Antique Chinese Suanpan Wooden Abacus – Late Qing / Republic C.1910 – Zhejiang

Antique Chinese wooden suanpan abacus, Zhejiang, dating to the late Qing Dynasty / early Republic period, circa 1900–1920.

A particularly characterful and substantial traditional Chinese calculating abacus retaining extensive evidence of its original working life, including worn Chinese inscriptions to the wooden frame and dividers, old metal reinforcement fittings and a surviving Chinese antique dealer’s identification label.

The abacus is of traditional suanpan form with 13 vertical rods and the classic Chinese arrangement of two upper and five lower hardwood counting beads to each rod.

Constructed from dark-stained wood with lighter wooden/bamboo-type rods and substantial dark hardwood counting beads. The frame retains old copper/brass-alloy strengthening plates and fittings, now displaying an attractive naturally aged surface with areas of verdigris and oxidation.

Particularly interesting are the remains of old painted/gilt Chinese characters to the outer frame and central divisions. These are extensively rubbed through long-term wear and appear to relate to commercial/trade use rather than being modern decorative inscriptions.

The abacus also retains an old Chinese dealer’s label from Mingching Ancient Furniture, which identifies the object as an abacus (算盘 / suanpan), records its origin as Zhejiang, China, describes the timber as catalpa (楸木 / qiumu) and records an age of 110 years. This label is retained as part of the object’s provenance; its stated age has not been independently authenticated.

The construction, traditional configuration, metal fittings and considerable accumulated wear are consistent with an early 20th-century example, and we conservatively date the piece to circa 1900–1920, spanning the end of the Qing Dynasty and beginning of the Chinese Republic.

A wonderfully tactile survivor of Chinese commercial history and an increasingly decorative object in its own right. The substantial proportions and untouched aged surface make this particularly suitable for display in an office, study or collection of Chinese antiques.

Condition: Good antique condition with substantial age-related wear throughout. Rubbing and losses to the original painted/gilt inscriptions, scratches, marks, knocks and variations in the surface of the frame and beads. The metal fittings show oxidation and verdigris consistent with age. Please study the photographs, which form an important part of the condition description. I would not clean or polish the metalwork or timber, as the existing surface is an important part of its character.

Dimensions: approximately 35 cm wide × 17 cm high.

Weight: approximately 735 g.

Origin: Zhejiang, China, according to surviving dealer’s label.

Date: circa 1900–1920. Est £245 Value

About CKB LTD.

CKB LTD. was formed in 2010 and operates as an independent dealer, with a focus on carefully selected works offered through private sale and online platforms.

The company emphasizes informed attribution, clear descriptions, and responsible market practice. Objects are evaluated through visual examination, comparative research, and reference to established art-historical frameworks, with attention to condition, authenticity, and context.

CKB LTD. works with private collectors, dealers, and international buyers, and conducts transactions in accordance with standard international art market conventions. Each item is offered as a collectible work of art, with transparency regarding condition and attribution, and with respect for the nature of historical objects.

Condition, Attribution & Authenticity Notice

This work is offered as an antique object based on visual examination and comparative stylistic analysis. All statements regarding age, origin, attribution, and period represent informed scholarly opinion and are not guarantees of absolute fact.

Condition descriptions are based on external observation only. The interior, underside of the base, and any internal cavities or consecration materials have not been examined. No technical analysis (including XRF, thermoluminescence, or metallurgical testing) has been performed.

As is typical with antique bronzes, minor casting irregularities, surface wear, rubbing to high points, oxidation, and age-related imperfections are present and should be expected. No visible repairs or restorations are observed from the available views; however, the absence of hidden restorations cannot be guaranteed.

All items are sold as is, and prospective buyers are encouraged to examine the photographs carefully and request additional information prior to purchase. By bidding or purchasing, the buyer acknowledges acceptance of the item?s condition and the nature of antique works.

International Buyers ? Important Information

This item is an antique work of art over 100 years old and is sold as a collectible object. Buyers are responsible for any import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or local taxes imposed by their country.

The seller does not provide CITES documentation, export permits, or cultural property certificates unless explicitly stated. Please verify import requirements with your local customs authority prior to purchase.

All shipments are professionally packed and fully insured. Title and risk pass to the buyer upon shipment.

This work is offered in accordance with standard international art market practices.