I am selling this fabric and textile folding sewing/crafts kit and a number of other items this week all for one client, whose husband's aunt was a missionary in China in the 1920's. All of the items up for auction this week have been carefully maintained over the years in a smoke free home, hidden away in a chest, with all of the items brought back with Margery Lindsay when she left China on May 7, 1924. I have photographed her work permit but I couldn't fit that photo into this listing (see my other items for a photo of the certificate) - the dates of her visa and her signature are on the top right - her visa began on May 8, 1923 and ended May 7, 1924. These kit is just one item of many which she brought back including a glass, dolls, shoes for bound feet, etc. All of these items should be posted by the end of the evening, so please visit our other auctions too. The certificate is being saved for the family and isn't included in this auction.
I couldn't possibly take photos of each folding compartment and hidden section - the photos above are just a small indication of all the delicate areas that are meant to hold piece work, crafts and sewing materials. The fabric is a rough cotton thread (I believe) on the outside, with butterflies and flowers. It is like a large clutch when folded up, measuring 11 1/2 x 7 x 1 3/4 (deep). When opened, it measures 27 inches in length x 11 inches in height, and obviously not as thick when laid out wide open. There are essentially four sections.
The first section is a hand-painted design on white fabric, featuring art supplies. On the bottom corner, there is a blue round stamp with English on it, but I can't really make it out. The word Williams is evident on the outer ring. The second section has many many pieces of fabric and paper in little kite shaped pieces that work themselves into a larger set of star patterns - then the stars open up and there are two interior square pockets (see pictures five and six for two views only of this section). The third section is the most intricate - triangular shaped pieces of fabric and textile that are worked into larger squares which open to reveal interior squares, and then if you were to lift section two and three up completely, there is an entire other hiding space underneath with more fabric, etc. The last section opens into one large compartment, again covered by triangular pieces which form squares and open out.
I cannot stress enough that this is one of the most intricate and unusual items I've ever handled. The fabric seems to be a combination of western fabrics and chinese papers and textiles. It is very delicate. It shows wear is some places, especially on the interior where the fabric curves for folding and paper was laid overtop - now starting to pull away (see the central part of picture 10). You can feel under the fabric and textiles that there is cardboard underneath to help keep the form.
This item is actually in remarkably good condition considering its age and intricacy. While it is not perfect, it is truly one of a kind.
Seller accepts PayPal, US postal issued international money orders, known bank money orders (will be held until clear). Buyer must be in contact within 3 business days of close of the auction, and the item must be paid for within 10 days of the close of the auction. Shipping discounts for buyers who buy multiple items from this estate - I will put everything you buy in one package and charge you exactly what the post office charges me.
Shipping quoted to US includes expedited mail (faster surface mail) and up to $100 in insurance. Additional insurance can be purchased for $1.20 per hundred insured. Please ask for shipping quotes for overseas shipping.
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