismounted and lounged in the town while awaiting further orders. During that time, the seven year old daughter of innkeeper Israel Yount, Emma, was playing outside their home when a cavalryman asked her to come and visit with him while he was resting. The cavalryman told her that he missed his young daughter at home and asked if little Emma would hug and kiss him on the cheek to remind him of his daughter, who he felt he might not ever see again. Emma asked her mother if she could do as the cavalryman suggested, and her mother considered the circumstances and allowed Emma to do so. Before leaving, the cavalryman gave young Emma a silk handkerchief he was carrying that featured George Washington's image and patriotic border and flags. Emma kept that handkerchief until her death in 1946 and it was then donated to the Adams County Historical Society.” The trio of brass rings, hand-sewn along the top edge, would have been added by a former owner so that it could be hung vertically. The textile itself is both beautiful in design and rare. Outside of an example pictured by Collins in his book “Threads of History” (Smithsonian Press, 1979), and the copy in the Adams County Historical Society, only three others like it are known to have surfaced, including this example. This condition is excellent for the period and it survives as an exceptional relic of the War Between the States. It is of interest to note that kerchief bears marked similarities to another, especially rare, pro-Union variety, that was produced in London for the American market. Notably larger in scale, but very much alike in terms of the fabric, the printing, the shades of red and blue, the verbiage, and the general overall graphic feel, it was produced by Foster & Porter, a known, English maker of printed kerchiefs. Instead of featuring George Washington, the imagery centers on a large cannon...