This antique Chinese jade carving in the shape of a disk or "BI" measures 2 1/4 inches in diameter (58mm) and about 1/2 inch or 10 mm in depth.
Is is carved from a piece of jade that ranges from an off white to a pale celadon color, with staining remaining in the crevices, and one side being darker than the other.
It is covered on both sides with three dimensional carvings of a phoenix, a dragon and a chilong or tiger.
We estimate it to date to the late Ching Dynasty or early Republic Period in China, but it may actually be earlier than that.
It is in excellent condition.
Note: the last photo includes a large jade mask for scale. It is NOT offered as part of this lot.
This lovely old ceramic Guanyin (kwan Yin) measures 8 3/4 inches tall( 22.5 cm) by about 2 1/4 inches in diameter at the base.
It dates from the 1890-1910 period and it is unmarked except for a cryptic mark on the base that looks like a "2" or a "Z", but not exactly like either.
It is covered with a white glaze with a gray grackle overall, excluding the head which is unglazed except for the hair.
It is in outstanding condition except for remnants of old potters clay on the base, most likely used to secure it against earthquakes (This is California, after all!)
This large (14 by 17 inch) and heavy unmarked silver tray (possibly silver plate) originally belonged to John Pascal Paoli Peck, the founder of the Union Central Insurance Company. It was an anniversary gift commemorating his 25 year union with his third wife (Frances Fitton)( 1858-1883).
It is engraved with a wonderful Arctic scene of a walrus sitting amidst ice flows (under a huge moon) watching a sailing ship in the distance. It also has engraved details with ice stalactites that makes it appear as if the scene is being viewed from within a glacial cave. The purchase of Alaska from Russia occurred in 1867 midway in the 25 years covered by the tray. It was a very appropriate motif and a very popular one among wealthy businessmen and industrialists at that time.
The condition of this silver tray is quite good considering that it is very heavy and over 120 years old. It has a few areas of surface degradation and small areas that have been cleaned (most likely trying to determine if it is pure silver or not).
I assumed that it was not, so it was not tested by me. Neither does it have the obvious cuts where previous owners have tested it. It was a gift given to or by a very wealthy man of the late 19th century. The edge details are outstanding and this piece is unmarked. Why? Because it was probably a custom order made to give to a very wealthy man and his wife on their 25th or Silver Anniversary.
This antique nephrite jade rabbit holding a peach is from the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) or the early portion of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD).
It measures about 2 1/4 x 1 1/2 X 1 inch or 54mm x 35mm x 21 mm.
It is carved from nephrite with colors ranging from a pale beige to a deep rust red. It has a substantial amount of oxidation which has created it's wonderful color patterns. It also has a slightly irregular surface: most likely from a previous period of exposure to the soil or the elements.
This original watercolor painting is matted and framed under glass and measures about 16 by 31 cm (sight) or 32 by 48 cm in its nicely detailed frame.
The subject is an Impressionist view of an open coastline with water grasses in the foreground.
It is signed, somewhat Illegibly in the lower left corner. It appears to be : Josz. Von Brochaud or Josz. Von Brochoud.
It is in very good condition, except that it sits in its original mat, which is most likely non archival and will need to be changed to protect the painting from any further staining or foxing. There is a tiny bit of foxing already, which is commonly found on 100 year old paintings on paper and in original condition.
On the reverse is the remainder of the 19th-20th century label from the art shop or gallery. It reads in part: Maison Leon Croller, Rue de Mastricht, 11, Hasselt.
This original WATERCOLOR PAINTING measures about 7 1/2 by 9 inches (app. 10 by 12 inches framed)and it is signed in the lower right corner by the artist, LEO POLITI.
The painting is in excellent condition. There are, however, a few light scuffs to the pale mahogony frame.
This is one of the artist's early classic watercolors (mid 1930's) where his work was still influenced by the Mexican Muralists such as Rivera or Orozco. In his early works, similarities to the Muralist style are still evident.
Leo Politi(1908- 1998)was a Los Angeles, California artist. Born in Fresno, his family returned to northern Italy when he was still a child. At age fifteen he won a national scholarship to study at the University of Art and Decoration in the Royal Palace of Monza, near Milan. He then taught textile and tapestry design. In 1930 he permanently settled in Los Angeles. He is best known for the dozens of children's books he illustrated. He had exhibitions in Milan, Pennsylvania Acadamy of Fine Arts (1937), a one man show at Delphic studios in New York, and the Art Institute of Chicago (1930's). He is also well known as a painter of murals, such as the two in the South Pasadena Public Library "children reading", and also as the author and illustrator of childrens books such as "Little Pancho" 1938, Jack and Jill Weekly 1939, and many, many more. In 1950, Leo Politi won the Caldecott medal, a yearly award for excellence in childrens books for his illustrated book, " Song of the Swallows".
Auction results: At Treadway Gallery on December 6, 1998 a 12x15 inch Leo Politi watercolor sold for $2600. It was also his early, Muralist style.
This ANTIQUE TURKOMAN SILVER CUFF BRACELET is set with eight flat cabachons or oval disks. It is unmarked, but guaranteed to be .900 silver or better.
It measures 2 1/2 inches wide x 2 inches high by 2 3/4 inches long (interior measurements are 2 1/8 x 1 3/4 x 2 3/4 inches). The opening (with toothed ends) is 1 1/4 inch across (tooth to tooth).
It dates circa 1880-1900.
The silver is in good condition and this is a heavy silver piece. It doesn't feel hollow or filled as some of these are known to be.
The cabachons are actually old drilled flat beads and five of the eight pieces have some damage or cracking where they were originally drilled for hanging as necklaces (see photos).
This 19th century Japanese bronze vase measures 18 inches tall by about 12 inches in diameter. It has elaborate leaf and vegetable motif in both bronze and champleve enamel.
It dates from the Meiji Period (1868-1912) or earlier.
It is in excellent condition with an outstanding variety of colorful patinas and verdigris.
