A Collection of Fine Old Chinese Burlwood Tobacco cases & Belt Toggle 19th Century

A Collection of Fine Old Chinese Burlwood Tobacco cases & Belt Toggle 19th Century

These beautiful old tobacco cases are from tribal groups in rural China, I was told they came from the Xinjiang area in the far Northwest of China but I have no proof of that and if anyone knows more about them I would be very pleased to hear from you.

Each of these old tobacco cases are beautiful forms with deep old patina from handling. The top right object in the photo is a round belt toggle made from burl wood & on the concave interior is a carved a lucky gourd where the string or rope would attach it to ones belt sash and robe.  These tobacco cases are rare, in the 40 years of collecting I only found these 7 pieces.  Every culture in the world makes small objects of beauty that are used and handled daily & admired by others, these tobacco cases are a great example of this, the simple elegant forms made from a beautiful type of wood that only looks better as it ages from use.  I am sure there must be more information about these Tobacco Cases and their forms, if you know of any other information about them, please let me know.

Provenance : The Todd Barlin Collection of Asian Art

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