This is an 18th century, or early 19th century Balinese iron buckle, decorated with serpent motifs with gold inlay. There is some age-related rubbing with associated loss to the inlay, as would be expected. There is an inlaid calligraphic inscription to the back of the "fastener," which I have not had translated. The pieces measure, variously, 2-5/8" X 2-1/2" for the buckle, and 2-1/2" X 1-1/2" for the "fastener." The listing is for both pieces.

Chinese 18th Century bronze censer with Xuande mark. 13,5 cm mouth diameter. 18,5 cm wide from ear to ear. 8,3 cm high. Censer in good condition except mouth has smooth dent maybe. but maybe from original cast because no dent at the body.

A fine old ceremonial sake pourer, hisage, hand made from copper and decorated with shochikubai (pine, plum and bamboo), minogame and cranes. Also present are two prominent Tokugawa family crests and on the handle three 16 petalled chrysanthemum crests and another on the rear handle mount. 19th century or earlier. Fine work.

The body of the pourer has probably been raised from one sheet of copper...

A fine pottery dark blue and white Staffordshire platter, transfer printed in the "Birds and Fruit" pattern. Unmarked except for an impressed "12" on the reverse, but attributed to John Hall & Sons, Burslem, England.

The central scene features two birds amidst a panoply of fruit, including pears, strawberries, blackberries, grapes, etc. The cavetto and wide rim has a border of flowers and foliage...

An Antique Bulgarian belt with a large, brass buckle that is embellished with intricate damascene carvings of flowers and a raised portion of double domes topped with an image of a woman's profile at it's center. The main buckle is framed by to lesser domes. The buckle has a hook hinge in the back and is secured with a chain and pin closure...

Antique Japanese 2 section isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing), made of kiri (paulownia) wood. The top section has two large drawers and the bottom section has two drawers of different widths. The lower right hand corner has a hinged safe box door which opens to reveal two small interior drawers. Hardware is made of iron and includes square lock plates and square drawer pulls.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 40 1/2" high x 38" wide x 16 3/4" deep

During the Qing Dynasty, the feathers of the kingfisher bird were used to create ornaments for woman to attach to clothing and/or wear in their hair... Through the 1800's These ornaments were made and formed with heavy paper (light weight cardboard...) They had large areas of feathers and the edges of the paper form were bordered with gold paint...and the ornaments were often domed By the early 1900's the bird were becoming rare almost extinct ...so intricate and smaller sections of fea...

Antique Japanese isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing), made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. The top section has two large drawers while the bottom section has two large drawers with two small drawers in the lower right hand corner. The drawers, which are made entirely of kiri wood, have two hand holds cut into the interior sides for carrying. Hardware is made of blackened iron with round lock plates, corner and side bracing...

This woven Tibetan container would have been used to hold a pair of wooden tea bowls...there is an interior separator (removable) which allows for the separation of tea bowls. Hand made using plant materials (hemp) and rattan with leather closures Bowls would have been packed into container such as this when traveling... and from the condition of this one...it has traveled many times. The container is 6 inches diameter at the top and 4 inches high...well aged fair condition...

This is a Japanese antique Hemp kasuri child kimono. It has a thin slight stain. But that doesn't stand out. It has no damage and is in very good condition. I would recommend it to your collection. Size:Length:90cm / 35.4inch Cuff to cuff, across the back: 102cm / 40.１inch

Elaborate, Antique, Chinese bird cage constructed with various beautiful woods-thin reeds, boxwood and huilli. The bird cage has a doomed top with carved flowers and a brass hook for hanging. The exterior has carved wood images of dragons and 3 bone carvings structures on the front. The interior has 2 ornate porcelain hand painted bird feeders from the 19th and 20th century. There are 4 hanging pendants with agate and stone carvings...

Antique Chinese hardwood desk made from attractive Jumu (Elm) wood with the original finish. The traditional construction is solid wood with one drawer with a brass ring pull. Simple in design with a beautiful grain.

Dimensions: 40" X 19" X 31.5"

Date: Early 19th C.

A hand woven Chinese kossu tapestry with gold foiled tread accents depicting a day of leisure in Chinese life. A scholar is studying in a pavilion, 2 people are walking by a fence, and 2 men are fishing. The background is blue and the color is even throughout. Presently, it is out of frame. The last photo shows it in frame. We can ship with or without frame. Provenance: Duke University. Measures 9.5 inches by 11.5". Dates circa 1880 - 1910

Oshi-e, litterally "pressed picture" which is made of fragments of antique European print and Japanese silk and the motif is a civilian man in Edo period. The history of Oshi-e date back to Heian period, found in Shosoin Treasures (around 10th century) It was very popular toy in Edo period with motif of Kabuki Theatre actors. The ground paper is "Itame-gami" which is ten layers of washi and has thin cotton lining so that it looks like a shallow relief. In good condition...

Oshi-e, litterally "pressed picture" which is made of fragments of antique European prints and the motif is a young woman in Edo period. The history of Oshi-e date back to Heian period, found in Shosoin Treasures (around 10th century) It was very popular toy in Edo period with motif of Kabuki Theatre actors. The ground paper is "Itame-gami" which is ten layers of washi and has thin cotton lining so that it looks like a shallow relief...

Antique Tibetan Buddhist ritualistic bone flute, or kangling. The kangling produces a wailing sound, meant to create a mystical atmosphere during tantric rituals. It is played as a gesture of fearlessness and as a way of cutting off the ego. With silver mounts intricately decorated with floral scrolls and inlaid with turquoise and coral. Provenance Ashby Collection

19th century Dimensions: 12 1/4" L x 3" W

Antique Tibetan Dzi bead, agate with 8 eyes. The mystical Dzi beads are implements of ancient Tibetan and other Asian cultures for several hundreds of thousands of years. Dzi beads are believed to hold magical properties bringing prosperity and protection to whomever wore these beads.
They are also thought to hold medicinal properties, and so can be characterized by the "dig marks" left over the surface of the bead, where a small portion has been scraped away to be ingested...

A charming Japanese chawan or tea ceremony bowl, with satsuma yaki ware crackle underglaze painted in polychrome enamels with gold gilt touches, delicate imagery of flowers and gentle breezes with a single butterfly.

19th century Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 5 1/8" w x 2 1/4" h

Antique Tibetan Buddhist ritualistic bone flute, or kangling. The kangling produces a wailing sound, meant to create a mystical atmosphere during tantric rituals. It is played as a gesture of fearlessness and as a way of cutting off the ego. With silver mounts intricately decorated with floral motifs and dragons, inlaid with turquoise. Provenance Ashby Collection.

Dates from 19th century Dimensions: 8 1/2" l x 2 1/2" w

Japanese gusoku bitsu (carrying box for samurai armor). Made of kiri (paulownia) wood and lacquered red and black. Iron hardware and side handles for carrying. Top lifts off. Decorated with the mon (family crest) of the Asano Clan.

Dimensions: 15 1/2" w x 21" h

A large, heavy Japanese bronze temple bell or bonsho, with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu, protrusions called chi chi or nyu to improve resonance of sound, the tsuki-za striking panels, and the mei-bun inscription of the bell's history...

Egyptian bronze pair of cat figures with overall wear and green patina. Pierced holds through the mouths, heads, necks, and bases suggest they may have once been finials or other component to a large piece. On custom base. Possibly 12th century

Dimensions: 1" w x 1 1/2" d x 3 3/4" h (each cat), 5 1/4" w x 3 1/4" d x 4 3/4" h (entire stand)

A heavily potted Arita porcelain dish featuring a rural pavilion beside a waterfall, the moulded cavetto with a celadon glaze. The blue and white landscape with touches of iron-red and gold enamel.

Arita, circa 1750 ~ 1780.

Approximately 22.5cm diameter...

An attractive Japanese porcelain dish, the blue & white decoration depicting the King of Beasts and the Queen of Flowers. The Lion-Dog and the Peony, shi-shi and botan in Japan, represent bravery and elegance . A popular motif.

Arita, circa 1790.

Approximately 29 cm diameter...

An Arita porcelain plate (#2) decorated with a leaping carp within a moulded border based upon Chinese Ming export porcelain, ‘Kraak’ style. The dishes have faux chattering in imitation of Wanli Kraak dishes.

Arita, 1750 - 1780.

Approximately 21.5cm diameter. Perfect condition.

Please study the photographs.

Within the UK payment by bank transfer is preferred.

Customers resident in China must make arrangements to pay by International Bank Transfer in G...

A Very Fine Korean Goryo Bronze Mirror with a Sailing Ship-14th C.: Korea, Goryo dynasty, 13th -14th century. The design is cast in high relief on the obverse of this Mirror depicts a ship sailing on a stormy sea. A large dragon arises from the upper left and right with clouds of spray cap the surging waves. At the top, above the ship’s banner, are four-character inscriptions in archaic seal style script: Huang Pi Chang Chon (clear, vast, luminous heaven) with a good silver-greenish...

This extraordinary cha-ire (powdered tea container) displays an excellent glaze that appears to have only grown more intricate and rich with time. Contrasting against a reddish brown background are flows and pools of darker glaze along with lighter textured speckles. On the base is a stamp indicating that this piece is a type of Shidoru-yaki and the overall appearance shows quite some age.

Shidoro-yaki is a type of Mino-ware that has a long history stretching back as far as the Muro...

Occasionally while browsing through the temple markets of Kyoto or perusing backstreets tea-ware shops, an attractive piece will catch my eye for no particular reason. When this happens, I typically buy it immediately without hesitation, trusting that I will be able to place it to a specific period or kiln given enough time and research. In some cases however, this proves to be a fruitless task and I am left only to appreciate the beauty and form of the object without having access to too many d...

Japanese two section mizuya (kitchen tansu for storage). Constructed of Hinoki (cypress) wood frame with Sugi (cedar) wood, original dark finish. The top section holds a compartment behind pair of sliding panels with Keyaki (zelkova) wood details, open work carving and wire for ventilation. Next to this is a larger compartment with sliding panels with vertical iron studded slats and Keyaki hardwood insert. Below are eight drawers of varying size, opened by iron pulls, with Keyaki burl front pane...

An oak leaf shaped moulded dish of six-sun size in “Ko Sometsuke” style decorated in underglaze blue with three seated figures sitting around a low table with a typical Chinese style landscape of mountainous islets in a costal setting with a Ting, small pavilion in the foreground. The reverse decorated with prunus blossom sprigs and a seal for the Kameyama kiln in the centre of the foot-ring. Dating late Edo, Tenpo era. The kiln was established on the slopes of Mount Kazagashira near Nagasa...

Unusual Japanese single section isho tansu from the Sendai region, made of solid Keyaki (zelkova) hardwood with burl front panels. The iron hardware and mounts have floral motifs throughout. The corner plates have scalloped edges, the drawer pulls are mokko (melon) shaped with chrysanthemums mounts, the round lock plates are incised with Kiri leaf mon and two are outlined with scrolling vine motifs. The safe door opens to reveal three inner drawers for small valuables.

Meiji peri...

Antique Korean low table, of a rounded form with raised, scalloped flower petal edges. The apron below is openwork carved with scrolling vine motifs and double happiness symbols. The table's top is highly decorative with fine inlay work of brass, shell, and shagreen, creating a depiction of a phoenix and a serpentine dragon. The edges of the table top are decorated with various scholar's objects, such as a gourd bottle, an endless knot, and a gunbai fan. The ground of the table is done in dark l...

Another wonderful example of the beauty of Shino-yaki from the early Edo Period: Little deformed cylinder (hazutsu) shaped, in the style of shino ware - the bowl shows finger marks from throwing; foot ring and bottom have been cut with a potters knife. Typical for a Nezumi-Shino shino bowl, the light, unrefined Mino clay has been covered with an iron bearing engobe - with the exception of the bottom area.

A floral decoration on the wall and a circle inside near the brim has been i...

Antique Japanese 2-section isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing) from Yonezawa Area. Drawer fronts are made of kiri (paulownia) wood, frame is made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood. 4 large drawers and 2 small drawers. Iron hardware includes round lockplates with butterfly mon (family crests) of the Taira Clan.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 41 1/2" high x 35 1/2" wide x 15 3/4" deep.

A Japanese copper writing box used for paper and writing supplies. The lid is engraved with grape leaves and grape clusters. The border is nail studded. The interior is beige velvet.

Date: Taisho c1920

Dimensions: 11" X 9.25" X 2.75"

A Nihon Matsu tansu with hinoki (cypress) wood drawers. The round lock plates on each drawer feature a bird and bamboo leaf motif. There are 4 large drawers with spacious interiors and on the right lower side is a safe box door with key with two interior drawers.

Date: Meiji c1900

Dimensions: 51" X 45" X 17.5"

A large round Ottoman Empire hammered copper tray with verdigris patina throughout. The Qajar-themed artwork depicts various men, women, and animals. Figures are shown playing music, some on horseback in battle skirmishes or hunting with their swords, bows and arrows, and spears. The figures are shown in a repeating pattern against a floral scroll ground. The tray sits on a folding hardwood stand to be used as a side table.

19th century

Dimensions: 23" w x 1 3/4" h (tray...

Chinese blue and white porcelain planter, decorated with cobalt blue underglaze designs of scrolling vines and flowers and three round medallions depicting waterside scenes, rock formations in the background and fishermen, huts, and pine trees in the foreground. The inner and outer rim are decorated with a band of floral scrolls and flowers. The foot tapers slightly and is decorated with a band of various auspicious objects.

Dates from the 19th century Dimensions: 9 3/4" w x...

A rare, large architectural Buddhist temple carving of a Dragon (Ryu), with reverse glass painted eye. The high relief carvings show the dragon's body coiled behind clouds of smoke and waves. Its serpentine body reveals his 3 appendages with classic three claw anatomy. The relief is solid keyaki "zelkova serrata" wood with the original red patina. The dragon which symbolizes the heavenly realm has control of rain, fire, and earth. Dragons are the powerful embodiment of yin and yang and are se...

Dating to the early days of the 20th century, this brass spirit kettle was made by WMF of Germany, in the Jugendstil or Secessionist design. WMF stands for Wertembergische Metallwarefabrik, a German tableware company founded in 1853. Always of high quality and still in existence, they were well known for their excellent and iconic designs, from Art Nouveau through the Secessionist, Jugendstil eras, including Art Deco. This brass spirit kettle dates to approximately 1905, and embodies the clas...

An Ai Kakiemon dish decorated with a repeating pattern of Hosoge, flowers of Precious appearance, which in this case would appear to be representations of auspicious Pomegranate fruits constructed from Ruyi, Acanthus style leaves and other disparate elements. The ring of Hosoge pierced by a circlet binding them together with a central motif of a gobenka. The reverse decorated with a lotus arabesque, karakusa, and a stylised fuku mark within a double square; a mark exclusively used by the Kaki...

Antique Vietnamese polychromed figure of a standing Buddha, with red, black, and gold gilt lacquer traces. He stands on a lotus pedestal atop a wood platform. With small losses consistent with age.

Circa 1900

Dimensions: 7 1/2" w x 6 3/4" d x 17 3/4" h

A finely potted Hirado dish featuring three figures wearing capes and carrying heavy packages upon their backs descending down a high mountain trail. Inferred by the small gnarled Pine trees on the wayside. Although no particular scene is identifiable the figures are in Hokusai “style”. The reverse is painted with a Karakusa arabesque and has a single spur mark within the base of the footring. The dish dates to the late Edo period and the middle of the 19th century. The dish measures 18...

A finely potted six sun sized dish decorated with a traveller clutching his hat and leaning into a cold wind before a snow covered Mount Fuji. The design would appear to be derived from a print of travellers in the Mishima pass, one of the 36 views of Mount Fuji. The reverse painted with a Karakusa arabesque with a single spur mark to the base. The dish dates to the late Edo period and the middle of the 19th century. The dish measures 18.2cm in diameter and stands 3.4cm high at the rim. It we...

A well potted Hirado six-sun dish painted with a landscape with figures in the distance fording a river. This would appear to be a representation of the arduous crossing on the river Oi part of the Tokaido, probably derived from a topographical view, such as the Tokaide meisho ichiran, or similar. The reverse painted with a Karakusa arabesque with a single spur mark to the base. The dish dates to the late Edo period and the middle of the 19th century. The dish measures 18.2cm in diameter an...

A finely potted six-sun dish painted with the subject of two fisherman in a boat in the style Of Hokusai. The design is probably derived from several sources, notably the prints “Fishing in Rough Water” at Takamizawa, one of the 100 views of Mount Fuji and “Long line Fishing” on the Miyato river. The reverse painted with a Karakusa arabesque with a single spur mark to the base. The dish dates to the late Edo period and the middle of the 19th century. The dish measures 18.2cm in diameter...

An Arita dish decorated entirely with a dense arabesque of trailing bush clover vine and leaf with flowers, lotuses. This design belongs to a class of designs called hosoge which ultimately derive from Chinese patterns of the Tang period. This particular form, popular from the seventeenth century, features Bush Clover, Hagi one of the auspicious akikusa-de, and is known as Hagi Karakusa, where karakusa means Chinese (literally Tang) grasses. This type of design would have required great dexteri...

An Arita dish decorated entirely with a dense arabesque of trailing bush clover vine and leaf with flowers, lotuses These belong to a class of design called hosoge which ultimately derive from Chinese patterns of the Tang period. This particular form popular from the seventeenth century features Bush Clover, Hagi one of the auspicious akikusa-de, and is known as Hagi Karakusa, where karakusa means Chinese (literally Tang) grasses. This type of design would have required great dexterity and skil...

A nagazara of conventional rectangular form decorated somenishikide style, a combination of underglaze blue, sometsuke, and, nishikide, enamelled decoration. Nishiki literally means brocade. In this case a dense diaper pattern made up of repeating and contrasting cells of Karahana against an iron red ground and five petal flowers, presumably, ume hana, Plum flowers against a striated green ground, usually used to suggest pine needles. Inset within the brocade ground niche shaped reserves with st...

A nagazara of conventional rectangular form decorated somenishikide style, a combination of underglaze blue, sometsuke, and, nishikide, enamelled decoration. Nishiki literally means brocade. In this case a dense diaper pattern made up of repeating and contrasting cells of Karahana against an iron red ground and five petal flowers, presumably, ume hana, Plum flowers against a striated green ground, usually used to suggest pine needles. Inset within the brocade ground niche shaped reserves with st...

Antique Japanese large single section todana tansu. Made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood. This piece 4 horizontal rows with 4 drawers in each row for a total of 16 drawers. All of them are the same size. The hardware is made of iron and each drawer has a warabite shaped drawer pull.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 29" high x 65 1/2" wide x 17 1/8" deep.

A genuine original copper engraved plan of the Chinese city of Quinzay (Hangchow) based upon the account given by Marco Polo in the late 12 century. From Mathew Merian's 'Topographica' published in Frankfort in 1638. Hand coloured. Image size 18.1 x 25 cm. Two sheets joined as published, some browning on far left border.

A Japanese bronze ritual brazier from the Muromachi period. It has an even tonal verdigris patina throughout the object. The scalloped edge lip is decorated with alternating Ruyi cutouts and continuous curved lines.

The low brazier rests on 3 protruding rounded feet elevating it for the ideal purpose of burning scented woods or providing warmth. The Chinese term for Ruyi means “as you wish.” The curved decorative Lingzi (mushroom scepter) serves in ceremonial Chinese Buddhist r...

Japanese women's small tansu with hardwood drawers, and charming burl front panels. The gilt copper hardware conveys floral motifs of Kiri leaves, flower petals, and fruit. The chest is configured with eight drawers of varied size and a pair of small sliding door panels opening to a roomy compartment. Each drawer has a plush black material lining.

Taisho Period - circa 1920's

Dimensions: 21 1/4" l x 11 3/4" d x 11 3/8" h

Japanese hand-forged iron jizai, used for suspending a tea kettle over a fire pit within the home. Made with a charming iron fish with incised details of scales, face, and separately attached fins.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 8" w x 48" - 53" long

A stunning Chinese porcelain Dayazhai-type jar grisaille painted with yellow ground. The monochromatic imagery of black and grey peonies against a yellow enamel ground scrolls around the body under a band of ruyi heads below a band of key-fret. With descriptive tag on the base "From the Hall of Embodied Harmony". There is also a Museum Porcelain Exhibition tag. The tag has some losses but shows that the Exhibition was in the 1960's - item #238. It appears to be ...ingham, AR

Date:App...

Antique Chinese vase with lid, made of green jadeite, with 8 faceted sides. Carved with scrolling floral motifs and filigree, with open carved filigree handles. The lid has a large finial over carved drapery. The base is carved with a lotus form over the tall, deeply recessed foot.

Dimensions: 4" w x 3 1/2" d x 11 3/4" h

Antique hand-woven bamboo basket, originating from the Jarai culture in Vietnam. Secured with wood frame, baskets of this kind were primarily used for collecting and storing rice. The lid is woven with a tall, wood finial with pierced hole for securing it down with ties. The sides of the basket are woven with alternating darker and lighter bamboo to create a pair of bands over a geometric diamond design, with remnants of red pigments.

Dimensions: 14 1/2" W x 34 1/2" H

Antique hand-woven basket, originating from the Jarai culture in Vietnam. Secured with wood frame, with rope shoulder strap for carrying. Baskets of this kind were primarily used for collecting and storing rice. The lid is woven with concentric circle design.

Dimensions: 13" W x 22 1/2" H

Sodenashi (vest) made of silk crepe fragments which are: katazome (stencil-resist-dye), stripes with yama-mayu (wild silk), itajime (clamp-board dye), plain etc. All vegetable dye such as indigo, benibana (safflower), shikon (root of purple grass). In excellent condition. The second half of the 19th century. 37cm x 57cm