Pair of Japanese Kutani foliate form export porcelain plates very finely decorated in overglaze enamels and gilt highlights. One plate features a central Hotei figure (one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck) and the second the diety Fudo Myo-o, carrying in his hand the rope with which he binds the enemies of the Buddhist faith. Two dragons among clouds encircle the exterior cavetto. Various family crests are scattered around the front and back. The bases are marked “Japan Yamashita made” (possib ...click for details
Rare set of six Burmese bronze opium weights, or cock weights, in a Brahmani duck type hintha (also called a hamsa) bird form with upturned tail sitting on a round base. The largest two have handles attached to the back of the head and end of the tail feathers. There is a metal support under the V-form tail. The largest weight has an old tag taped to it that reads “1513 grams” (3 lbs. 5.4 oz.). I confirmed this weight on a scale at the post office. This corresponds to the Indian unit of wei ...click for details
Japanese tabako-ire (tobacco pouch) decorated with an embroidered dragon chasing a flaming pearl. The dragon's body extends around the front and back of the pouch. The fierce head with open jaw is located on the front above the silver alloy dragon-form kanemono (clasp). An ivory accent adorns one of the two interior compartments. A circular ivory and repousse metal dragon kagamibuta netsuke is attached by 10 strands of metal chains secured by a dragon decorated squared silver guard. The ...click for details
Oban diptych by Taiso Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) depicting Kusunoki Masashige (1294-1336), the epitome of the loyal samurai warrior, bidding farewell to his son Masatsura as he prepares to die in battle fighting for the Emperor. His son holds a scroll on strategy he has given him as a gift. This image is from the series "A New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures." The artist's signature and Taiso seal are at the lower right. The lower left margin contains the date of "Meiji 22 ...click for details
Unusually large Tibetan copper and silver or silverplate mihrab form reliquary, or portable shrine box, decorated in repousse on the cover with a pattern of abstract scrolls. The back, sides, and side handles are copper. Also called a “gau,” these prayer boxes were used to hold protective amulets, personal deities, and written prayers. A strap or belt could be attached to the side handles when traveling. Otherwise, they were usually placed on the home altar. 9” high x 8” across at the handl ...click for details
Japanese Meiji Period “kuchi-e” (magazine frontispiece) woodblock print by Tomioka Eisen (1864-1905) titled "Insurance Girl" dating circa 1900. The print depicts the filial daughter Asako who runs into a burning house in order that her mother could collect on an insurance policy. Measures 8 3/4"V x 11"H. “Kuchi-e” woodblock printed illustrations were folded and inserted into the front of literary magazines and popular novels. Excellent impression with mica and lacquer highlig ...click for details
Chinese middle Qing dynasty Qianlong period export porcelain globular form teapot with straight spout, loop handle, and domed cover, decorated on the front and back in famille rose enamels with identical scenes of figures fishing in a landscape. 18th century. Very good overall condition with minute imperfections to the tip of the spout and tip of the finial and some wear and losses to the enamels and gilt. There are two small original firing flaws on the handle (see enlargements 9 and 10). A ...click for details
Chinese Qing dynasty red lacquered wood household shrine with a carved archway section at the top and a single drawer at the bottom. Late 19th century. 30"H x 20 3/8"W x 8 3/8"D. Very good overall condition.
Antique Chinese stem cup finely decorated with two opposing four-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls. A third dragon is in the interior of the cup. The stem features the wave patterned border popular on stem dishes of the late Tongzhi and early Guangxu Periods. Circa 1880 - 1900. 4 3/4" diameter of bowl by 3 3/8" high. Excellent overall condition with no chips, cracks or hairlines. There is some wear to the enamels and gilt on the rim consistent with its age and use.
Chinese Yuan dynasty Longquan olive-colored celadon glazed stem-cup (wine cup), the exterior with a faintly incised vertical ribbing. The glaze stops short of the base. The paste is rough and reddish and the foot is beveled inward. Circa 14th century. 3 7/8” high x 4 ¾” diameter. Very good overall condition. A fine old hairline crack has been restored and is not visible to the eye (see enlargements 7 and 8 for close-ups of the restored areas). There is burial encrustation adhering. From t ...click for details
