Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
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Item Ships From: Chicago
Pair of Chinese Twisted Iron Coal Chopsticks, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of iron chopsticks for moving burning coals in a hibachi or hand-warmer. Such chopsticks were also used to safely touch pipe bowls or tools that had been heated by an oil lamp...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Chinese Robed Puppet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk, Wood
Chinese Spittoon Dross Box with Buddhist Symbols, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
By the 18th century, opium use had become as central to Chinese social life as taking tea or smoking tobacco, fostering a subculture rich with its own customs, traditions, and exquis...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Copper
Yao Tribe Silver Torc
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely crafted piece was made high in the mountains above Thailand, Laos and Burma (modern day Myanmar) by an indigenous hill tribe. The Yao people are skilled silversmiths who ...
Category
20th Century Laotian Tribal Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Larry Laske Prototype Model for Toothpick Cactus Table
By Lawrence Laske
Located in Chicago, IL
Larry Laske Prototype Model for Cactus Table, Handmade by Laske Studio who's award winning Toothpick Cactus table for Knoll, This model was a revision of that table for knoll as a 20...
Category
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Characterized by its open shape capped with geometric ends, this bracelet is but one form of the many types of body adornments favored the Fulani people of West Africa. The thick des...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Paper Zoo by Ernst Roch ... 1974 Origami Paper-Folding Kit, Near-Mint Condition
By Massimo Vignelli
Located in Chicago, IL
PAPER ZOO.
Roch, Ernst
Montreal, Canada: Signum Press Limited, 1974. First Edition. Paperback.
ISBN: 091968601X
Carton Slipcase + Softcover Booklet + Colored/Printed Pre-Scored Paper
Commissioned by the Museum of Modern Art
Held in the collection of the Musee National des Beaux-Arts de Quebec
Entertaining paper folding kit that is based on a 19th century paper folding system that was created by a man for his son in Europe. The kit includes a 12- page instruction booklet and 32 pre-scored sheets of colorful paper.
The slipcase is made of thick paper. The contents are protected by a white sleeve which slides into the slipcase; the instruction manual explains how to fold the paper into a horse, cow/bull, leopard/tiger/panther, lion, giraffe or camel. There are 32 pre-scored sheets of colored construction paper, except for 4 sheets which are white.
Very good+ condition. Slipcase is dinged at the extremities. Interior seems to have never been used.
Measures 7.5" square.
ABOUT ERNST ROCH...
Category
1970s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Japanese Spotted Bamboo Tobacco Inro, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Because traditional Japanese kimono didn't include pockets, men and women carried their belongings in small compartments known as inro. Hung from the obi sash belted around the waist and secured by carved netsuke beads, inro were worn as fashionable accessories and often crafted of fine materials.
Paired with a cylindrical case that once held a thin smoking pipe (kiseru), this 19th century inro was likely used for storing shredded tobacco. Both components are carved from spotted bamboo...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bone, Bamboo, Hardwood
Vintage Gray Hound Talking Parrot Prize Every Time Vending Machine
Located in Chicago, IL
Gray Hound (JPM) 25 Cent Talking Parrot “Prize Every Time” Vending Machine
Talking Parrot Coin Operated Prize Arcade Game.
This arcade vending machine would be perfect for any home...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Pair of Chinese White Brass Coal Chopsticks, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of white brass chopsticks for moving burning coals in a hibachi or hand-warmer. Such chopsticks were also used to safely touch opium pipe bowls or tools that had been heated b...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Chinese Opera Puppet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dressed in fine silks trimmed with embroidered bands and tassels, this puppet brought the glory of the imperial court to the small stage as part of an early 20th-century puppet opera. Complete with songs, acrobatics, farce, and drama, Chinese puppet...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk, Wood
Senufo Locking Currency Bracelet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Time honored texture and form define this Senufo sculptural object. The abstract etchings were achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan meticulously traced and ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Ivorian Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Copper
12K Gold Thimble in Leather Case, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Engraved with simple and elegant scrollwork around its skirt, this European 12K gold thimble dates to the early 20th century. Cast in the late Victorian period, the thimble is engrav...
Category
Early 20th Century European Victorian Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Chinese Eighteen Luohan Walnut Shell Snuff Bottle, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Walnut
Chinese Floral Incised Brass Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th century handcrafted bronze hand warmer would have been owned by a woman of means and filled with coals so she could warm her hands on cold...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Tibetan Red Lacquer Cymbal Case Lid, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Ornately patterned and framed with brass fittings, this box lid dates to the 19th century originally enclosed a pair of large Tibetan cymbals. Used in processions and dance performances, cymbals provided percussive backing to wind instruments...
Category
19th Century Tibetan Tibetan Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
c.1930 French Silk Book Cover "Souvenir de France"
Located in Chicago, IL
Great handmade French book cover portraying children playing with kittens.
Category
Early 20th Century French Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk
Japanese Tokyo Shop Tabako-Bon
Located in Chicago, IL
This wooden box is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the traditional ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Sheet Metal
Antique Indonesian Mechanical Drill, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Long ago, an Indonesian artisan living on Lombok, an island well known for its weaving, made his living using this handsome hand-crafted drill. The antique tool is beautifully constr...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Copper, Iron
Nigerian Mofu Patterned Metal Shield, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The Mofu tribe of Nigeria was particularly famed for their metal shields. Expertly forged, the defenses provided by metal far outstripped the wood and ree...
Category
Mid-19th Century Nigerian Tribal Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Arnaldo Pomodoro, Sculpture, 1960-1970
By Arnaldo Pomodoro
Located in Chicago, IL
Arnaldo Pomodoro House of Cards by ; 18 die-cut interlockable cards, notched on all sides that can be arranged into many ways to create your own Pomodoro sculpture. Cards are lettered from A-X. Cards for the first half of the alphabet have B/W photos of Pomodoro sculptures on one side, backed by text on silver background: "An Exchange of Letters: Arnaldo Pomodor and Tom L...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Chinese Double Gourd Hairpin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that com...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Handblown Gold Flecked and Fused Black Murano Glass Carnivale Masks
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Murano glass carnivale masks. Handblown and molded gold flecked black cased glass with infused colorful circular details.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Murano Glass
Pair of Late 19th Century English Riding Boots
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking pair of late 19th-century English black leather riding boots is a handsome relic of the sporting life. Crafted with exceptional care, the boots retain their original fo...
Category
Late 19th Century English Edwardian Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Wood
Chinese Ruyi Hairpin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that com...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Chinese Longevity Hairpin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that com...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Set of Six Thai Silver Photduang Bullet Coins
Located in Chicago, IL
These curious bell-shaped objects are a type of Thai bent-silver currency known as photduang, pod duang or bullet money, the latter term for their resemblance to old lead ball ammo. ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Thai Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Antique Chinese Mooncake Press, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the mid-19th century, this rustic wood press is carved with twenty round molds used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Mongolian Horn Libation Cup, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Used more for social interactions than everyday imbibing, this Mongolian libation cup accompanied a scholar to social gatherings held by literati known as...
Category
Late 19th Century Mongolian Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Horn
Aperture Photography Magazine Collection of 6 Early Issues 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
Aperture Photography Magazine Collection of 6 Early Issues 1950s.
Not real familiar with rating condition of magazines and books. Please ask any questions. Appear to be in nice condition as a set with some minor wear.
APERTURE: Volume 5, Number 1
Published by Aperture, Rochester, New York, 1957
8vo., 42 pp, illustrations from photographs. Pictorial stiff wrappers. Fine. Includes an editorial and an essay, "Peeled Paint, Cameras and Happenstance" by Minor White; a continuation of "More Books for the Creative Photographer"; Part 3 of "The Education of Picture Minded Photographers"; Beaumont Newhall on "Teaching the History of Photography"; and a portfolio "Ellis Island" by Shirley Burden with his, and Lewis Hine's images. Covers illustrated by Walter Snyder and Ansel Adams.
Aperture Vol. 4 No. 1.
Rochester, NY: Aperture, 1956. First edition. Softcover.
An early issue of this long running photography magazine. Features a selection from "Creative Photography - 1956 with text by Van Deren Coke. Includes images by Charles Sheeler, Arnold Newman, Reva Brooks...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold with Lotus Pods, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Collection of H’Mong Tribe Silver Spirit Locks
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely crafted piece was made high in the mountains of southeast China, Laos, Thailand and Burma (modern day Myanmar) by an indigenous hill tribe. The Hmong people are know for ...
Category
20th Century Laotian Tribal Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Brutalist Bell in the Manner of Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural unique bell is a great art object, hand-hammered metal with welded aluminum handle, this is a unique piece.
Category
1960s American Brutalist Vintage Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Metal
Set of Six Chinese Bound-Foot Lotus Slippers, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton, Silk
Chinese Grey Agate Snuff Bottle, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Agate
Chinese Good Fortune Hairpin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that completed the look. This silver hairpin ends in a round floral medallion framing the decorative Fu (?) character for "good...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Chinese Shanghai Deco Perfume Bottle
Located in Chicago, IL
In the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai, China was swept up in the Art Deco design movement. Design, architecture, art, fashion, and furniture were all influenced by this modern movement, permeating every part of life in the bustling, vibrant city. This blue glass perfume bottle...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Provincial Chinese Kite Reel, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusually-shaped object is a 19th century Chinese kite reel, cleverly carved to contain small wooden beads that rattle back and forth as the reel is used. A popular past time, kite flying...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Cast Iron Elgin National Coffee Mill Grinder #40
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Cast Iron Elgin National Coffee Mill Grinder #40
This antique Elgin National coffee grinder has an American Bald Eagle and crest logo. Decorate you coffee shop, cafe, restau...
Category
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Pair of Chinese Silk Lotus Slippers, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton, Silk
Chinese Charm Token Shoe with Compartment, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
Chinese Black Silk Lotus Slippers with Plum Blossoms, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk
Chinese Lilac Lotus Slippers with Plum Blossoms, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These pointed silk slippers, beautifully embroidered with pink plum blossoms, were shaped to resemble a lotus bud and enhanced the diminutive shape of b...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton, Silk
Antique 1945 Smith Corona Sterling Typewriter
By L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters Inc
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique 1945 Smith Corona Sterling Typewriter
Use this typewriter as decor in your restaurant or coffee shop. It will bring a vintage aesthetic ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Massive Vintage Fiber-Glass Resin Crafted Black Magician PropDecor Piece
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Oversized Fiber-Glass Resin Crafted Black Magician Top-Hat Prop/Holiday Decor Piece
Vintage Massive Sculpted & Crafted Fiberglass Resin Black Magician/Leprechaun Top-Hat Pro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fiberglass
Vintage 7.5 Foot Black Wood Guess Cultural Advertising Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage 7.5 Foot Black Wood Guess Cultural Advertising Sign
Vintage 7.5 foot wood black "Guess Parfum" signature question mark advertising sign. This sign would be perfect for a fas...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair Chinese Double Luck Lotus Slippers, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Silk
Sculptor of Mary in Wax by Vernez
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a wax carving of Mary, probably done before WWII and is actually signed. The signature is Vernez and could have been a model for a future casting.
Signed.
Category
1930s French Vintage Chicago - Collectibles and Curiosities
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