Relics of the Nile is very pleased to present this superb rare ancient Egyptian necklace composed of New Kingdom faience tubular beads (read below for information regarding how the beads were made). The beads are multi-colored and are brilliant in every way, displaying colors of red, white, very bright blue, green, rust, and more! The thick blue and green faience was extremely popular during this period. The length of the necklace measures a very nice 17" in length...
Ca. 1700s or earlier
Hollow cast in coppery-bronze. Two similar images depict Buddha in “Earth touching” mudra. Both are heavy castings, having an even, dark brown patina and hollow interiors with old brown patina and light traces of verdigris. The backs of both pedestals are cast with a lopp just below the seated Buddha and these were used to secure these two smaller images to a larger altarpiece...
Ca. 1400s
Well potted with thick, even celadon glaze overall except for the unglazed base and foot. The glaze is of a deep green tone and crackled all over covering the interior of the neck as well. Three floral form appliques decorate the shoulder just below three concentric rings leading up to the neck. A few minor earth stains remain from burial. Overall very good condition.
Diameter: 2 5/8 in., Height: 3 ½ in.
A Very Rare Imperial/Incised Celadon Glazed Cup-stand:
Korea, Koryo Dynasty, 12th Century
This is a very high quality and imperial celadon glazed cup-stand,
the domed corner incised with lotus petals within a raised ring,
enclosed pendent leaves the broad reverted rim divided into eight foliages,
evenly applied overall with a fine celadon glaze with 5 spur marks on the bottom.
It is in excellent condition without any damages. Measures 6 1/4” x 1 5/8”h
Old silk kesa, an outer garment worn by Japanese Buddhist priests. Kesas were originally made from old scraps of material donated to the temples. The scraps became finer and quite luxious with time. People who gave to Buddhist institutions were often keen to give very expensive items, so some fabulous kesas were created from wonderful silk brocades. This could also mean that the wealthier temples ended up collecting better fabrics or were able to send out for expensive custom made kesas...
Spectacular Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Lion Mask used on the head of a float for the Gion
Festival. This huge mask is an arresting image to behold. This fabulous
carving is heavily lacquered in red, black and gold. The head can be raised to
show his open mouth, creating a very impressive and imposing presence to behold. 38 inches (96.5 cm)w x 25 inches (63.5 cm)h x 24 inches (61 cm)d...
17th Century Early Edo Period Spectacular Japanese Temple Sculpture of Baku, a mythical beast loosely representing an Elephant with a combination of other animals, creating an
original form. The Baku is the "Dream Catcher" of ancient Japanese Shinto mythology. It is inserted in the
ceiling to watch over the temple. This Baku is a masterpiece sculpture of
magnificent presence. It will surely be the focal point in any environment...
Museum Quality Early 18th Century Edo Period (circa 1700) Gilded Japanese Sculpture of Amida Nyorai Buddha. Seated cross-legged in the lotus posture, hands joined in the mudra of contemplation, eyes all but closed in meditation, we are gazing upon the sculptor's vision of Amida enthroned in paradise. The elaborately carved lotus upon which he sits is itself a symbol of the attributes of the Amida Buddha: gentleness, openness, and purity...
Meiji Period (circa 1890) Japanese Hago-ita (Battledore or Badminton) Paddle in its original display case. It is very rare to find one from this time period, especially with its original case. A deluxe example that is enhanced with three dimensional objects. We
have never seen such a wonderful and elaborate Hago-ita. 26 inches 66 cm) tall with case. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Late Edo Period (1850-1868) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) wearing an Eboshi, a court hat and robes with
crests. He is seated in a court position and has a handsomely caved face. His silk fiber hairs are
tied in a top knot. This is a well executed example. 11 inches (28cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Very Old Edo Period (circa 1720) Extremely Rare Set of Three Female Musicians for Hina Matsuri (Girls Day Festival) Almost all musician dolls were male, making this group highly unusual, especially from the 18th century. They have the most wonderful features painted
on carved wood covered with burnished gofun (oyster shell lacquer). The textiles are
chirimen silk. 8.75 inches (22.5 cm) tall...
Early Meiji Period (circa 1870) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) of Emperor Ojin, Japan's first historically verified emperor. He has been deified as Hachiman Daimyojin, regarded as the guardian of warriors. This boys day figure is gorgeous in every way. The brocades are so sumptuous and the face is magnificent. He is wearing a Kabuto (court hat) and holding a long battle baton complete with a sword. The figure is 14 inches (35.5 cm) tall, and the overall height is 24.5 inches (62cm)...
Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) depicting the Legendary Toyotomi Hideyoshi, seated in court
position wearing dramatic brocades and gold lacquered armor, a gembun fan in
his right hand and wearing a classic winged cap. His face is finely carved with a
regal expression. This Ningyô is Meiji craftsmanship at its best. 14.5 inches, 37 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Extremely Rare 18th Century Edo Period (circa 1780) Musha Ningyô (Japanese Boys Day Figures)
representing the famed brave warrior, Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611), who accompanied Hideyoshi on his
campaign against Korea. He is gloriously represented here, along with his attendant holding a banner of a Buddhist prayer, in this
spectacular Ningyô. Kato is wearing sumptuous brocades, a black velvet trim robe with gold
trim and is holding a spear with a sword at his side...
Edo Period (circa 1820) Japanese Daki Ningyô (Hugging Doll) standing at the unusual height of 27.5 inches (70 cm), making him a very rare and striking figure. It is most uncommon to see this type of Ningyô outside of Japan, for they are highly prized by the Japanese. A widely held theory has it that these dolls were commissioned by patrons of Geisha as presentation gifts. This one is outstanding in every way. It has a wonderfully expressive face and conveys a very happy spirit. He wears a spec...
Extremely Rare 18th Century Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day) Dolls, Samurai Set. Ningyô this early almost never appear for sale, much less with all of its original accessories, as we have here with this very fine, scarce, museum quality pair. We are very proud to offer this set. They have finely carved faces, and are lacquered with many coats of Gofun (Oyster Shell). They are adorned with sumptuous silk brocades and silk armor, indicative of mid Edo Period Ningyô artists. This set is a treasu...
Meiji Period (circa 1900) Japanese Satsuma Vase. A very beautiful example of Satsuma
ware, featuring a spectacular eagle on a pine tree, both Japanese symbols of dignity, in thick gold and color
enamels on a cream field. A classically shaped vase with a rich image. 10 inches, 25.5 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Rare, Early Japanese Satsuma Censer. A fine example of Satsuma ware with beautiful complex underglazes of gold, red, blue, green and white, and featuring auspicious
Crane and Floral motifs, creating a beautiful design on a gorgeous shape with
stunning handles and cast silver top of raised flowers. A great find for the
Satsuma collector. Late 18th Century Edo Period. 3 inches (7.5cm)h, 4 inches (10cm)w. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolita...