Wooden Abacus classic-black as in our reproduction versions

as in our reproduction versions

This striking cabinet is from the central province of Shaanxi and made from elm

the chest features a traditional half board lid which can be removed to access the inside

were used throughout the colder Northern and Western Chinese provinces where they would be placed on the heated 'kang' - the raised platform which formed the main living space in a Chinese home

while the seat itself is also subtly curved for extra comfort

Wooden Abacus classic-black as in our reproduction versionsBeijing, circa 1940 Once used by company employees, these old abacuses are from Beijing and and date from the mid twentieth century. Many of them include a metal plaque on the top giving details of the company. The columns of beads were used to represent multiples of ten, with the right hand columns denoting decimals. Today they make unusual desk ornaments. Note that sizes and styles can vary slightly from the examples shown.