Chinese belt toggles called 'zhuizi' are small carved ornaments used as counterweights on the cords of pipe bags and other small bags which were usually hung on men's belts.

Chinese clothes were not well provided with pockets, so bags which could be suspended from a belt were useful articles of attire. In order to fulfil its primary purpose of securing things to a belt, a toggle must have what the Chinese called a 'string eye', which could pass a string or cord.

Toggle wearing disappeared from China in the 1940s, when western style clothing replaced traditional clothing.

This dress toggle was made in China between 1700-1940. This toggle is in the plain form of worm which was simply drilled with holes on one end to resemble the worm's eyes. According to its shape, it may be silkworm which represents assiduity and prosperity.

(reference)
Morrison, Hedda and Alastair, Chinese Toggles: A little Known Folk Art., Arts of Asia, March/April 1986

Cammann, Schuyler, Chinese Belt Toggles, Oriental Art. New Series Vol.8 No. 2 Summer 1962

This toggle is part of a group that was collected in Peking by Hedda and Alastair Morrison between 1940 and 1942. Most of them were purchased from markets outside Chongwenmen Gate, and in Liulichang, a street known for its antique shops.

Dress accessory, toggle, worm, hard stone, maker unknown, China, c. 1700-1940

A solid curved cylinder of dark/brown hard stone (possibly a dark nephrite) tapered at both ends to resemble a worm with fine holes drilled at the eyes and neck for attachment.

Maker: unknown; China; 1700 - 1940

Owner: Morrison, Hedda

Owner: Morrison, Alastair

none

92/485

1700 - 1940

8 mm

12 mm

60 mm