In cloud form, this delightful amulet was probably presented to an infant to be worn at all times for sanctity and good luck. One side is carved with sprays of flowers (orchids?)and foliage, the other with characters for prosperity and happiness. In excellent condition, the jewel is approximately 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/8 inches. Circa 1820.

"Early spring, The bird and the butterfly Visit the peony. Too early: no flower..." With its finely sculpted scene in high relief, this excellent snuff bottle is in very fine condition and boasts an Imperial green jadeite stopper-spoon. Approximately three inches tall overall by 1-7/8 inches wide. China, late Eighteenth Century to early Nineteenth Century.

So sleek and elegant as to seem Art Deco this excellent rosewood is veneered in carefully matched palmyrawood and ebony veneers. Joins are made with ebony pegs. The full-length hinge and lock plate (no key) are superb quality. Interior is unlined and there is a pin-seal leatherette covering to the bottom. Condition is first rate, with few signs of age or use. Approximately 15-1/4 inches long by 4-7/8 inches wide by 3-3/4 inches to top of gently domed top.

Here is a fine pale-celadon vase with an elegant Buddhist lion (shi-shi)painted in underglaze blue, frolicking in clouds. Dating from the latter half of the Nineteenth Century, it is in excellent condition and measures approximately 9-3/4 inches tall and 4-1/2 inches in diameter at the widest point.

A handsome silver-plate magnifying glass has been fashioned with an antique Japanese cloisonne pommel as its chief ornament. The design of colorful five-petaled florets it set off against a background of silver foil-backed (gin-bari) transparent scarlet enamel. Of approximately 8-1/2 inch full length, the pommel is about two inches long. Meiji Period, Japan, Nineteenth Century. Excellent condition.

The central part of this extraordinary watch fob consists of graduated handmade chainwork in gold, silver and that special Japanese dark-brown alloy, shakudo. Approximately 4-1/2 inches in length, the elegant item is is excellent, unrepaired condition. Japan, Nineteenth Century.

Together for more than a century, these mated gourds were used for generations of the same family in Japan. The gentleman's gourd is approximately 14 inches long and the lady's is about 8-1/2. (The latter one has a fine lacquer repair that shows in the close-up photo. The stoppers are carved persimmon wood, the lady's has a brass ring and a bone ring for hanging the two gourds.

Elegant and dramatic, this lacquer shrine (butsudan) is easily dissembled put together by one person. It is in excellent condition and retains several hidden drawers and compartments, as well as its gates, doors and slides for offerings and flower arranging. Urushi lacquer and kinpaku gilding are employed in great detail. Meiji Period, late Nineteenth Century. Approximately 44 inches by 20 inches by 16 inches deep.

A very charming Japanese "gobaku" (incense box) of fine, subtle quality. The design is two overlapping fans depicting the moon over waves and a pair of cranes in flight. Circa 1900, 3-7/9 inches by 5 inches by 2 inches.

Charming feet of an Indian deity in nicely detailed brass. Late Eighteenth - Early Nineteenth Centuries, India. Approximately 5-3/4 inches long by 2-1/2 inches wide by three inches high.

Sold to by a collector who thought this stately item was a chess piece and was disgruntled to find its true intent, it is handsomely engraved and inlaid with red and ochre. Approximately 3-1/2 inches tall and 1-1/8 inches in diameter, it is Persian or Northern Indian and dates from the latter part of the Eighteenth Century.