Suanpan Abacus Appraisal

Miniature Brass Suanpan in Fabric Display Case

This item is a miniature Chinese abacus, or suanpan, presented in a specialized decorative case. The abacus features a rectangular brass frame measuring approximately 3 inches in width. It follows the traditional 2:5 bead configuration, with two beads on each rod in the upper deck and five beads on the lower deck, across 11 vertical rods. The beads are crafted from a polished gold-toned metal, likely brass, and are threaded onto thin metal rods. The craftsmanship is highly detailed for its scale, intended more for display or as a symbolic gift than as a functional calculating tool. The abacus is housed in a hinged presentation box covered in a traditional Chinese silk brocade fabric featuring geometric and floral patterns in shades of tan, brown, and red. The interior of the case is lined with a white padded satin-like material to protect the metal. Regarding its condition, the brass frame shows a slight aged patina with minor surface oxidation typical for mid-to-late 20th-century decorative metalwork. The silk case shows minor fraying at the corners but remains structurally sound. No distinct maker's marks are visible on the exterior, which is common for these souvenir-quality items produced in the late Showa or late 20th-century era.