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.

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.

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...

Unusually large lacquered betel container with two inner trays, from Karen ethnic group. Circa first half 20th century, some loss to the bottom. H:11.5cm/4.5in and D: 12.6cm/5in.