Chinese Wood Toggle

Long-haired figure crouching with a fan in one hand and a round shield in the other.

This carved wood toggle from China is from China, and dates to the 20th century. Toggles were used with traditional Chinese dress, which had no pockets, to secure a cord threaded through the belt so pouches and small objects could hang from it. Pictured, a small seated figure with long straight hair, a calm face and a robe falling in folds, one hand raising a large fan. A round woven-looking shield rests at the knee. The surface is glossy dark brown.

Fan up, shield down, the face still entirely serene.