Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art (64)

Fine old rattan/bamboo splitting knife used in basket making. This has a great natural patina on the handle with decorated “butt”, circa first half 20th century. The blade still carries a sharp edge and is still quite serviceable. L: 44cm/17.2in (blade is 11cm/4.2cm). Excellent condition.

Two bone “knives” from the Golden Triangle. I acquired these in Chiang Mai Thailand about 20 years ago and was told that were used by a “hill tribe”, for ritual ceremonies that involved the symbolic letting of blood to heal the patient. Using bones in spiritual practices is a syncretic tradition in this region as the boundaries between Buddhism and the earlier Animist practices are blurred and seem to work in harmony with one another...

Fine old wedding blanket from the Mulao ethnic group in Southern China. This has a classic floral, butterfly and phoenix weft embroidered pattern. Excellent condition with no damage- this is woven with all handspun cotton thread with some tiny bits of silk floss. The dyes are a combination of indigo and possibly aniline and organic mix in the red and orangeish colors. L: 100cm/39.5in and W: 72cm/28.2in - with border L:122cm/48in and W: 88cm/35in.

Exceptionally rare early 20th century small, complete betel box with za-yun pattern, emulating English embroidery stitching. There are some cracks on the lacquer surface as well minor losses on the edge (especially on the inner box) all visible in enlargements. This is a specialist’s collector piece, for real lovers of Burmese lacquer. H: 8.4cm/3.3in and D:11.6cm/4.4in