Beautifully patterned horn chop with its horn seal box. The remenants of red ink indicate that this seal was used for official documents. The box has a slide top which closes tightly.
The use of chopstick holders was common throughout China. The style varied from region to region. This particular chopstick container was from the Northern provinces, formerly Manchuria. It was hand turned and is slightly out of round and in years past, the lip may have been nimbled by a rodent. It is a definately an object in the tradition of Chinese folk art.
This assortment of cosmetic brushes along with the small container was originally part of a large cosmetic set which would have been commissioned for the a wealthy Japanese bridal trousseaux. Many layers of the rich black roiro-nuri lacquer was applied and polished to achieve the deep lusterious tone. The brushes are accented with a 2 and 3 tone golden floral motif. None of the brushes show any signs of use. Though such sets were common among high-born Japanese women of the Edo and Meiji p ...click for details
This small antique Chinese wooden storage container was used for calligraphy implements. Inksticks would have been held in the rear center compartment. Calligraphy brushes would have been held upright on the right and left side compartments. Seals or chops would have been stored in the lidded section. Originally painted with black lacquer, this piece has great age and wear patina.
White Marble from China was referred to as Chinese Alabaster because of its grain and translucent quality. This small simple inkstone is both beautiful to see and to touch. There is a very worn rim surrounding the grinding surface and inkwell and 4 very worn feet on the bottom of the ink stone to raise it slightly off the surface.
This is a unique Chinese Trousse. The chopsticks are black wood, presumed to be Zitan and are totally enclosed inside the scabbard when the trousse is closed. Both the scabbard and knife handle are covered with tortoise shell and have silver fittings.
Sourced out of Inner Mongolia, this calliqraphy paint brush uses a huge antelope horn for a handle. The horn has a graceful curve and a series of ridges which are ideal for a proper calligraphy hand grip and control when doing large scale paintings.
Over 150 years old...This is a rare and beautiful object.
Many Chinese would "grind" a day's supply of ink in advance and store the liquid ink in a metal "inkbox". According to the calligraphy on the top of this inkbox, it was a gift in the year of the goat, to a medical inspector upon completion of his 3rd year of work in Yuncheng city, Shanxi province. The inkbox is 3 inches in diameter and has an dried ink in the bottom and a built in inkstone inside the lid.
A pair of cranes is carved into the top of this Qing Dynasty peach shaped inkbox. Inside the box remains a supply of dried ink and the on the inside top is an inkstone for "grinding" future ink. A pair of birds (considered to mate for life) was a common symbol used to represent a long and happy marriage. The Peach symbol represents long life. This combination (the peach with a pair of birds) was considered a suitable gift for the parents anniversary
This Korean brush would have been used for painting and/or large calligraphy. The handle is an old horn of rich brown tones and a soft matte patina from use. The bristles are long and soft and show some ink residue close to the ferrule. It is a wonderful brush to hold
This Chinese carved bamboo brush rest has traditional dragons chasing pearl and cloud motif. The background shape is the 5 mountains and the rim of the mountains have carved ridges. The piece measures 3.5 inches high and 6 inches across. The natural curve of the bamboo allows the piece to stay upright, and the piece remains balanced on the 1/2 inch thick bamboo. Condition is very good.
This dual compartment horn seal box contains small ivory chop and the remains of red ink which was usually reserved for officials. However, the chop bottom gives only the persons name which indicates that this seal was used only for personal letters etc. The horn case has a fitted cover with slides open. Ivory chop has small notch with marking which indicates direction for use. Condition is excellent. Box measures 2.75" x .75" x .75"
Carved from bamboo, this charming old Chinese brush rest was shipped back to the US by an American missionary Rebecca Cloud Stewart. It was designed to hold 2 mid-sized brushes. The name Huang Hua Fu is written on the back. Possibly he was one of China's less prosperous calligraphers. 3.5" x 3.5" it is in very good condition.
This small hinged metal case is covered with leather and opens to display both red ink pot and personal ivory chop. The person's name on the base of the chop is clearly carved. Leather in old China was very expensive...the owner of this chop must been a person of both status and wealth. The leather shows age but is intact and set is in very good condition. The case measures 2.5" X 1+" This is a rare old piece.
In addition to prizing quality stone for use as inkstones, the Chinese also appreciated carved stones as art objects. Large stones would be carved in the form of ink stones, not to be used, but to be collected. Such stone carvings were often commissioned and given as gifts. This is one such stone. The carved dragons surround the border of the stone, seeking the prized pearl. This stone is in good condition, no cracks or chips. Approx 15" x 12 inches, and about 2" thick. It is he ...click for details
