A Japanese Woodblock Triptych Print by Toyokuni 3rd. 1854 Edo Period Assembled size 30 1/4 x 10 ins. (76.5 x 25.4 cms) This very charming domestic scene will be of great interest to collectors of Japanese dolls and toys. The central figure is showing a doll to a small child, in the foreground is a large tray full of dolls and toys...

A Large Chinese Wooden Votive Figure on Horseback. Qing Dynasty Ht. 19 7/8 ins. (50.5 cms) Weight 4 kg. This impressive sculpture is unusual in that it contained the original "dedication" concealed in the aperture in the back. Votive figures were given to temple by individuals or groups of individuals as a form of religious "insurance". In this case the folding paper booklet contains the names of a number of individuals, probably of the same family, all written by brush...

Fine Large Chinese Neolithic Painted Pottery Jar (Machang c. 2300 - 2000 BC)

This good-sized pottery jar was made during the Machang Phase (c.2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is of fine form and has a smooth burnished surface with the upper part decorated in geometric patterns comprising two different coloured fired-on mineral based pigments...

Chinese Western Han Dynasty Glazed Stoneware Jar with Mask Handles

This stoneware jar, of the type often referred to as "proto-porcelain" dates to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). The upper body is coated with a thin olive-green ash glaze whilst the unglazed lower body has fired to a dark reddish-brown. On opposing sides are two sturdy and elaborate handles each decorated with a mask pattern...

Fine Chinese Neolithic Cord-Impressed Pottery Jar - Qijia Culture (c.2050 - 1700 BC)

This pottery jar dates to the Qijia Culture (c. 2050 - 1700 BC). It is quite a large example for its type and has two loop handles from the shoulder to the mouth edge on opposing sides. To the base of each handle is a short decorative strip of clay...

Chinese Ming Dynasty Blue & White Porcelain Jar with Cover

This porcelain jar dates to the Wanli reign (1573 - 1620) of the Ming Dynasty. It has been made in two sections, upper and lower, that have been luted together at the waist, prior to the application of the glaze. The unusual underglaze blue decoration comprises floral patterns bordered above and below with several blue bands. Unusually this jar still retains its original cover...

Tall Chinese Ming Dynasty Iridescent Glazed Pottery Figure

This "heavily-potted" figure dates to the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Note the details of the clothing, the facial features and the head gear. The figure stands upon an integral hexagonal base. The head has been made separately and slots into a hole at the neck. The body is coated mostly in a green glaze that has acquired an attractive silvery iridescence due to its long exposure to moisture...

Tall Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed & Painted Pottery Female Figure

This "heavily-potted" figure dates to the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Note the details of the clothing and the hairstyle. She stands hands clasped together holding a box. Much of the surface is coated in finely-crackled green and amber glazes with details, such as the hair and facial features, finished in "cold painted" black and white pigments. There is a firing crack due to the thickness of the pottery at the base...

A Japanese Woodblock Triptych Print by Kuniaki. 1861. Edo Period Assembled size 29 1/2 x 14 3/4 ins. (75 x 37.4 cms) This dramatic design shows a scene from a Kabuki play. The centre actor appears to be throwing a shoe, a act of disparagement in Islamic and other cultures...

A Japanese Woodblock Triptych Print by Toyokuni 3rd. 1863. Edo Period Assembled size 29 1/2 x 14 3/4 ins. (75 x 37.4 cms) This dramatic design shows a scene from a Kabuki play. The actor on the left hand sheet is Nakamura Shikan, the left hand actor on the centre sheet is Ichikawa Danzo, the other actors we have not identified. The print is signed Toyokuni at the age of 72 years and was published by Ebiya Rinnosuke (Kaijudo). The prints are in very good condition, this is a small neatly re...

A Japanese Woodblock Diptych Print by Toyokuni 3rd. Dated 1859 Overall size 19 1/2 x 14 1/4 ins. (49.5 x 36.2 cms) This Kabuki scene shows a samurai committing hara-kiri (ritual suicide). The colour is pristine with embossing (gauffrage) on the central figure's gown. The print has the original album backing. Please note that this is an original printing NOT a facsimile or reprint.

Small Chinese Ming Dynasty Dehua Long-Necked Porcelain Jar

This small and rare jar dates to the 15th - 16th century and was made at one of the Dehua kilns in central Fujian province. It has an unusual tall funnel-shaped neck and has a very translucent porcelain body that is coated in a white glaze. Around the edge of the base are two small unglazed areas where the potter's finger and thumb gripped the jar as it was dipped into the glaze. Height 9.75 cm (3.75 inches). Two small chips to the r...