Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (107)

DESCRIPTION: An attractive oval brass box, the hinged lid decorated with a carved carnelian stone at the center with raised brass leaves on either side. Signed at the interior lid, such a box might have been used for snuff, jewelry, cosmetics or medicines. This attractive little box is in excellent condition and dates from the first quarter of the 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 2 ¼” long (5.7 cm) x 1 1/8” wide (2.9 cm) x 1” high (2.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A colorfully painted Tibetan chest with four side drawers having leather strap pulls (two drawers on each side). The chest is painted with green floral panels having red floral borders and is supported by short legs. A carved key fret pattern decorates the neck just below the top. Dating from the 19th C, this chest is in good condition with very minor scuffs to paint. DIMENSIONS: 33” high x 28.5” wide x 18”deep.

DESCRIPTION: An attractive scholar’s brush, the cloisonné handle having colorful vine and floral designs on a black ground. The ferrule and tip are both crafted from turned wood while natural bristles form the full brush. In excellent condition, this is a handsome, well made brush dating from the early 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 13.5" long (34.2 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A nice old Chinese toggle carved from a striated wood in the form of two peaches. The peach is a symbol of longevity, and this thick toggle has a wonderful aged patina that only comes from age and handling. Strung with a cord through the holes under the stems, it would have hung from a sash and been used as a counterweight to a tobacco pouch or other utilitarian object. A wonderful example of Chinese folk art, this toggle dates from the 1700’s...

DESCRIPTION: A beautiful antique Chinese necklace strung with pink coral, turquoise and silver beads. Three silver figural pendants hang from the necklace, including a foo dog, a horse with saddle and bridal, and a child holding a large flower, each with agate beads. Qing Dynasty, excellent condition. DIMENSIONS: 28.5” end to end (72.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A red and gilt ink cake in the form of a turtle with a curled snake on its back. In ancient China, the tortoise and the snake were thought to be spiritual creatures symbolizing longevity. Both the front and back have been finely pressed in raised relief with gilt accents. One of the treasures of the Chinese scholar’s studio, this ink cake is in excellent condition, in its original box, and dates from the first quarter of the 20th C. or earlier. DIMENSIONS: 3” long (7.7 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A beautiful antique Chinese tobacco pipe, elegantly crafted from a long bamboo stem lacquered in red and black. The tip (bit) is carved from a pure white nephrite jade stone that is tapered and then flared to form the lip. The bowl and shank are crafted from silver metal, and bands of brass rings decorate each end. This pipe is in excellent condition and dates from the latter Qing Dynasty. DIMENSIONS: 17 ¼” long (44 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese minority tribe antique silver bracelet, handcrafted from two sturdy silver coils, each twisted and joined to form a braided pattern, with each end terminating in a silver, four-horned dragon head. The woven coils, simulating the dragons’ bodies, and the gap between the horned heads allow the bracelet to be “sized” to any wrist. Very decorative and an authentically old piece of tribal jewelry...

DESCRIPTION: A pair of substantial, deeply carved Chinese doors originating from Zhejiang province and dating from the early 1800’s, Qing dynasty. These handsome, heavy solid elm doors still have all of their original pegs attached, which would have been set into round sockets at the top and bottom, allowing the doors to be opened and closed.

The top panels are carved with flowers and a repeating swastika pattern, the Chinese character meaning good fortune or longevity...

DESCRIPTION: A fine red and gilt Chinese scholar's ink cake in circular form with the front and back molded in relief in the form of a foo dog (shi shi) with tightly curled mane. Both the front and back have raised Chinese characters in relief. Excellent condition in original box, and dating from the first quarter of the 20th C. or earlier. DIMENSIONS: 2 ¾” diameter (7 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A fierce pair of Chinese pottery foo dogs, early Qing, 18th/19th C., covered with a heavy green glaze and seated on pedestals. Each bares its teeth ferociously while holding a ball between their front paws as well as in their mouths. Good detail with finely ribbed backs and curled manes. Very good condition. DIMENSIONS: Each approximately 9 ½” high (24 cm) x 5” wide (12.7 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A heavily cast, six-sided Chinese pewter teapot, the domed lid mounted with a foo dog and the base raised on six feet. Latter Qing Dynasty (19th C.) and in good condition with light usage wear. DIMENSIONS: 8 ¼” high (21 cm) x 7 ½” wide (19 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A Qing dynasty bamboo pipe, possibly used for either opium or tobacco, with a bulbous body crafted from a large segment of giant bamboo. Mounted onto this segment are heavy brass fittings, one for the tubular tobacco bowl with its long brass shaft descending into the body. The other brass tube holds the long, bent bamboo stem that is used to draw the smoke out. Very good condition with a nice patina. DIMENSIONS: 16” high assembled (40.5 cm)...

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese peach toggle (guajian) crafted from a flat piece of burl wood with large spreading leaves, representing longevity in Chinese iconography. Two holes on either side of the stem were used for threading a cord from which this toggle would have been suspended as a counterweight to some other object, such as a tobacco pouch. A nice example of Chinese folk art dating from the mid 1800’s or earlier, this toggle is in overall fine condition with aged patina...

DESCRIPTION: Long acknowledged as masters of porcelain, the Chinese also excelled at pottery making. Qing Dynasty domestic pottery used regional clays and showed distinctive regional styles. This pottery, used for the storage of oil and other household goods, exhibited tremendous, quiet beauty as well as utility...

DESCRIPTION: Long acknowledged as masters of porcelain, the Chinese also excelled at pottery making. Qing Dynasty domestic pottery used regional clays and showed distinctive regional styles. This pottery, used for the storage of oil and other household goods, exhibited tremendous, quiet beauty as well as utility. Crafted of red clay and originating from Jiangxi Provence, this handsome jar is an excellent example with its incised geometric decorations in two-toned brown and yellow ochre glazes...

DESCRIPTION: An antique Chinese boxwood toggle (Guajian) carved as a pair of men’s shoes resting side by side, a symbol of marital harmony and the wish for many sons. The shoes are elaborately carved with hollowed interior, relief banding, and incised designs on all sides including the soles. A hole running through the inner sides of each shoe forms the track used for threading cords from which this toggle would have been suspended as a counterweight to some other object...

DESCRIPTION: A large, carved wood figure of the Chinese deity Guanyin (also Quanyin, or Kwan-yin), seated on a throne with right leg folded and right hand extended in the abhaya mudra position, a gesture of reassurance, blessing and protection (or “do not fear”). Her hair is worn pulled up in a chignon inside her crown, and around her shoulders is draped a short shawl with flowing ribbons. In good, solid condition with minor age wear; early 20th C...

DESCRIPTION: A rare and beautiful Chinese daybed or opium bed (also referred to as a lady's couch bed, lohan, or "ta" bed), the black lacquered wood back and side panels shaped as an unfurled scroll with elaborate decorations including figural scenes, animals, flowers and birds, Chinese poetry and pierced gilt carvings. These surround a rectangular support frame topped with a woven mat seat. Below the seat an elaborately carved skirt stretches between thick, boldly carved legs...

DESCRIPTION: An attractive scholar's calligraphy brush, crafted using long brown horsehair bristles attached to a bulbous ox-horn ferrule and segmented, solid ox- horn shaft. A very handsome brush in good condition from the latter Qing Dynasty, which would have been used for calligraphy or painting. DIMENSIONS: 14” long (35.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: An attractive antique Chinese stoneware jar with wide body and outward turning rim, hand crafted with a pleasing celadon glaze over a raised border of circular designs. In original firing condition and dating from the early 20th C. Though the origin is Chinese, this crock would lend a nice touch of "country" in a cottage or farmhouse setting. DIMENSIONS: 7.5” high (19 cm) x 8” diameter (20.3 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A fine Chinese boxwood water-well basket toggle, intricately carved in an acorn shape with a realistic and detailed basket weave pattern with carved wood rim. The arched overhead handle has a free-carved wood ring attached; the interior is hollowed out. Excellent condition, a beautiful toggle, 19th C. For a similar example see: Schuyler Cammann, Substance and Symbol in Chinese Toggles, #188, p.228. DIMENSIONS: 1-3/4” high.

DESCRIPTION: A large, non-damper opium pipe, consisting of a long bamboo tube terminating at one end with a bowl of brass and copper overlay acting as the saddle, socket and damper. A tapering brass tip finishes the other end. Around the bowl is a double flower design in copper and brass, and on each side is a decorative brass fish with scales...

DESCRIPTION: A fine and very sculptural Chinese Duan ink stone in the form of a bell with a deeply carved water well on one end, and a flaring flat surface on the other for mixing ink. The stone is raised on two elongated prong feet, between which is a five character inscription. Worth noting is the attractive coloring of the stone, best described as a plumb or eggplant color mixed with dashes of scattered sea-green inclusions, often called “eyes.” CONDITION: One tiny chip on raised lip at...

DESCRIPTION: A large and masterfully carved Chinese shou shan stone (soapstone) seal in tall rectangular form, the knob carved with a crouching dragon having both wings tucked back covering its sides, and whose mouth is poised to grasp the sacred pearl. On each flat surface of the base are engraved inscriptions and characters among idyllic scenes of rivers with boats, hills, houses and pavilions. The bottom seal characters leave a positive (red) impression. An outstanding seal in very good co...

DESCRIPTION: Outstanding Japanese porcelain Imari charger, circa 1880, acquired in Brussels, Belgium. This charger is profusely painted in under-glazed blue, red, green and gilt with a central blue medallion of scrolls highlighted in gilt. Surrounding the medallion is a wide border of alternating cartouches enclosing pairs of birds with bamboo leaves, and flowers issuing from rockwork with butterfly. The reverse is painted with three sets of flowering blue branches. Perfect condition, no cracks...

DESCRIPTION: A handsome scholar's calligraphy brush, crafted using a dark brown bamboo for the shaft which connects to a shaped horn ferrule and long, natural bristle brush. One of the "four treasures of the scholar’s studio," this striking scholar’s brush would have been used for calligraphy or painting. This attractive, well made brush dates from the early 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 13.25” long (33.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: This outstanding and rare antique Japanese Tonkotsu, or tobacco box, has been crafted from boxwood in the form of the Three Wise Monkeys, with a beautifully carved Iwazaru, or “Speak no Evil” monkey, serving as the main tobacco container. Mizaru, or “See No Evil”, forms the ojime and Kikazaru, or “Hear No Evil”, forms the netsuke to complete the set. Each of these has been meticulously carved with inlaid eyes and finely delineated fur. The large monkey wears a decora...

DESCRIPTION: This large, boldly decorated early 19th century Japanese Arita sometsuke (blue and white) porcelain dish in square form (“kaku-zara”) is hand painted in deep cobalt blue with a center floral design against thin parallel lines. This center ground is bordered by diaper designs around the raised rim with floral cartouches at each corner. Such a dish was used in Japanese tea ceremonies for serving raw fish or shellfish. The reverse is hand painted with stylized decorations in cobal...

An attractive antique Chinese porcelain plate, hand painted with a large, leaping blue carp with russet colored cross-hatched scales. The carp was an auspicious fish in China and a symbol of perseverance and success, often applied to success in business enterprises and state examinations. In excellent condition (no cracks, chips or hairlines), this deep-dish plate would have served as a large shallow bowl as well. Dating from the Yongzheng to Qianlong Periods (AD 1723 - 1795), this plate is o...

DESCRIPTION: An antique Chinese toggle (guajian), carved from boxwood in the form of a Buddha's hand fruit (or fingered citron), a symbol of happiness, longevity and good fortune in China. The fingered citron is unusually shaped with bright yellow fruit segmented into finger-like sections, resembling a human hand. Highly fragrant, it is used predominantly in China for perfuming rooms and personal items such as clothing. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha prefers the "fingers" of the ...

DESCRIPTION: An appealing Chinese toggle (guajian), carved from Huanghuali wood (a hardwood similar to Rosewood) in the form of a Buddhist lion seated on a plinth with one paw placed on top of a ball. With raised tail, textured fur on his back, and brass studs decorating the eyes and each limb, this foo dog would have been used as a counterweight for a tobacco pouch or other object suspended from a belt. Displaying a luscious patina from use and handling, this little grinning lion is a real ch...

An attractive pair of antique Chinese porcelain plates, each hand painted with a large, leaping blue carp with russet colored cross-hatched scales. The carp was an auspicious fish in China and a symbol of perseverance and success, often applied to success in business enterprises and state examinations. In excellent condition (no cracks, chips or hairlines), this pair of deep-dish plates would have served as large shallow bowls as well. Dating from the Yongzheng to Qianlong Periods (AD 1723 - ...

DESCRIPTION: A lovely, large cuff bracelet crafted from a fine silver filigree mesh with a large center turquoise stone and six smaller stones of turquoise and coral. Around these are raised silver bamboo sprigs decorating the front and two hinged sides. This bracelet is closed with a silver clasp and secured with silver chain. Stamped "SILVER, MADE IN CHINA" on opposing plaques at the clasp. Very good condition; c. 1920's. DIMENSIONS: Interior circumference is 7 3/4" (19.7 cm); adult large...

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese scholar’s calligraphy brush, the brush crafted with natural bristles encased in a horn ferrule. These are secured with a silver band to a pitted green jade handle inscribed with archaic characters and terminating in a round knob. A quality, well made brush in excellent condition, most likely dating to the latter Qing Dynasty to early republic Period. DIMENSIONS: 9 ¼” long (23.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A Qing Dynasty Chinese scroll painting depicting a seated Chinese deity with a large blue foo dog mask in his lap and two attendants at his feet. All figures have ornate colorful robes and auroras around their heads. An inscription can be found at the lower middle between the two attendants. CONDITION: “Waves” in paper from being rolled; colors and images are bright; painting has been remounted on white paper-backed silk. DIMENSIONS: Image is 47 3/4” high (1.21 m) X 20 1/...

DESCRIPTION: It's extremely rare to find a complete suite of matching antique Chinese jewelry; it's even more rare to find them in their original box. This beautiful set consists of a matching silver filigree bracelet, a pair of earrings, a pin and a ring, all having natural turquoise and coral stones set between delicate scrolling silver wire work. The inside lid of the box is stamped, "The Old Friend, 18 Brass Street, Peiping." Dating from the 1920's, the whole suite is in excellent conditi...

DESCRIPTION: Before the availability of electricity and modern irons, this simple but useful implement was produced to iron clothes. The long wood handle is attached to a large cast iron bowl designed to hold hot coals. The bowl has been cast with designs on its outer surface and is shaped with one side flared to protect the worker’s hand. After the bowl absorbed sufficient heat from the coals, it was pressed onto the garment using the flat bottom surface to smooth out wrinkles. Dating fro...

DESCRIPTION: Silver needle cases first appeared in China in the 1700's. Elaborate embroidery has a long tradition in China, and young girls began intensive training in needlework skills by age seven. Given the importance of embroidery in her life, a silver needle case was often presented to a girl as part of her dowry.

This particular case is an extraordinary example. Most silver needle cases held only one container for needles, while this elaborate case has a total of five large silv...

DESCRIPTION: A Qing Dynasty Chinese scroll depicting a plethora of Chinese deities, each in colorful robes of blue, green, yellow and red, and each with an aurora around his head. The deities display different symbols or attributes that identify them to the knowledgeable follower. The artist’s inscription can be found between the two lower left figures.

Chinese mythology has a rich, long history and is a collection of folktales, cultures and religions that have been passed down in ora...

DESCRIPTION: A lovely white jade toggle (or pendant) with scattered light brown to grayish inclusions, strung with an orange amber bead on a cord. This toggle dates from the Qing Dynasty and is in very good condition; the jade surface is quite smooth to the touch and there are no chips to the jade or amber bead. DIMENSIONS: Jade toggle: 1 1/4" long (3.2 cm) x 1" wide (2.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A significant Chinese sculpture featuring a Scholar with his boy attendant, carved from a large slab of burl hardwood. The undulations and knobs of the slightly curving burl slab have been beautifully incorporated into the carving, forming the scholar’s garment and top of his curled hat. The bearded scholar looks slightly upward with a pleasing expression and holds a scroll in his hands. At his side is his young attendant gazing upward with a charming smile. Naturalistic burl c...

DESCRIPTION: A very old Chinese wooden incense holder, crafted in the form of a partially unrolled scroll that bends and folds to form the container. On the edges of the “scroll” is a relief carved key pattern border with traces of gilt; the worn lacquer surface still shows the original designs of a bird, flower, bamboo and Chinese characters. The top of the flat back plate has a shaped and carved design with a center hole for hanging. On its reverse can be seen the old, hand forged iron ...

DESCRIPTION: One of the necessary calligraphy tools on the Chinese scholar’s table was a small container to hold water and drip it onto the inkstone for the purpose of mixing the ground ink. These small but important objects were crafted so that one measured drop at a time could be poured to ensure the proper ratio of ink to water while mixing. This bulbous blue and white ceramic dripper would have been submerged in water to fill, and then held between the thumb and forefinger with the thumb...

DESCRIPTION: A captivating pair of lacquered figural candle pricks, each in the form of a smiling attendant with hand on hip, wearing a banded hat and holding aloft a candle dish. The figures themselves are hand crafted of solid brown lacquer around a wire frame, while the flared bases are wood blocks covered in brown lacquer. This unusual, rare pair date from approximately 1750 – 1850, and are in remarkable condition with the expected age wear to the lacquered surface. DIMENSIONS: Each app...

DESCRIPTION: From our Southeast Asia Collection, a large and classic 19th century Burmese Hsun-ok constructed of wood that was first lacquered in black, and then covered in successive layers of cinnabar colored lacquer called hinthabada. Over time, through use and handling, the cinnabar lacquer has worn off in some areas to reveal the black lacquer base coat underneath, resulting in an attractive negoro effect. This particular vessel has graceful, stepped shoulders, a tall spire with large ce...

DESCRIPTION: A large, ten pronged tortoise shell comb made for the European market (Victorian era, circa 1880-1890). The fashion of the day included large elaborate combs placed in upswept hair, and this one is a real beauty! The curved prongs and scalloped crown are from a single piece of shell which is mounted with three large round beads and two carved triangular designs. Very good condition with only a couple of tiny nits that are difficult to even see. DIMENSIONS: 6 ½” long (16.5 cm...

DESCRIPTION: A pair of polychrome figures engaged in joyful dance, one male and one female, mounted on display stands. These colorful hand carved figures, called "Nats" or nature spirits, are dressed in traditional Thai costumes with the male figure wearing a tiger head cap. Prior to the advent of Buddhism, the Thai people were animists who worshipped a series of nature spirits called Nats. Later these were incorporated into Buddhism and often Nat statues will be found in Buddhist temples. ...

DESCRIPTION: A good Chinese scholar’s brushpot, carved in deep relief with a continuous mountain landscape scene framed by gnarled pine trees and depicting two groups of scholars, some examining a scroll and others in a boat. The base and rim are encased in hardwood and the pot is engraved with a two line inscription. Very good condition, latter Qing Dynasty, 19th to early 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 6 ½” high (16.5 cm) x 6” diameter (15.2 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A large and quite fantastic Sumida Gawa vase with ribbed body, four large figures in high relief, and wide flared mouth. A thick, traditional flambe' glaze in dark brown and white covers the mouth and neck, and flows down the shoulders. Fine attention to detail has been paid to the four large handmade figures, all characters from Japanese lore, standing on ledges against the ribbed body. Inoue (Ryosai) maker's mark in oval-shaped appliqué toward the base, representing a family ...

DESCRIPTION: A large and delightful carved wood figure of one of the seven Japanese gods of good fortune, Daikoku, the deity of prosperity. Here he is seen in his traditional pose, standing on two bales of rice with his wish-granting mallet in his right hand, and a bag of riches slung over his left shoulder. Daikoku is also venerated as the deity of the kitchen where such carvings were traditionally displayed, sometimes in the ceiling rafters for good luck. A wonderful mingei piece, his happ...

DESCRIPTION: This large and impressive Chinese porcelain goose, painted in a famille rose pallet, is seated on folded legs with upturned tail and rests on a raised, fitted wood stand. Modeled with a slightly turned head and erect wings that touch at the tips, the body is enameled in a yellow ground with a pink bat and green scrolling vine motif, the lightly molded and naturalistically marked feathers in shades of blue and green. Unmarked base but judged to be late Qianlong to Jiaqing Periods ...

DESCRIPTION: A large Qing Dynasty artist’s calligraphy brush fashioned from wood and carved in a naturalistic design. The long black bristles are attached to a bulbous ferrule with the handle carved in a design reminiscent of bamboo leaves. This is a substantial, sturdy brush that shows usage wear and minor splitting on the handle. DIMENSIONS: 17 ¼” long (43.8 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A large, boldly colored Chinese ancestor portrait featuring seven generations of mandarins and their wives. Such paintings were commissioned by descendants, and this one is executed in classic ancestral portrait style with the unsmiling subjects facing directly forward and seated on chairs with rounded backs, the men with hands and shoes showing and the women with their robes completely covering hands and feet.

A mandarin was a highly educated civil official who had passed a s...

DESCRIPTION: An unusual and quite old (18th C.) copper box toggle in the form of a peach, the Chinese symbol of longevity. Probably used as both a toggle and tobacco container, the two halves have a tightly fitting overlapping seal, with two loops forming the hinge at the stem point. This large solid copper toggle has a rich, aged patina and is in fine condition with minor signs of wear, as to be expected. DIMENSIONS: Approximately 2 1/4” long, tip to tip (5.7 cm) x 1 ¾” diameter (4.5 cm). ...

DESCRIPTION: A finely painted Chinese glass snuff bottle in flattened rectangular form, each side featuring a lohan (a Buddhist disciple) in landscape settings, one with a crouching dragon and the other with a playful foo lion. Above each lohan is a poem in fine calligraphy with red seal marks. Aventurine stopper, in excellent condition, early 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 3 ¼” high (8.3 cm).

DESCRIPTION: In Japanese lore, there are countless tales about the mischievous Tanuki, a real animal native to Japan. Masked like a raccoon but big and stocky like a badger, they are said to have supernatural powers to transform into any living or inanimate shape. Often they assume the form of a monk, as our Tanuki does here. This Tanuki okimono is hand crafted from a single piece of wood in the best of Mingei traditions. Dressed as a monk in a long robe, this charming Tanuki stands at an a...

DESCRIPTION: A pair of rare Qing Dynasty (early 1800's) ancestor portraits of miniature size, framed in an archival, off-white silk matt. Both figures are seated on horseshoe back chairs with tiger skin drapes, the husband in a bright blue robe with black silk overcoat, his rank badge displayed on his chest; the wife in a bright orange-red coat, teal colored skirt, and elaborate headdress. Both are well painted with detailed, lifelike features. Portraits of this size are very rare as most anc...

DESCRIPTION: A well carved cylindrical jade cricket box, the body carved and pierced from white jade in a leaf and flower pattern, with a dark cyan colored jade lid, pierced and carved in the same pattern. The box is raised on an ebony stand with three feet. Dating from the first half of the 20th C., this cricket box is in excellent condition. DIMENSIONS: 3 1/8" high (8 cm) x 2" diameter.

CULTURAL BACKGROUND: Keeping crickets is a tradition in China, with cricket boxes made in a vari...

DESCRIPTION: A rare and quite old Japanese lute, or sanshin, originating from the island of Okinawa. The sanshin (literally meaning "three strings") is an Okinawan musical instrument, and the precursor of the Japanese shamisen. Often likened to a banjo, it consisted of a snakeskin-covered body, neck and three strings, and was known for its calming tune. This sanshin, dating from the late 18th C. to early 19th C, Edo Period, has a rounded wooden body covered with the original snakeskin on both...