Catalog: Sold Items (345)

Oban diptych by Taiso Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) titled “The Story of the Strong Woman Takashima Oiko of Omi Province” from the series "A New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures." The print depicts Takashima Oiko leading Saeki Urinaga home in an effort to strengthen him for a wrestling match. The artist's signature and Taiso seal are at the lower left. The lower left margin contains the date of "Meiji 22" (1889). The title cartouche is at the upper right. Published by Tsunashima Kamekichi...

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...

Japanese cloisonne vase decorated with two cattleya orchids set against a green ground. The interior counter enamel is black and the rims are chrome. The Ando Cloisonne Company seal is on the base rim. Measures 8 1/2" high x 4" diameter at the mouth. Dates from the Showa period (mid-20th century). Very good overall condition.

Unusual Chinese late Qing dynasty to possibly early Republic (late 19th to early 20th century) hardwood stand used to hold opium pipe dampers. A single drawer with brass pull is used for the storage of smoking accessories. The back is nicely carved with a bamboo motif. 13"L x 2"D x 3"H. Very good overall condition with some minor stains to the wood consistent with its age and use. This piece is from the private collection of American expatriates who lived in Hong Kong in the 1970s and 1980s...

Chinese late Qing blue and white porcelain moonflask, or pilgrim vase, of flattened globular form decorated with a cracked ice and prunus ("bingmei") motif, which is also known as the Hawthorne pattern. Two writhing qilong handles are at either side of the cylindrical neck. There is some kiln grit adhering to the recessed base. Late 19th century. 10 1/8”H x 6” across. Very good overall condition...

Pair of Chinese Tang (618-907) to Five Dynasties (907-960) olive-gray glazed Yue ware 10-petal foliate lotus-leaf shaped shallow bowls with flat bases. The characteristic spur marks are in the interior of the bowls. Circa 9th/10th century. Each measures 1 5/8” high x 5 ½” diameter. There is a small rim chip and an old repair or firing imperfection to the side of one bowl and two small chips to the outside rim of the second bowl...

A rare Japanese oversized limited edition "sosaku hanga" woodblock print titled "Black Cat, Three Kittens & Butterfly" dated 1967 by Tokuriki Tomikichiro (1902-2000). The artist's black seal is at the lower left and his black ink signature is at the lower right. The print is titled and dated in kanji in the upper right margin. Numbered 14/200 in the lower right margin in pencil. The paper measures 16"V x 21 3/8"H (image size: 15"V x 19 1/2"H). Very good overall condition...

Tall Chinese late Qing dynasty Guangxu period famille verte Kangxi revival porcelain rouleau vase decorated with scenes from the Chinese literary classic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” 17 3/4” high. Circa 1900. Finely painted and in very good overall condition. The base was drilled for a lamp.

A rarely encountered Japanese oversized sosaku hanga woodblock print by Asaga Manjiro (1885-1965) dating circa 1950's. Asaga Manjiro was the elder brother of Maekawa Senpan. He was known for his Noh theater and Otsu-e prints. Paper size: 20 1/4"V x 15 3/8"H (image: 17 5/8" x 12 7/8"). Excellent condition with full margins. Never framed. Traces of paper residue from the original folder remain on the back at the left top and bottom corners.

Korean Choson dynasty front opening bandaji (storage chest) decorated with elaborate openwork brass hardware and the original fish-form lock. A large handle at the bottom is accented with three plates in the form of bats. The drop-front door opens to reveal a single small shelf in the interior. Late 19th century. Side carrying handles. 31”H x 33 ¼”W x 17”D. Very good overall condition with original finish. There are two fine hairline cracks on the top...

Limited edition serigraph print titled "Oriental Masterprint - 7" by Roger Shimomura (b. 1939) dated 1975. This is an original, pencil-signed, edition of 20. Paper size 19"V x 19"H (image: 15"V x 15"H). Full margins. Excellent condition. This image is illustrated on page 50 of "Roger Shimomura Delayed Reactions," Spencer Museum exhibition catalogue, 1995.

Qing Dynasty (19th century) Chinese Manchu style robe decorated in embroidered dragons chasing flaming pearls (symbolizing the Buddhist notion of enlightenment) executed in gold-couched thread on a blue silk ground...

Chinese scholar's desk root wood (possibly cypress) sculpture depicting Sanxing (Three Star Gods) representing longevity, happiness, and wealth. The god of wealth holds a small child representing wishes for future good fortune through healthy offspring. Measures nearly 11" high by 12" long. Late Qing dynasty to early Republic period. Very good overall condition. There is old bug damage to the back of two heads which appears at one time to have been filled (see enlargements 9 and 10). I have ...

Chinese late Qing to early Republic period ceramic modeled container shaped like a "ha ma," or toad, with a hollow body and flat base covered in a monochrome pearl glaze with a seeded finish. Measures about 10 ½”L x 9 ¼”W x 6”H. There are some old surface cracks visible. The back section appears to have been restored and the gray areas in the pearl glaze appear to be old restorations which were executed in China. There does not seem to have been any effort to disguise these repairs w...

Oversized modern limited edition Japanese woodblock print depicting a rural farming scene viewed through a forest by Unno Mitsuhiro (1939-1979). Signed in kana “Mitsuhiro” and dated 1972 in white ink at the lower left corner of the image. Pencil-signed “M. Unno,” titled in kanji, and numbered 16/100 in the lower right margin. Paper size nearly 19”V x 24 ½”H (image: 15 1/8”V x 21 ¼”H). Very good overall condition with a faint mat burn evident (see enlargement 5). There are ...

Large Chinese porcelain jardiniere or fish bowl with wide mouth and flattened rim decorated with gilt crabs and fish swimming among aquatic plants on a powder blue ground. Unglazed foot and base. Qing dynasty (late 19th century). 12 ¼”H x 14 ¼” diameter. Weighs about 18 lbs. Very good overall condition with no chips or cracks. Some soiling to the interior from use and typical wear to the gilt decoration. This piece was purchased from an Arizona collection.

Chinese Qing dynasty (19th century) Daoist priest’s robe densely embroidered in a pattern of complex iconographical symbols set against a pale celadon silk background created entirely from satin-stitch embroidery. The style is the traditional rectangular front-opening form which rests on the shoulders and has the lower part of the sides sewn together to form armholes. The center back is embroidered with a flame-bordered circular cartouche containing a pagoda flanked by flying birds. Fifteen...

Chinese late Qing dynasty (late 19th century) woman's rank badge embroidered with a central satin-stitched silver pheasant with very nicely detailed feathers. A single bat hovers below the sun at the upper right. This Mandarin square would have been worn by the wife of a 5th rank civil official. The badge is backed with stiff paper covered with blue silk and is bordered on the front in red silk. This rank badge measures 8 3/8"V x 9 1/8"H. It is in very good overall condition with some minor...

Large Chinese famille rose porcelain jardiniere with wide mouth and flattened rim enameled in bright pigments with a figural scene extending around the circumference. Diaper pattern band below rim. Unglazed foot and base. Original drain hole and plug. Late Qing dynasty (19th century) to possibly early Republican period. 13"H x 15 1/4" diameter. Weighs about 15 lbs. Very good overall condition with no chips or cracks. Some soiling to the interior from use.

18th century Chinese bronze Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) Bodhisattva figurine seated in a position of royal ease with a contemplative expression. The robe falls in elegant folds and is inlaid in silver wire with a cloud pattern. A "Shisou" two-character mark is inlaid in silver wire on the back. Measures 5" high, 4" long, 3" wide. Very good overall condition with a nice patina. An example of this type of "Shisou" marked bronze Guanyin is illustrated and described on pages 216-217 of “China’s...

Korean rice bale-form stoneware wine bottle with cylindrical body, short circular spout at the mid-section, and four raised feet covered overall in a golden olive-brown glaze. One end has the standard domed form while the opposite slightly concave end, upon on which the vessel was fired, is unglazed and has the characteristic sand grit residue adhering. Heavily potted. 19th century. 10” long x 5 1/2” diameter; weighs over 4 lbs. Very good overall condition with typical production imperfecti...

Waisted cylindrical form scholar's huanghuali wood brush pot with a slightly raised flat base and three low rounded feet. The feet, base and rim are finished with a finely executed narrow raised band. The honey-browm wood has a varied grain pattern displaying several distinctive guilian “ghost face” whorl patterns. 18th century or earlier. Measures 6”H x 5 5/8” diameter. Very good overall condition with a wonderful patina. There are small scratches, chips and signs of wear at the inner...

Large wood display stand carved to imitate a natural root with a flat upper surface. Root furniture was much favored by the Chinese literati. Believed to date from the late Qing Dynasty to early Republic Period. Measures about 17"L x 10 1/2"D x 3 1/8"H. Very good overall condition with some minor scratches and wear to the top. An example of this type of display stand can be found on page 76, plate 37 of “Arts from the Scholar’s Studio,” Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong and Fung P...

Rare 19th century complete bathing set consisting of a wash basin and covered water bottle. The interior of the wash basin is decorated in the famille rose palette with four reserves of architectural settings featuring knife-wielding guards, attendants, beauties and scholars engaged in study, the arts, and the daily activities of the gentry class. The panels encircle a matching central medallion. Each vignette is surrounded by a gold keyfret motif border and is reserved on a densely patterned...

Choson Period (also known as the Yi Dynasty) Korean iridescent temmoku glazed 10-faceted stoneware globular jar. In the traditional manner, the edges of the facets have been ground down to reveal the body beneath. The base is permeated with the heavy kiln grit which is indicative of Korean wares. This large 19th century jar measures 7 3/4" height and diameter. "The straight sides of this style of jar are thought to have been designed to facilitate tight packing with straw ties, since this ki...

Late Qing Dynasty (19th century) Chinese lady’s front-opening summer gauze kesi surcoat decorated with eight polychrome roundels, featuring a central crane surrounded by butterflies and flowers, set against a dark cobalt blue ground. The crane motif indicates the robe would have been worn by the wife of a first-rank civil official. The sleeve ends are decorated with a water and wave motif. The bottom of the robe is decorated in the traditional pattern of waves, stylized mountains, and diago...

Chinese fan painting on paper by Zhu Meicun (born 1911) depicting a solitary figure at the lower right seated among rockery and pines. The left side of the fan bears the artist's signature and red seal. The painting is dated above the signature in Chinese cycle years summer of "ping xu" (1946). The fan painting has been silk mounted. The painting itself measures about 9 1/4"V x 20"H (mounting size: 16 3/8"V x 22 7/8"H). The painting is in very good overall condition with minor soiling at th...

19th century (Qing Dynasty) Chinese Manchu style robe embroidered in gold couched threads highlighted in copper and blue-grey metallic threads with 8 visible 5-clawed dragons, plus one hidden dragon on the inside flap, depicted in full-face and profile poses against a blue ground. Each dragon is chasing a flaming pearl (symbolizing the Buddhist notion of enlightenment) and is surrounded by clouds and various auspicious symbols. The dragon's eyes are accented in blue, black, and white polychrom...

Extraordinary 19th century (Qing Dynasty) Chinese Manchu style silk robe embroidered in polychrome and gilt metallic threads with 8 visible 5-clawed dragons, plus one hidden dragon on the inside flap, depicted in full-face and profile poses against a blue ground. Each dragon is chasing a flaming pearl (symbolizing the Buddhist notion of enlightenment) and is surrounded by clouds and various auspicious symbols. An embroidered panel surrounding the neckline is filled with additional dragons runn...

Qing Dynasty Chinese Manchu style summer silk gauze robe decorated in copper colored metallic threads with a brocade pattern featuring 8 visible 5-clawed dragons, plus one hidden dragon on the inside flap, depicted in full-face and profile poses against a blue ground. Each dragon is chasing a flaming pearl (symbolizing the Buddhist notion of enlightenment) and is surrounded by clouds and various auspicious symbols. The dragon's eyes are accented in black and white. An embroidered panel surrou...

Large Chinese Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) high-fired gray-black pottery bottle-form vase with geometric incised designs of unusually fine form. 11 1/2"H. Very good overall condition with minor wear. One thin old chip to the foot.

Large Chinese Jin Dynasty (1125-1234 AD) Honan brown glazed truncated meiping vase decorated with cut glaze concentric circular designs on the shoulders. Two strap handles flank both sides of the short neck. 11"H x 11 1/2" diameter. Very good overall condition. There are a few scattered small pit holes, which are original production imperfections (see enlargement 3). Some scratches in the glaze are evident as is typical for a piece of this age.

Old Japanese theater mask of "tengu" in a fierce grimace sporting a prominent proboscis. The "tengu" were mythical creatures, half-bird and half-man, who were tricksters living in pine trees in the forests. I am uncertain of the dating of this mask but estimate it was crafted in the early to mid-20th century. It may be older. It has signs of age and use. There are scattered chips on the underside of the chin and nose and at the edge of the mask and eyes. The chips reveal plaster or gesso b...

Chinese Qing Dynasty solidly potted baluster-form vase decorated on the body with patterns of rosettes and vines incised into a thick, white glaze (with a faint ivory to grayish tint, depending upon the lighting). The neck features geometric and leaf patterns created with a combination of incised and relief techniques. Two finely detailed, moulded lion's mask handles are at each side of the shoulder. 12 1/2"H. 18th to early 19th century. What resembles a crack in the interior neck is actual...

Kangxi Period (1662-1722) Chinese blue and white porcelain export covered jar decorated on one side with the "one hundred antiques" motif and on the opposite side with figures in a landscape. Auspicious symbols decorate the lid. The 4-character hallmark on the base appears to translate "record of beauty, benevolence and profit." 8 1/2"H and diameter. Finial replaced. Numerous old chips to the cover and base.

Chinese yellow crackle-glazed pear-form porcelain vase with an everted rim and an underglaze blue double-ring at the base. Dates from the 18th century. 9 1/4"H. There are small scattered green glaze spots and interesting irregularities of the glaze application at the neck. Fine quality restorations have been made to the neck which are not visible to the eye. The vase was acquired from a Southern Arizona estate.

Tall (17 1/4"H) Chinese transitional period wucai gu beaker vase decorated around the circumference in underglaze blue and overglaze polychrome pigments and black outlined highlights with figures, phoenix birds and a crane in a garden setting. Three continuous vignettes are interspersed with flowers, rockery and clouds. The top rim features a "cracked ice" motif in underglaze blue within a decorative band. Excellent condition. A similar pair sold at auction in New York through the William Do...

Large 17 1/2"H lidded jar finely painted in the Kangxi style in sapphire blue on a white porcelain ground. The decoration features a pheasant on a rocky outcropping surrounded by flowering plants which extend around the circumference of the vase and up to the neck, where a second bird perches on a flowering branch. A blue foo lion finial tops the domed cover. The base is encircled by a band of crested waves. The shoulder panel decoration features lotus flowers on a mosaic ground. The shape ...

Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-906) Changsha ware pale yellow glazed ewer decorated with light brown-splashed glaze over relief molded leaf-form foliage designs on opposing sides beneath each of two loops. 9 1/4"H. This particular shape first appeared in China in the 8th century and was used for hot water. Very good overall condition. A few small glaze losses to one handle and a few small, fairly unnoticeable repairs to the body. See color illustration #10 in "A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics" by ...

Ming Dynasty (1368-1643) Chinese blue and white porcelain baluster form vase with wide trumpet mouth decorated with a blue prunus motif. 9 1/2"H. Excellent condition. The irregular edge of the base is the typical result of the removal of the vase from the kiln. It is not a condition problem.

Rare first state impression of "Nihonbashi (Station 1) Morning Veil" from Ando Hiroshige's ((1797-1858) first series "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" published by Hoeido circa 1833-1834. The print depicts a daimyo and his attendants crossing the Nihon Bridge in the early morning hours. This is not a later edition or reproduction. It is a guaranteed original woodblock print by Hiroshige. Standard horizontal oban print measuring 9 3/4"V x 14 5/8"H (image: 8 3/4"V x 13 3/4"H). The art...

"The Tamaya Restaurant," subtitled "The Back Gate of Kameido Shrine" from the series "Collection of Famous Restaurants of Edo" by Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858). Circa 1840. The print depicts beauties standing in a snow-covered courtyard under umbrellas. Three small dogs circle in the snow at the lower left. The colors are exceptionally fresh and vibrant. This is not a later edition or reproduction. It is a guaranteed original woodblock print by Hiroshige. Standard horizontal oban print meas...

A snow-capped Mt. Fuji viewed through clouds from Nihonbashi (Japan Bridge) from the series "Famous Views of Edo" by Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858) published by Sanoki circa 1840. The print depicts a lively scene with workers carrying merchandise by foot across the bridge in Edo (now Tokyo). Boats are docked before warehouses in the background. The colors are exceptionally fresh and vibrant. This is not a later edition or reproduction. It is a guaranteed original woodblock print by Hiroshige. ...

Fine quality square Japanese lacquered wood serving tray illustrating a Noh theater performance of the "lion dance" executed in gold lacquer against a black ground. An aristocrat is seated in an outdoor setting with pine sprigs in the foreground observing a performer with long flowing deep coral-red hair dancing with a fan. The back is entirely covered in "nashiji" lacquer. Dates from the early 20th century to possibly late 19th. Stored in a wood presentation box. The lacquer tray measures ...

Vertical oban depicting a fox attacking a man and child by Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833-1904). A three-eyed ghost gazes menacingly at the scene from the upper right corner. The banner at the top, which is being held by a flying angel, reads "#445 from the Tokyo Daily News." The date of "8th month of Meiji 6" (1873) appears in the right portion of the calligraphic description of the scene taking place. Newspapers, which were introduced into Japan in 1870, became very popular in the Meiji Period. Woodb...