Vintage Chinese Lacquer Abacus Set with Dragon & Phoenix & Original Hong Kong Manual — c.1950s
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If you love pieces with history, symbolism and a whisper of old-world learning, this wonderful vintage Chinese suànpán abacus set will make your heart glow. 
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Housed in a beautifully decorated black lacquer wooden presentation box, the lid features a magnificent gold dragon and phoenix, their forms swirling gracefully around a central urn. Together, the dragon and phoenix symbolise balance, harmony and prosperity — one of the most cherished pairings in Chinese art.
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Open the box and you’re greeted by classical Chinese printed illustrations and calligraphy, along with the original wooden abacus in dark, tactile beads. This is the traditional Chinese layout — 2 beads above, 5 below — and it remains fully functional should you wish to explore bead arithmetic the way clerks and scholars once did.
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Even better — this set still contains its original English-language booklet,
“The Fundamental Operations in Bead Arithmetic – How to Use the Chinese Abacus,” printed in Hong Kong.
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It gently walks the reader through addition and number setting, offering a charming glimpse into mid-century mathematics education.
Everything about this piece feels authentic, storied and lovingly used. The lacquer has light surface wear, the hardware has mellowed beautifully, and the paper has that warm vintage tone we all adore — but everything remains strong, complete and ready to display.
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❤️ Why we love it
Because it’s not just an abacus — it’s a little travelling classroom in a box. A tactile, beautifully designed learning tool wrapped in symbolism, story and craftsmanship. Whether you collect Asian decorative arts, love mathematical history, or simply adore objects with soul, this is a piece you’ll never tire of looking at.
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📏 Approx. size
(Box measurement 25cm x 14cm x 5cm closed
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🗓 Estimated date
c. late 1940s–1960s
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🌏 Origin
China / Hong Kong
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✨ Condition
Good vintage condition with gentle age-related wear to the lacquer and metal clasp. The abacus, inner printed panels and booklet are all present and original. Please see photos as they form part of the description — we think the patina adds to the charm.