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Fine Large Antique Paktong Handwarmer with Five Bats browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Chinese:Metalwork: Pre 1900: item # 777525 Please refer to our stock # 3A-151 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book $395 |
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The lid of this large round Qing dynasty paktong handwarmer has a lovely openwork pattern containing a central shou medallion surrounded by five bats, the symbol of happiness and longevity. Dating to the mid-19th century, this handwarmer is made of the silvery alloy paktong (“pai-tung” or “baitong”). The heavily cast plain surface body has a double-swing handle which is attached to its sides on decoratively shaped side supports cast from paktong. In the winter months, handwarmers would be filled with glowing coals and carried to warm the holder’s icy fingers and toes. A New Year’s tradition had villagers taking coals from the main village fire back to their own homes in handwarmers such as this one to ensure good fortune in the coming year. The intricate and refined beauty of these utilitarian objects also made handwarmers an important accoutrement in the scholar’s study. The alloy paktong has a fascinating history. Centuries before nickel was isolated in the west, the Chinese had produced an alloy of zinc, copper and nickel which had the lustrous sheen and color tone of silver, was appreciably harder than silver, and did not tarnish in use. Many examples of this alloy have a particularly pleasing color which is silver-bright but possesses what has been termed a “soul of gold.” For additional information about paktong, see our article on the subject in ARTS OF ASIA, Nov/Dec. 1992. CONDITION is excellent. DIMENSIONS: 7” (17.8 cm) diameter, 4 ¼” (10.8 cm) high to top of lid, 7” (17.8 cm) high to top of handle. |
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