This stately pair of steeds of an unusually large size until recently graced the tomb of a Chinese dignitary of the Han Dynasty (202 B.C. to 220 A.D.) Despite their great age they are in wonderful original condition, their slip-painted details mostly intact...

Fashioned from old select sections of luxurious and now extinct huanghuali (silver rosewood), this small table/stool is graceful and sturdily made. It is approximate 13 inches by 13-1/4 inches by 20-1/4 tall.

Carved in precious jade to imitate an almost-unattainable early Chinese bronze ho (covered tripod pot), this fine detailed piece is supported on three elephant-head legs. The grayish green of the jade suggests the color of ancient bronze, with the dark-ivory striations giving the effect of natural burial incrustation...

Finely carved in lustrous nephrite, soft green with a bluish tone, this figure of the Immortal Hotai shows the chubby god stepping forward, a branch over his shoulder that is ready to blossom into prosperity for its receiver. In superb condition, the figure is approximately 3-1/4 inches tall by 2-1/4 inches wide by 1-1/2 inches deep. Chinese, late Eighteenth Century to early Nineteenth Century.

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.

This exquisite pair of Ching Dynasty tall tables or stands is finely constructed of elegant East Indian rosewood (huali, Dalbergia latifolia,) the tops inset with richly figured black-and-white marble. Each 38-1/4 inches high and 11-inch square. Circa 1780-1820.

In an unusually fine state of preservation, this finely detailed sculpture is in the Sino-Tibetan tradition, revealing the Buddha seated in meditation (dhyanasana) on a double-lotus plinth with his hands in the dhyanamudra gesture and holding the image of a crenelated pagoda...

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.

Hand-fashioned in the Nineteenth Century for ceremonial food service, this Chinese sweetmeats box is in the form of a brilliant acid green melon, the glaze skillfully powdered on to create a natural "orange-skin" texture and depth of color. (Photographically illusive, the color is more intense than shown.) The compartmented interior is glazed in rich turquoise...

Carved in very rare lustrous huanghuali this holder for joss sticks was fashioned from the heavy and now extinct "silver rosewood" in the form of a sacred lotus blossom, sacred to the Buddha and symbol of transcendental purity rising from the mire below. Approximately seven inches tall and eight inches in diameter at the widest point, it is in excellent condition.

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.

Born in Latvia in 1909, Wally Brants studied art in the capital city of Riga at the Roman Suta Studios, exhibiting there until the outbreak of World War II. Toward the end of the war, he was transferred to Germany, leaving there for Australia...