It is cunning how Chinese porcelain artists were able to copy the hand of foreign chinoiserie porcelain painters. Only the clarity of the white body suggested that it is in fact Chinese, not English or French. About 11-1/2 inches high, it is about 7-1/2 inches in full diameter and, aside for being drilled underneath for wiring, is in excellent shape. Included with the vase is its custom-made and fitted flash-gilt brass base.

A set of three late Eighteenth Century playing card in polychrome lacquer on a gilt ground: one of a Shah, one of a noble couple on a throne and one of a lion serving his mate. They are in fine, unrestored condition and measure approximately 2-3/8 inches by 1-5/8 inches each.

Dating from around 1875, this fine porcelain brush vase retains its Communist Government seal on the bottom, releasing for sale as antique. Gold-highlighted enamels depict a young man scaling a wall and pushing away willow branches to interrupt two ladies playing checkers in a garden, probably a scene from a popular play. The piece is approximately 4-3/4 inches tall and three inches in diameter, and is in pristine condition, with only normal wear to the gilding.

A momento of the French Revolution is this ivory figure of an “incroyable,” a dandy of the Terror. In all likelihood a parasol handle, the figure sports the outrageously high muffled cravat and collar of the day and the exagerated “tricorne” hat with its ribbon and revolutionary cockade. It is in fine condition with only the end of his nose missing, and is mounted up on a Siena marble base. French, circa 1795...

A finely chip-carved powder horn from Nineteenth Century Greece is this heart-shaped example. A lot of use has given it some wear and a lovely patina. There is a small wormhole on the front body but, all-in-all, the condition is excellent. An old iron ring is attached to the back. Approximately 10 inches long by four inches wide by 2-5/8 inches deep.

In excellent condition, these relief-decorated gourd-form bottles are graced by stylized chrysanthemums in deep mustard on a hare's-fur deep-blue ground, a very unusual combination. Chinese, late Nineteenth Century. Approximately 6-1/2 inches high by 3-1/4 inches in diameter.

Of solid cast silver the handles of these 7-inch-long shears have impressive heft. Blades are of surgical-quality close-plated steel. American, circa 1900. Please see related silver fruit basket 809080.

In unusually fine state of preservation, this handsome French country snuff box is formed of blond horn studded and bound with brass. Engraved with stylized designs of birds and flowers and highlighted with deep yellow stain and inlaid red enamel, this fine folk art piece dates from the mid-Nineteenth Century and measures approximately 4-1/8 inches by 2-3/4 inches and 7/8 of an inch deep. (For a charmingly time-worn example, see Trocadero item 418544.)

On a very simple covered cylinder of highly polished bone are engraved in minute detail a couple of face cards and replicas of the contents: six bone dice. Japanese, late Nineteenth Century or early Twentieth, the little set is in mint condition and measures about 1-5/8 inches high and 1-1/4 inches in diameter.

A charming Napoleon III letter seal of machine-turned bone and chiseled silver, French of around 1870. It is in beautiful condition, with no breaks or cracks. The initials "PG" are carved into the silver bottom, which also bears the hallmarks for France after 1848. Approximately 3-5/8 inches in length and 1-3/8 inches in diameter at the top.

This urn-shaped coquilla nut pounce pot combines fine turning with delicate designs formed by small machine-turned repetitions of varying sorts to produce rosettes, festoons, etc. with a dramatic effect. Possibly English or Continental, maybe scrimshaw of Napoleonic prison-of-war art, it is hard to pinpoint exactly where it was made, but wherever, it was certainly well thought out. Early Nineteenth Century. Mint condition. Approximately 2-5/8 inches high and 1-3/4 inches in diameter.

This little beer-lover is amazingly lifelike, with his beaming, pudgy face and stein held to his heart. There is an almost Roman portraiture quality to the bust, which lifts of to reveal a mustard pot. The two little barrels are for toothpicks and the original mustard spoon, stored behind the figure, is intact. It is in excellent shape with only minimal wear to the over-glaze paint and almost none to the oil gilding. French or German, late Nineteenth Century...