A large and very rare Anthropomorphic lidded bronze Lime Container, Bronze and Iron Age period, 3, Indonesia (Java, possible Lumajang, Pasiran), dating 2nd. century BC-1st. century AD.
Cylindrical body with a lid and extensive line and zig-zag decorations on the face body with applied bronze thread. On the lid a large archaic head of a female with elaborate applied hair, facial details and large earrings...
Eastern Javanese, Majapahit Dynasty, 14th.-15th Century AD.
Red clay figure of corpulent form, incised with decorative details of the tail, scales and head of a magnificient rendering of a fat fish. Exudes a lively, robust personality. The long tradition of trade between China and Java culminated with the establishment of a trading colony in 1297. The Chinese were subsequently responsible for the first regular use of coins in Java which became widespread in the 15th century...
A rare and highly interesting early Indonesian bronze figure of a Peacock or Cock on a double Lotus throne, Central Java, 9th. century AD.
A very elaborate figure, ornamental in the form of a stylized peacock or cock, with and impressive tail. unusual and very rare example of early Indonesian Buddhist bronze sculptural art...
19th century netsuke carved as Amida Buddha sitting with his hands in jo-in mudra - hand gesture signifying concentration. Amida (Amitabha) - "The Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life” - is the principal buddha in Pure Land Buddhism. Excellent carving of his facial expression of quiet meditation, beautiful rhythm to the flow of the folds of his robe, remnants of gold lacquer on his hair. Wonderful staining and patina, very pleasant to hold. Height 1 9/16 inches.
Late 18th to early 19th century Kyoto school netsuke of a dog wearing a collar with its head turned back while resting the front of its body on a ball. Strong piece, superb carving to the last detail, fantastic hairwork, beautiful flow to its tail and bumpy spine, large eyes inlaid with dark horn. Wonderful wear and patina consistent with age, great classic netsuke. Height 1 13/16 inches.
Ko-sometsuke porcelain was produced specifically for the Japanese market during the final decades of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). A small Japanese porcelain plate glazed with 3 images of a person on an island, a row boat and mountain.
Dimensions: diameter 6" X 1.5"
Date: 17th C
Chinese yixing zisha teapot. Good conditions. 11 cm wide, 6,5 cm high.
19th century netsuke carved as a group of four seals - two of simple square section, one in a shape of a natural lotus bud stem (its stem serving as himotoshi), and one with shishi and ball finial. Elegant design in Japanese taste, bottoms are carved with raised and sunken characters in seal script and stained to resemble real seals - one of them could be a signature of the carver. Possibly made for a silk merchant - the seals resemble actual chops used for stamping silks...
A medium sized Japanese Oribe dish with a rich, brilliant green glaze and plum blossom brush painting. The crackle in the glaze adds to the design and the edging is painted. The bottom is unglazed and has 4 indented strips. Invented in Japan in 1605, Oribe ware introduced vivid pattern and color to a ceramics tradition that had previously favored somber, monochrome designs.
Dimensions: 9.5" diameter
Date: circa 18th C
This is a pale celadon and russet jade plaque, dating to the Qing dynasty. The piece is entirely worked by hand, with no indication of modern/machine carving (or re-carving). It measures 2-1/2 inches in length and has been perforated lengthwise to permit it to be strung with a cord and worn. The reverse side has been carved with a series of symbols. Please see the photos, as they are part of the description. Custom stand included.
A mid-century 18th C Japanese Tosa school six panel byobu painted screen. Rimpa paint of gofun paper with gold leafed clouds dividing each of the scenes. The screen begins by exposing us to the art of seduction by listening to poetry. The proper approach to a desired lady was through poems written on scented paper of the finest quality by an elegantly dressed go-between of appropriate social ranking...
Japanese 17th century Momoyama Period six panel Byobu painted screen of the Tale of Genji. This remarkable screen is in great form painted with rimpa polychrome mineral paint on gold gilt gofun paper. The composition is complex and it allows the viewers to have a bird's eye view of the scene and events amidst swirling clouds...
Early 18th C Edo period Japanese byobu painted screen of scholars in retreat. It is composed of 2 panels. The screen has a predominate gold leaf ground on gofun paper. Paint composition is a mineral rimpa paint. The subject matter is a belief of mythology made real. Shu-ton (a scholar's attendant) found a longevity turtle that is believed to be 1000 years old. This turtle is also known to be a messenger to the gods. The expression on the master's face reflects wonderment...
A 19th Century Japanese six panel screen of Nara preparing for the Matsuri Wakakusa Yamigaki festival. This elegant bird's eye view of the city of Nara in the Edo period depicts a scree of village life in preparation for the traditional rice festival. Dancing and drinking are on display and the excitement fills the air with anticipation. The Nara temple is the major sponsor of the activities. The temple is open to patronage and veneration. This festival celebrates the rice harvest for the city...
19th century long wooden netsuke of nyoi - a Buddhist scepter carved as a length of a reishi fungus with three fungus heads. Did not photograph well...
Length: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Height: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)
Early Chinese toggle of a recumbent foo dog; natural material; good patina and age wear; good condition
Length: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Height: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)
Early Chinese toggle of a recumbent foo dog; natural material; good patina with wear; age lines on the base; good condition
This early South Coast textile incorporates a two-headed serpent motif, together with a human (or divine) being with arms raised high (sometimes referred to as "the oculate being," because of the prominent, bulging eyes.). Classic south coast imagery, most probably Nazca (Nasca). I included a photograph of a much later related image, dating to perhaps as much as one thousand years later, to show the continuity of the imagery. A comparison of this example to the later, published piece, will show ...