19th century Chinese scholar’s burl wood belt buckle with a dragon head finial looking at her cub crawling over her belly. Could have been used as a brush rest. Wonderful quality carving, beautiful rhythm to the movement of the cub’s body. Excellent quality burl wood with subtle play of shades of brown, great wear and patina, very pleasant feel of age. Excellent object for a scholar’s desk. Length 4.24 inches.

Height: 16 cm (6.3 in)
Width: 10 cm (4 in)

Chinese bamboo lidded round box; lovely patina in excellent condition

Chinese late Qing to Republic period guanpixiang table-top chest with a mansard-style hinged top that lifts to expose a single shallow tray above a pair of doors opening to five drawers with metal pulls all upon an attached base. A circular lockplate with ruyi-form clasp is on the front. Two side carrying handles. These chests were typically utilized by men to hold seals and related accessories while women were known to use them for cosmetics storage. Early 20th century...

19th Century Chinese Bamboo Carved Scholar Brush Pot with Calligraphy & Plum Tree Blossom Signed

It is 4.6 inches (11.7 cm) tall by 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) wide. It is 93.9 gram.

It has hairline cracks, stains, chips, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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A very attractive stand of natural, gnarled root wood with a deep honey color and very good details. Finely grained wood (cypress?) with dark recesses. To be use to enhance the beauty of a fine small vase, cup or scholar object as incense burner. China, Qing, probably late 19th century. H 13 cm, W 15 cm. Condition: very good and fine patina.

An elegant and fine ink-stone (Shezhou, Anhui) made of carved, dark schist with minor, green-brown inclusions. One “eye.” Two small feet at top end. Fitted and finely carved lid of chicken wing wood (jichimu). The inscription reads: “A treasure from the Zhishi shanfang.” In a Japanese box from the 19th century (with full inscription). China: Qing, probably 18th cent. L 16,5 cm, W 11 cm. Condition: Excellent (small chip in ink-well).

A fine and rare incense burner for the scholar’s table of carved and polished black stone. Rectangular in shape, a pair of open-work handles in the form of scrolls on four short legs. The two main sides carved with dragons in archaic style. China, mid-Qing, 18th cent. W 9 cm, D 4.5 cm, H 5 cm. Condition: Super (minor wear due to age, but very good patina all-over).

Small bird cage in split and carved bamboo, it is supported by a bronze hook made up of several riveted elements. Inside different elements for the comfort of the bird, porcelain drinkers, side perch and feeder in copper and center a pretty perch in green hard stone. This circular perch is carved in relief of 2 chilong (dragons) in the archaic Chinese style. The stone is very hard and appears to be jade, green stained and veined with black...

A well-made ink-stone box of heavy, rose wood (hongmu). The lid inlaid with thin bamboo slips to form a sentence of four characters reading: “Auspecious Blessings as You Please (Jixiang ruyi).” Late Qing, ca. 1900. L 24 cm, W 15 cm, H 5 cm. Condition: Perfect (very minor wear due to use).

19th century Chinese scholar’s bronze seal, its top in a form of a scholar riding a horse. The impression of the seal is shown on the first photo (image is flipped left to right to present the image as it will print on paper). Very well cast and finished, beautiful patina, has good presence. Marked with the maker’s seal on top of the base. Height 1.9 inches, base 1.3 x 1.28 inches.

The base is made up of several small wooden parts finely cut with flowers, scrolls and Greek motifs. The majority of the wood is dark brown, almost black, small inserted panels are made of boxwood, the barriers are made of bone. These barriers were tinted green, a color today almost completely erased by light and time, however more pronounced shades of green remain in the most sheltered places. This barrier is carved with plum blossoms, bamboo stems and pine needles...

Beautiful traditional Chinese brush painting of the Buddha mounted on a beige silk scroll, excellent condition. He is sitting on a lotus throne with his right hand raised in the Shuni mudra symbolizing patience and discipline. There is an apocryphal dating of 1845 Buddha’s Birthday, Daoguang reign and signature of Reqin. Mounted size is L: 203cm/80in and W: 78cm/31in- actual painting size is L:131cm/51in and W: 66cm/26in. Circa last quarter of 20th century.

Vintage Chinese wooden stand of irregular shape with carved indentations: judging by their shape the stand was fitted for a carving (most probably jade) of a resting animal. Beautiful dense rosewood with wonderful patina, in excellent condition. Length of the top 2.8 inches, maximum width at the top 1.3 inches, height 0.7 inches.

Late 19th century Chinese scholar jadeite seal of trapezoid section. The impression of the seal is shown on the first photo (image is flipped left to right to present the image as it will actually print on paper). Natural untreated jadeite of mottled light green color, a few natural fissure lines. The bottom is carved with 4 sunken characters, traces of red seal paste in the grooves. Very attractive piece for a scholar’s desk, excellent finish to the stone, pleasantly heavy...

19th century Chinese fingering piece in a form of a double walnut. Relatively rare cojoined shells, excellent piece to use for meditation practice with clever natural design, richly textured surface, Wonderful warm patina from more than 100 years of handling, incredibly pleasant to hold. Very fitting object for a scholar’s desk. Length 1.7 inches.

Qing dynasty, carved bamboo root seal. The inscription “changle jixiang," means: Ceaseless happiness forever 长乐未央. Length 5 cm, width 3.5 cm, height 1.5 cm

Small inscribed and carved Qing Dynasty bamboo root seal Dimension: 1.5 cm wide, 1 cm high.

Large Qing Dynasty Ying Scholar's Rock. Similar to an illustration in the Suyuan Shipu; the manual on stones written by Lin Youlin in 1613. The stone is characterized by a wonderful, dimpled surface texture, deep craggy depressions, Carmel colored inclusions and old original stand. Dimensions 57 cm high With Stand (Rock is 46 cm) 34 cm wide

Rare 13th Century Chinese Bronze Cong. Beautiful Yuan Dynasty flower vase. Its size and decoration are typical for the period. Dimensions 25 cm high and 7 cm wide

Antique Chinese carved bamboo bitong (brushpot). Carved with scenes of mountain landscapes and bamboo groves with figures engaged in various rural activities. The rim is carved with a scrolling key motif.

Dimensions: 6 5/8" high x 5" wide x 4" wide

A small Chinese blue and white soft paste porcelain seal paste box and cover. "Hundred Boys" motif and an artemisia leaf blue underglaze mark centered within the biscuit ring foot. Qing dynasty - presumed late in the period. Good condition on the exterior. A chip along interior biscuit rim of the shallow bowl - fully concealed when the cover is in place. See images. 1 3/4 inches diameter. With cover in place, about 3/4 inches high.

A completely hand formed and detailed fresh water coup in the form of a highly stylized archaic duck. This sancai water pot dates late Qing, circa 1880, and is pattern after the porcelains of the Song dynasty. A great item for the collector of scholar items. Measures 3" long x 2.5" high at head.

Large Natural Qing Dynasty Gourd. Original ring and cap with tassel. Dimensions 50 cm high and 27 cm wide.

Magnificent large Qing Dynasty Lingbi Scholar Rock. Stones of this form are known in the West as Qilian but called Wanluo by the Chinese. Wanluo refers to the repetitive horizontal rippled columnar shape these stones exhibit rising vertically like stacked ancient coins found in tombs. Its exceptional surface texture elevates this example well beyond those seen proliferating in the marketplace along with other modern Chinese imitations...

Qing Dynasty glass brushrest in the form of a mountain. Late 19th or early 20th century. Appears like an example of "realglar". Undamaged although casting lines related to its production are visible as demonstrated in the photos. 17 cm Long and 6 cm high.

A large rosewood, huanghuali brush pot, bitong of simple cylindrical form with thick walls and the base with an inset plug. The wood grain has particularly nice patterns, with a few 'ghost eyes', and a wonderful deep honey-brown patina. H 16 x 16,4 cm Diameter Late Ming/ early Qing Dynasty. Condition: good with a couple of chips at the lower part and thin hairline at the bottom.

Late Qing Dynasty (1890-1911) Chinese soapstone brush rest carved on the front with 2 scholars in discussion by a hut among trees. Very nice feature - the back shows the natural skin of the soapstone boulder from which the object was carved. Strong simple carving, excellent scholarly simplicity to the piece, very pleasant feel of age, wonderful item for a scholar’s desk. Length 3.14 inches, height 1.83 inches.

A fine Chinese scholar's agate brusher washer with many of the stems and leaves worked away from the vessel in an open worked manner. The stone is a translucent light grey to almost clear color with the stems and leaves having light russet colors terminating in the leaves to an orange hue. The overall appearance resembles a lotus leaf curling on the edges with stems, leaves, and seed pod that are worked over top and around all sides including the bottom...

19th century Chinese scholar’s bronze seal, its top in a form of a sage riding on the back of a qilin. According to Chinese mythology qilin appears before the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler. The impression of the seal is shown on the first photo (image is flipped left to right to present the image as it will print on paper). Nicely cast and finished, beautiful patina, has good presence. Height 1.67 inches, base 1.27 x 1.16 inches.

Late 19c Chinese Blackwood or possibly Zitan wood brush pot in the classic style with smooth sides and a raised ring at mouth and bottom having 3 low standing low profile feet with drain hole in center bottom of pot. Carved from a single piece of wood, it still retains its original plug which is easily removed for drainage. In excellent condition commensurate with age, it measures 4-5/8" high x 4-1/8" diameter.

Chinese Qing dynasty rectangular form hardwood stand with four inward curving legs resting upon small balls. The stand is carved on the curved apron with vines and lingzhi fungus. Top: 17” long (about 18” at apron) x top: 10” wide (about 11 1/4" at apron) x 7” high. Weighs 6 lbs. 19th century. The stand was more recently refinished and is in very good overall condition. A few of the balls twist a bit but are secure. From a Sun City West, Arizona collection.

Chinese Republic period shoushan (soapstone) mountain carved with trees, temples, old sages, Budai, flying birds, and an elephant all stretching along the path to the top. Custom wood stand. 9” high (10 1/2" on the stand) x about 7” wide x 2” deep. Early 20th century. Very good overall condition with some scratches in the stone and typical wear evident. From a Sun City West, Arizona collection.

Late Qing Dynasy (1880s to 1911) Chinese glass seal of square section and 4 raised characters on the bottom. The first photo shows the image of the bottom flipped left to right, so the seal can be read. Wonderful simple piece appropriate for a scholar’s desk, beautiful transparent glass, very pleasant finish to the surface, old dried sea paste in the grooves. Height 1.69 inches, printing surface size 0.51 x 0.51 inches.

19th century Chinese fingering piece in a form of a natural Manchurian nut. Excellent piece to use for meditation practice with natural design, richly textured surface, superb warm patina from more than 100 years of handling, very pleasant to hold. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk. Length 1.92 inches.

19th century Chinese scholar wooden brush rest in a shape of a mountain range with soaring peaks. Hardly any carving, perfectly captures the energy of the mountains. Three carved characters on the bottom that can be translated as WOOD & STONE RETREAT. Beautiful patina, traces of ink on sides and bottom, excellent austere object for a scholar’s desk. Length 3.04 inches, height 1.5 inches.

19th century netsuke made out of natural Manchurian nut shell carved in the round with relief depiction of 18 figures of arhat - the initial disciples of the historical Buddha - with their specific identifying attributes that include a tiger and a dragon. Fabulous clever crisp carving utilizing natural structure of the nut, superbly detailed, great faces, himotoshi (cord openings) neatly located among arhat figures ...

19th century Chinese fingering piece in a form of a natural walnut. Excellent piece to use for meditation practice, richly textured surface, superb warm patina from more than 100 years of handling, very pleasant to hold. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk or a pocket. Height 1.69 inches.

Rather unusual late 19th century miniature Chinese Shoushan soapstone carving of a snarling chimera seated on a base. Superb carving, rare excellent quality butterscotch color stone, great patina. Neat hole in the base for hanging. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk. Height 0.68 inches (17.5 mm).

Unusual 19th century Chinese bracelet consisting of fifteen fruit pits, two agate beads and a jadeite one with a “vase”. Each pit is skillfully carved all around with scenes of Chinese scholars involved in various activities: reading scrolls, studying fungus of immortality, or engaged in discussions. Carved in deep relief with precise undercutting and scrolling designs, excellent mellow brown patina. Agate beads are carved with SHOW (long life) characters...

Rather unusual late Qing Dynasty (1890s to 1911) Chinese seal carved out of a natural boulder. The stone is of military green color, softer than jade and appears to be magmatic in nature - see the folds of its outside produced by cooling of the rock. The impression of the seal is shown on the third photo which is flipped left to right to present the image as it will print on paper...

Late Qing Dynasty (1890s to 1911) Chinese soapstone seal carved on the top with crouching one-horned chimera. Inscribed with 6 characters on the side. The first photo shows the image of the bottom flipped left to right, so the seal can be read. Excellent carving, wonderful face and body bulk, beautiful patina. The bottom is carved with raised characters, red seal paste in the grooves. Very beautiful variegated peach colored stone with red areas giving extra depth to the carving. Wonderful object...

Antique Chinese bitong (brush pot) carved of hardwood with beautiful grain patterns. The mouth and foot of the container have a fine cusped edge. The bottom is carved with three low feet. The bitong has a pleasing overall shape with a slight flare towards the top.

Age: Early 20th century

Dimensions: 6 5/8" high x 6 3/8" wide

Chinese hardwood ruyi scepter carved in the shape of a stylized lingzhi. Decorated with writing and designs of fruit, bats, fish, lingzhi mushrooms and other symbols of good fortune. Ruyi scepters were used by the noble class to hold or display as a symbols of power and good fortune and they were used by Buddhist monks in teaching. And later ruyi scepters became a traditional gift and prized object for the scholar's table.

Age: Early 20th century

Dimensions: 12 1/4" long x...

1900's Chinese Powder Blue Porcelain Scholar Ink Box with Figure Marked

It is 0.98 inches (2.5 cm) tall by 3.1 inches (8 cm) wide. It is 77.8 gram.

It has dark spots, skip glaze, small chips and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid. All you need ...

Rare early “si zhi” (four straight lines) style inkstone carved from an old fired brick. The characters on the brick are in an archaic style, no longer in use today. The square shaped flat bottomed inkstone with sloping grinding surface did not become popular until the Song Dynasty, so it is possible this was made into a inkstone long after it was a brick. Chinese are very fond of creating ink stones out of “found objects” such as roof tiles etc. Please examine enlargement for co...

Fine and rare Yao (also known as Mien) Taoist shaman “yen” chop, used to send messages to the Gods. Reference “The Yao” by Jess Pourret pgs 206 & 207. This came from the Sino/Lao Fansipan Mountains border area and date circa 80 to 90 years old. 3.6cm/1.4in x 3.6cm/1.4in x 3.6cm/1.4in. Free shipping.

ㄧ去風雲應有日，莫因香餌誤生涯。Gone with wind in destined Time, Would Have No Regrets in Your Future Life.
A wonderful calligraphy with good meaning was kept in good condition.

Date:19th Century.

Provenance :Japan.

Length:167cm, Width :32.5cm.

With good meaning- 虛己而能容Humble to Yourself and You will be Compatible and Inclusive, a hanging scroll of Chinese calligraphy was well done by a talented artist who was unknown to the public.

Date:19th century.

Provenance :Japan.

Length:193cm, Width:34.5cm.

Very rare sundial in cast bronze, enamel, glass paste and steel, Chinese work from the 18th century. Two similar examples are housed at the Palace Museum in Beijing and are illustrated in the catalog of scientific instruments in the collection. It is interesting to note, thanks to our sundial, that the feet are missing from the sundials of the Palace which was not remarkable at first glance, although on examination it was shocking that simple threaded rods acted of feet on such precious instrume...

Pair lovely vintage bamboo brush pots circa 1960-1980 The surface has been stained a darker color but the patina is a hand polish with no varnish. Excellent condition, with no splits are cracks. H: 14.2cm/5.6in and D: 8.4cm/3.2in.

Late Qing Dynasty (1890s to 1911) Chinese jade seal of classic stele shape slightly tapering towards the top. First catalog photo includes the image of the printing surface flipped left to right to show what the imprint of the seal will look like. True nephrite jade of light celadon color with beautiful russet patches, very pleasant matte finish to the stone, very nice to handle. The bottom is crisply carved with four sunken characters that can be translated as MADE FOR THE HALL OF JADE SEA, red...

Republic period, 1940s or earlier, semi translucent jade brush washer, or possibly a snuff tray, in an unusual oval shape with a small carved flower button in the center. The jade has a lovely soft polished surface which is always rare to find. Color is best described as white jade with a pale celadon tint and, for presentation; we have it resting on a white jade bi from a later date. Both are included in the sale. Oval snuff tray/brush washer only measures: L 5" x D3" x H 5/8". More phot...

Unusual 19th century Chinese scholar’s brush rest / scholar’s rock giving a perfect impression of a craggy mountain range with overhanging peaks, and with the bottom carved as a seal with red seal paste in the recessed area. Somewhat unusual material - bamboo root - with twisted stems and crevices adding to the wild energy of the piece. Enlargement 5 is a photo of the bottom flipped left to right to show how the imprint will look on paper. Beautiful patina, powerful piece for a scholar’s t...

19th century Chinese bronze brush rest / scroll weight in a form of two reishi fungus (the Fungus of Immortality) heads with stems. Wonderful clever design and casting, pleasantly heavy, beautiful patina, old collection number on the underside. Excellent piece in scholar’a taste. Length 3.13 inches.

Very unusual 19th century Chinese wooden scholar’s rock / object resembling a mountain surrounded by violent waves, and with an eery skull at its base. Probably meant to represent Mount Meru surrounded by a cosmic ocean: the mountain is considered to be the center of all physical, metaphysical and spiritual universe. Heavy weathered wood without any carving, which makes the presence of the skull even more stunning as it was formed naturally by the tree, and upon its demise by the sun and the r...

19th century Chinese scholar’s brush rest in a shape of a violently swirling tree root. Works as abstract sculpture as well. Beautiful and unusual black inky finish, wonderful patina, very pleasing shape. Excellent piece in scholar’s taste. Length 7 3/4 inches.

Superb little agate lotus design brush washer. Hand carved and polished natural color stone, it has russet/orange skin in the areas carved with curling edges and the design is complete with an incised center area and fully worked underside showing stems, pods, leaves and flowers. The surface polish is first rate and this is a very desirable piece. Includes original fitted hardwood stand. Dates late Qing to early Republic. Brusher measures 3.75" x 3". Height 1.5", On Stand Height 2.25"

Ivory seal carved to represent a lion resting on a rectangular base. Inscription in archaistic style beneath. China, Ming Dynasty. Height: 5.5 cm. Very good condition.

A wood brush pot was in nice form.
It was well preserved despite the bottom cover was lost and was replaced by an old plank of wood.
The surface was in kind of dry-feel and in pale tint. But I believe it can be transformed easily by rubbing with wood wax and changed to a beautifulcolor.

Date: late Qing to early republic periods, 19th/20th C.

Height: 15.5cm

Very hard to find Chinese scholar's desk plank. Made of huanghuali wood, the plank has aged beautifully having a wonderful warm golden patina with a beautiful sheen. There are 3 minor age cracks at 3 of the 4 corners. These cracks do not compromise the integrity of this incredible scholar's item, but instead attests to its age. Planks were used to set objects on that a Scholar was using. He could have also used it to display an item or items. Measures 15" x 6.5" x .5"