Large Chinese Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) iridescent green glazed tapering ovoid form burial jar decorated with a band of well molded animal forms extending around the upper circumference of the jar. Lead glazes of the Han period are primarily green, in various shades. Measures 7"H x 8" diameter. The mouth and base have the typical indications of the Han firing process. Small remnants of the clay support from the kiln are visible at the lower base and at the mouth where the jar was d ...click for details
Japanese "aka-e" (red) Kutani porcelain deep bowl decorated in overglaze rust-red and polychrome enamels with gilt highlights and featuring a central scene with a peacock on a craggy ledge in a landscape with flowering plants and a bird overhead. The interior and exterior sides are decorated with alternating floral and geometric panels. The base holds a red mark reading in Japanese "Kutani" plus an additional unidentified mark. 8 ½” diameter x 3 ½” high. Meiji period (late ...click for details
Japanese round-form bronze kagami (mirror) decorated in high relief with a finely detailed motif of crane and its young among pines. The perforated knob in the center, which holds a tassel, is in the form of a tortoise. There is an inscription at one side (see enlargement 6). 19th century (Edo period). 4 3/4" diameter with a 3/4" high rim. Excellent condition. For centuries, mirrors were customarily given to temples and shrines as offerings to deities. According to Merrily Baird in &q ...click for details
Japanese Satsuma foliate form deep dish densely decorated in polychrome enamels and gilt with Rakans in a landscape setting. Two dragons executed in relief and with moriage highlights encircle the inner edge, with heads and tails ending at two gilt Satsuma family crests. The base is marked in gold with Satsuma and the studio mark. 8 3/8” diameter. Meiji period (circa 1900). This is a very heavily potted plate in very good overall condition. There is a large chip with an original lacquer re ...click for details
Oban diptych by Taiso Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) titled “The Story of the Strong Woman Takashima Oiko of Omi Province” from the series "A New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures." The print depicts Takashima Oiko leading Saeki Urinaga home in an effort to strengthen him for a wrestling match. The artist's signature and Taiso seal are at the lower left. The lower left margin contains the date of "Meiji 22" (1889). The title cartouche is at the upper right. Published by Tsu ...click for details
Japanese Taisho period upright honbako, or book case, designed for the storage of books and documents. A single drop-fit front door conceals 10 stacking interior open shelves. Sumi ink calligraphy on the front and sides include the family name, Matsuda, and the date of Taisho 5 (1916). 29”H x 10 ½”W 10 ¾”D. Very good overall condition with some wear to one back corner (see enlargement 9). Also called sho-dansu, chests for storing bound literary material rose in popularity concurrent with th ...click for details
Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) featuring two beauties from Act 5 of "Chushingura e-kyodai" (Matching Pictures of Chushingura) dated 1859. "Chushingura" is also known as the "Tale of the Forty-seven Ronin." The censor's seal and the seal of the publisher, Moriya Jihei, are at the bottom of the print. The signature of the artist (signed "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche with yellow snow) is located at the bott ...click for details
Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) depicting a lively scene from Act 11 of "Chushingura e-kyodai" (Matching Pictures of Chushingura) dated 1859. "Chushingura" is also known as the "Tale of the Forty-seven Ronin." The seal of the publisher, Moriya Jihei, the censor seal, and the signature of the artist (signed "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche with yellow snow) are all located at the lower right. Standard vertical ob ...click for details
Chinese late Qing (early 20th century) hexagonal form teapot or tea/wine warmer. Each side is stamped with "Eight Precious Emblems." It stands about 5” high and measures about 4 ¼” across at the widest point. Very good overall condition except for a few tiny chips. The inset portion does not seem to fit completely flush with the top. The lid appears to be a replacement. This form of teapot is illustrated on page 182 (plate 218) of the K. S. Lo Collection in the Flagstaff House Mu ...click for details
Chinese late Qing (late 19th century) green glazed Shiwan pottery hexagonal form teapot with a pouring spout, small lid, and carrying handle. Measures about 8 3/4"H (to top of handle) x 7 1/2" diameter. Very good overall condition with a nicely executed repair to one handle flange (see enlargement 7). An illustration of a similar teapot can be found on page 51, plate 12 of "Shiwan Ceramics: Beauty, Color, and Passion" by Fredrikke S. Scollard and Terese Tse Bartholomew, Ch ...click for details
