In China, older age was/is respected and valued...
During the late Qing Dynasty, many wealthier Chinese used eyeglasses to appear older...sometimes clear glass lenses were used for those with good eyesight
Personally, I never colored my hair before traveling to China....
This eyeglass case was carved from water buffalo horn...It has the original hand twisted string and a small movable stop....
and a few minor scratches from use and age
Small embroidery with central floral motif using seed stitch, on traditional dark blue silk fabric. May have been used on garment as inside pocket. Approx 6.5 inches on each side.
A very nicely painted famille verte vase from late Qing Dynasty, without reign mark but with the double circles, smooth base. Please ask for more photos
This small Chinese inro style container would have been worn suspended from the wearer's belt. It was hand carved from wood and detailed on each side with delicate decorative carvings of birds, flowers and a phoenix.
The piece is 2.5 inches high and 2 inches at the widest point. Because of its small size and shape, it was most likely used as an opium container. The inside has been carefully cleaned to avoid dog encounters at the airports.
A blue and white moon vase with the bird and flora from Late Qing period in good condition.
Satsuma vase, with slender neck and terminal part adorned in pure gold decorated with a garden of chrysanthemums, made with enamel and gold in relief.
Different varieties of chrysanthemums are depicted, with precision and detail, which differ in the shape, color and size of the petals, creating a fascinating visual effect.
Signed under the base Kinkozan in gold on a framed black background and signature imprinted in the ceramic.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji end of 19th century.
Dim...
Antique Japanese natural burl wood stand. The gnarled roots twisting with knotholes cascade down the sides of the stand, the bottom appearing to have animal feet. The tabletop of the stand with dark lacquer finish.
Showa Period
Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 23 1/2" H
From our Japanese Collection, a very fine satsuma vase, Meiji Period (1868-1912), most likely circa 1900 -1910, marvelously potted in an unusual but very elegant flared trumpet shape exhibiting definite Art Nouveau Period influences, and yet decorated in what would be considered restrained Japanese taste with simple and classic floral motifs...
Gourd shaped pouch with brick stitch embroidery of auspicious signs and characters. Chinese c 1900, the inside with a paper label saying (No)7 China. Height "7/ 18.5 cm. Condition: fine, apparently never used.
Carved to fit the hand perfectly, this Japanese ivory page turner offers elegant design combined with function. The artists skill becomes even more evident when the page turner is held. In excellent condition save for one small shallow chip about 2-3 mm, see last photo, very hard to see, but can be felt if you run your finger slowly along the blade. The page turner measures 18.5" x 1.25".
A Satsuma bowl decorated with a striking landscape that evokes the beauty and serenity of the Japanese hills, with a gently flowing river surrounded by trees and mountains.
The bowl is signed Kinkozan under the base, inside a rectangular reserve and impressed into the ceramic.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji end of 19th century.
Dimensions: 4.5 x 11 cm.
State of conservation: Very good
Late Qing Dynasy (1880s 10 1911) century Chinese glass seal of square section. Wonderful simple piece appropriate for a scholar’s desk, beautiful transparent glass, very pleasant finish to the surface. The bottom is carved with four sunken characters, old dried seal paste in the grooves. The impression of the seal is shown on Enlargement 1 (photo is flipped left to right to present the image as it will actually print on paper). Height 1 9/16 inches, 5/8 inches square.
Kogo box 香合, incense and perfume holder, in polychrome enamels in the cloisonné technique with a turquoise background depicting a mandarin duck.
On the sides there are floral motifs of bamboo and lotus flowers. The turquoise background evokes the image of crystal clear waters and clear skies.
The interior is covered with an original fabric.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji end of 19th century.
Dimensions: 3.3 x 6 x 4.5 cm.
State of conservation: Very good
A fine deep grey Saji river stone in the form of a miniature mountain landscape with high peaks and deep ravins; looking from the front and back sides there is a long passage in between the peaks,
completely natural!
The stone has a perfectly fitted rosewood base, daiza.
Suiseki are highly appreciated for their aesthetic or decorative value in Japan but also by collectors in the western world...
A Japanese Satsuma ceramic bowl adorned with relief glazes and gold details depicting a motif of Manchurian Cranes in flight, symbols of longevity and happiness in Japanese culture.
Inside, the bowl features a dense motif of a thousand butterflies, often associated with symbols of transformation and rebirth.
The bowl is signed Sozan under the base within a rectangular reserve.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji end of 19th century.
Dimensions: 8.5 x 16 cm.
State of conservation: Very ...
The front of this Tibetan Flint Pouch is decorated with silver and bronze ornamentation and an inset coral bead. The back is decorated with bronze buttons to protect the leather from excessive wear. The pouch still has its original leather strap which would have been used to secure the pouch to the wearers belt.
Flint was an essential and valuable item for nomadic and indigenous cultures and as such was frequently carries in pouch specifically designed for its use.
This is truly a museum worthy piece from the great satsuma artist, Seikozan. It is probably our all time favorite example from this artist. This vase is the mate to another one we sold. Likely months of work went into this vase and it's literally smothered with intricate enamels and gold work. The vase stands 9 1/2 inches tall. This vase appears to be nearly perfect but it has had a rim chip repair.
A Japanese Satsuma ceramic vase with a globular body that captures attention thanks to its reserves of various shapes.
Inside them, a narrative rich in detail is revealed, in which not only are fascinating scenes of daily life revealed with festive characters, but also spaces are opened up for evocative landscape depictions.
Under the base, the Kizan signature in gold testifies to the authenticity and origin of this work of art.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji end of 19th century.
Dim...