This is a very rare projectile made from a stingray barb. It is 7 3/4" long. It was found in the Pacific Islands. It has beautiful patina. There is no damage or restoration. It is from the Dr. Raymond Thomas collection. I have only seen two of these in all my years of collecting. The other one is pictured on this site in my bone frame.

A high quality crisply cast Japanese mirror. The reverse of the mirror decorated in high relief with a conventionalised representation of the utopian Isle of the Immortals typical of the Edo period integrating into the design the auspicious Takasago twin branched pine tree with a pair of flying cranes and a Minogame in the left hand corner. All set against a crisp granular ground. Probably late Edo period, or possibly slightly earlier...

During the Meiji period there were only five potters ever to be awarded the prestigious designation of Imperial Court Artist: Ito Tozan, Seifu Yohei III, Miyagawa Kozan, Itaya Hazan, and the artist whose work is featured here, Suwa Sozan. Several years prior to receiving this designation, Sozan spent a period of time in Korea where he undertook the formidable task of excavating and restoring ancient Korean kilns in an attempt to replicate traditional techniques used in centuries past...

Gilt iron plate, of rounded triangular shape, finely cast in openwork, to represent a dragon in relief in clouds. Four coral inlays enhance the beauty of the plate. This plate is likely to have been part of a saddle decoration. Tibet, 18th century. The plate is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Length: 15.6 cm. Height: around 9 cm. Oxydation at the back due to age, otherwise very good condition.

Extrem. Large/Rare/Fine Korean Shin-Jung Do (신중도-神衆圖)-God of Spirit), Buddhist Painting-19th C.: Korea, Joseon dynasty, 18th – early 19th century...

An Islamic silver and turquoise pendant, 19th century. The pendant is formed of two hexagonal cylinders hinged together and held rigid by a swinging suspension loop at the top and a hinged bar at the bottom. The front and sides are encrusted with turquoise stones of circular and gul form, the back is engraved with flowers. No maker's mark.

Approximately 8 cm long. Fine condition though the silver has tarnished with age...

An 18th century Japanese Arita porcelain moulded dish, circa 1750 ~ 1780. The dish with a cavetto moulded with foliage and lotus flowers within a barbed rim. The centre sporting a fine underglaze blue ferocious dragon and pearl amongst coloured clouds. Within the foot-rim is an unusual six-character Yongzheng mark. A dish of this design is illustrated in Shibata, “Complete Catalogue of the Shibata Collection” The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, # 3359.

Approximately 21.2cm diameter...

A large Arita celadon and Blue & White porcelain dish, 18th century.

The attractive dish with a misty village and waterfall scene within a moulded celadon border. The back celadon glazed to the foot-rim which contains a six-character Chenghua mark and five neat spur marks.

Approximately 29.3 cm diameter. Perfect condition...

Made of grey pottery, covered with a white layer of paint, decorated with bright red and black pigments. Figures of this very large size are rare and were only made for royalty and high nobility. The figure was made in two parts, the head was connected with the body by a wooden pin, which is of course now gone and replaced by a carboard roll. Condition: wear to the painting, the figure is covered in soil, traces of plant roots...

Rare type of Han amphora, made of red pottery de orated with bronze appliques. H. 19,5 cm. Very good condition, no traces of repairs. Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD).

A Japanese Arita dish, in Kakiemon style, of rhomboid shape with rounded, spreading sides rising from a circular foot. The inside is decorated round the sides with a continuous 'classic scroll' boldly moulded in relief, and below with a design painted in pale blue, red, green, black and pale yellow enamels. The rim is glazed brown. The exterior is painted in enamels with sprays of camellia and pairs of flying birds...

A fine Japanese porcelain small tray-form dish with an upturned vertical rim decorated in the centre with a lake, waterfall and pavilion. The base with a fuki chosun mark. A solitary figure paddles past. Circa 1750 ~ 1780.

Approximately 10.5 cm diameter. Perfect condition.

Please study the photographs.

For new customers resident in China sadly I have to state that I am no longer prepared to accept payment by PayPal...

A Japanese Export Imari plate decorated with a pavilion amongst flowering trees. The reverse plain with four spur marks. Arita porcelain circa 1750.

Approximately 23.5 cm diameter. Perfect condition.

Please study the photographs.

For new customers resident in China sadly I have to state that I am no longer prepared to accept payment by PayPal, I will accept payment only by bank to bank transfer in British Pounds Sterling (GBP), fees to be paid by the purchaser...

Japanese russet lacquered leather zunari jingasa with riveted plating. Finely disguised as metal which is completely constructed of lightweight materials strengthened by lacquer. The interior helmet is lacquered in red. The front features a large gilt mon of the Ashikaga crest. The finial form takes shape of a chrysanthemum flower. Mounted on custom display stand.

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 13: x 12" x 6" H

Up for sale is a rare antique Chinese dragon roundel rank badge taken from an imperial family member's dragon robe for wedding or festive occasion, most likely the empress's. 19th century Qing dynasty embroidered with a 5-claw dragon, clouds, bats, seawaves, buddhist auspicious symbols against a red silk satin ground; very intricate embroideries and in excellent condition ! Diameter = 20" ( 51cm )

A Korean vase dating from the early Joseon period (“Richo” in Japanese; 1392-1897). This particular piece appears to date from the 16th/ 17th century and comes with an antique wood box. The light brown crackled glaze is smooth in the hand and has a warm inviting rustic feel. Several gold repairs can be seen along the upper rim providing a subtle yet noticeable contrast between the rustic glazed clay and the shiny metal. Such pieces have long been favored by learned cha-jin (tea people) and a...

관제 (寬齊), 이도영(李道榮-1884-1934): “An Autumn Deep Mountain Landscape” Scroll Painting, pen name,관제(寬齊)/artist’s name,이도영(李道榮) and two seals,寬齊/李道榮. Painted in ink and color on silk, mountain village with a scholar’s crossing a bridge toward home. It’s in fine condition, measures 44.5” h. x 13” d. (113cm x 33cm) painting only, or 81 1/4" x 17 1/4" overall.

Lovely 19th Century Famille Rose candy dish with stem pedestal. In good condition without chips or cracks. Hi-resolution images on request.

Tall, rectangular arrow case completely covered with mother of pearl (Raden) inlay. The apex lid has the gilt "Mitsudome" symbol commonly associated with Hachiman, the Shinto god of war. The case is in good form with a beaded edge for a secure fitting. It is kept together by silk cord by means of tying the knot. Mounted on steel stand.

Late Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 5.5" x 4" x 27" H (41" H w/ stand)

Fine Qing Dynasty blue and white snuff bottle, cylindrical in shape, 3" in height. There are four small chips to base. Priced accordingly. High resolution images may be emailed to you on request.

Tall circular woven bamboo yumi arrow case. The bamboo has a sooted chestnut patina. It is held together with a long silk tassel and attached to the circular fitted cover. The yumi is stenciled with the family crest of Chiba. Included are 4 arrows. Mounted for a custom fabricated Bronze museum stand.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 3.5" x 37" L (40" H on stand)

Head of Citipati, made of embossed bronze with gilding on the front and red painting to enhance the eyes. Fine green patina in the recesses and on the back. The head is pierced on its top and lower side to allow not to be worn on a necklace that was used by a Tibetan lama or oracle particularly during the Cham ceremonies and dances. Tibet, early 19th century. Height: 7.5 cm. Very good condition.

Japanese antique amazing silk furisode Hand drawn dyed kimono meij-taisyo era(1900-1926).It is auspicious, wedding costume design like great art.It has the same pattern around the hem of the lining.It has a few thin stain. But it is not outstanding. There is no damage.They are not disturbing, and as a whole it is in very good condition You wear it and enjoy.I recommend it to adding it to your antique kimono collection, decorating it in the room. size:Length 150cm (59.0inch) sleeve to sleeve 1...

In 1563 the Amako of Izumi province won a victory over the Kikkawa with 33 of their adversaries wounded by Tanegashima. As a result, in the year 1567 Takeda Shingen announced that "Hereafter, guns will be the most important arms, therefore decrease the numbers of spears per unit, and have your most capable men carry guns".

Oda Nobunaga used used Tanegashima in the battle of Aregawa (1570) and again against the powerful Takeda clan in the battle of Nagashima (1575); 3000 gunners help ...

Antique Japanese chobako (small merchant's box) made with Sugi wood (cedar). Original condition. With squared iron handles on flared backplates. Two drawers are fitted with round iron locks.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 25" L x 15" D x 10.25" H

Antique Japanese 2 section 3 ft. Mizuya (kitchen tansu) made with Hinoki (cypress) and Sugi (cedar) wood, with Keyaki (elm) hardwood burl panels. The upper section holds two open compartments behind sliding door panels with chrysanthemum pulls, the lower pair also decorated by horizontal carved panels with floral carvings, and three small drawers below. The lower section is the largest compartment for storage with no shelving behind two large sliding doors with slats.

Dimensions: 35"...

Japanese antique handspun & natural indigo dyeing cotton shirakage shibori (Tie-dye)kimono meij era(1868-1912). It is rare in the pattern of kemari(japanese ball game) on willow. Kemari (Japanese: kemari) is a ball game that was popular in Japan during the Heian Period. Kemari has been revived in modern times. There are thin stains and small damage. There is a mark of repair on the back.They are not disturbing, and as a whole it is in very good condition. size:Length 125cm (49.2inch) slee...

Small figurine finely cast in the shape of a human being in a crouching posture, with horn shaped hairdo. Bronze, with reddish-green patina. This particular object appears to be the support of a large bronze base, as shown on a picture of similar objects exhibited at the National Historical Museum in Beijing (cat. Bronzes, NHM, Beijing, 1995, no. 1037, p. 287), which we show on our last photograph. The piece dates back to the Warring States period (475-221 BC). Length: 4.4 cm. Height: 5.2 cm. Ve...

During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese court gentlemen and ladies used elaborate hair styles. To assist in these construction of the "hairdo's", they used a wire form was covered with a mesh fabric. This particular "cap" was used to cover a bun of hair on the center of the head. The silver flat "hairpin" was used to hold the cap in place by pushing it through one side hole, between the hair bun and the scalp and through the other side hole. The inside of the cape clearly shows its age and use.

A Very Fine Chinese White Jade Handle/Mirror Back Hand Held Mirror: China, Qing dynasty, 18th/19th century. The mirror inset is round shape with a floral foliage around in gilt copper frame, a very fine white jade handle with a scrolled end with a pear flower head carved both ends decorated with over incised with 3pheonyx medallions on the front and 3Chinese characters “Shou-longivity”, its mirror back attached with also fine white jade with reach green veins in plain decoration, ...

This is a rare Yabu Meizan Censer. It is not decorated with gold details and painting but is still an attractive item with its deep plumb glaze color. The first image is how it appears under normal lighting. It probably does not have the original cover but this silver one is more functional than the ivory covers we have seen. The silver lids fit perfect.

This is a rare Yabu Meizan Censer. It is not decorated with gold details and painting but is still an attractive item with its rich turquoise colored glaze. The first and second images show how it appears under normal lighting. It probably does not have the original cover but this silver one is more functional than the ivory covers we have seen. The silver lids fit perfect.

Chinese Neolithic tripod earthenware ewer (gui) of the Dawenkou culture (4th-3rd millennium BCE) meant for use in religious ceremonies. The vessel has a flared, upwards pointing mouth with a single ribbed handle on its back, ribbing along the body's edges, and its tripod legs are dramatically tapered to the feet.

Dimensions: 4.5" x 3" x 5.25" H

Antique Japanese 2-section isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing). Made with kiri (paulownia) wood. Original finish. Classic motifs include the round iron lock plates and warabite drawer pulls. The bottom corner of the piece holds two of the smallest drawers behind a safe door.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 38" L x 17.25" D x 40.75" H

"Vajra" is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond. Additionally, it is a weapon won in battle which is used as a ritual object to symbolize both the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force). The vajra is essentially a type of club with a ribbed spherical head. The ribs may meet in a ball shaped top, or they may be separate and end in sharp points with which to stab. The vajra is a weapon of the Vedic rain and thunder deity Indra, and is us...

Rare antique Japanese 2-Section Mizuya (kitchen tansu) made from Keyaki wood (elm). The top section contains 2 roomy e compartments behind sliding door panels with floral motif pulls and 3 drawers along the bottom. The lowermost section holds another compartment with sliding doors, 3 small and two larger drawers along the bottom. The sides of the piece are reinforced with horizontal panels.

Dates from the Meiji Period c 1900 Dimensions: 44" L x 17" D x 63" H

A six-sided porcelain wine pot warmer painted in Qianjiang style with a scene on one side from a Chinese opera relating to stories from the Three Kingdoms period. On the other side is a poem which we have, as yet, been unable to read. It is signed and dated to 1903. Condition - very good - there are glaze imperfections and there are two chips to the base rim (please view enlargement 2); no further damages and no restoration. 10.7cm (4.2inches) high; 10cm (4inches) across. 稀有的浅绛彩温�...

A Very Rare/Fine 13 Album Leaf Paintings -Figural Scenes (조선시대 풍속도 화첩):the daily life events))-Korean: Korea, Joseon dynasty, 19th century. The first painting signed but unidentified. Please note: each painting described below nay not be correct description. 1): 3 a scholars playing 가야금, 2): a group of men having banquet , 3): a playing 웇놀이, 4): a farewell for exile by a young servant ?, 5): a couple on going to market, 6): a Young woman with a Child and a Tr...

A pewter tankard marked with the partial touch of John Townsend on the bottom of the inside of the bowl. There are no other marks except the engraved initials “I or J Y” on the front of the tankard. It is 7 inches (17.7 cm) tall and about 6 ½ inches (15 cm) from the front to the back edge of the handle.

Condition: Excellent. The engraving is very crisp. There are a few small dings on the edge of the lid and along the bottom edge. The body of the tankard is slightly indented where the b...

18th century consecrated Japanese dragon (Ryu) temple carving. Its serpentine body reveals his 3 appendages with classic three claw anatomy. The high relief carving engulfs the dragon in flames. The rendering of the dragon's face exudes power and compassion.
The dragon carving was part of the architectural decoration of a Buddhist temple. It has been sanctified with sutras, located in the dragon's eye during the "Eye Opening Ceremony" (Kaigen-Kuyo). The ritual of venerating an image b...

A fine Dr. Wall (First Period) Worcester pickle leaf dish in the "Pickle Leaf Vine" pattern, showing flowers and vines within a feuil-de-choix border, and with a workman's mark on the reverse. Excellent condition with no cracks, chips, paint loss, or restoration. The white areas at places along the edge are light reflections. Length 3 1/4", and width 3 1/2".

Late Qing Famille Rose Floral Jar (GFM061721)
c. 1860 - 1880s, late Qing Dynasty
Porcelain with overglaze famille rose enamels
Height: 19.7 cm (jar alone), 28 cm (including custom stand and lid)
Diameter (at widest point): 24 cm
From an Arvada, Colorado estate

A lovely and charming late Qing ginger jar, its pleasingly rotund body decorated with famille rose enamels depicting various floral sprigs and auspicious insects. The neck is further enhanced with a ruy...

Late Qing Peachbloom Paste Box (QPB121703)
c. 1880 - 1900s, Late Qing Dynasty - Possibly Republic period
Porcelain with monochrome peachbloom glaze
Diameter: 9.5 cm
Height: 5.2 cm
From a New York City metropolitan area estate

A late Qing - Republic period porcelain paste box, covered throughout with a peachbloom glaze of a grayish raspberry hue, and marked on the reverse with an apocryphal six-character Kangxi mark. The box is well-potted with a tight, compact...

Miniature statue of Buddha Gautama, in formal attire, wearing diadem, a lotus flower beside each shoulder, his hands in "dharmacakra mudra", sitting cross-legged on a lotus throne. Bronze, with fine reddish-green patina. Tibet, 17th century, maybe earlier. Height: 4.9 cm. Erosion due to great age, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: This particular mudra symbolizes the "turning of the Wheel of the Law", one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to h...

16th c Carved Longquan Charger (MLQ091715)
c. 1550 - 1600, later half of the 16th century
Ming Dynasty
Porcelain with lime-alkali glaze; Longquan celadon ware
Diameter: 34.5 cm
Height: 7 cm
From an Ambler, Pennsylvania collection

A 16th century Ming Longquan celadon charger plate, heavily potted and covered with a crackled translucent pea-green glaze with a subtle bluish undertone. The porcelain body underneath has been hand-carved with peony flowers in...

Doucai & Famille Verte Temple Vase (DBC061705)
c. 1880s-1900
Late Qing dynasty, probably Guangxu
Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze famille verte enamels; Jingdezhen ware
Height: 39.8 cm (15.7 in)
Width (at widest point): 18 cm (7 in)
From a Paris, France metropolitan area private collection

A very unusual 19th century late Qing temple vase, sumptuously decorated in the blue and white, doucai, famille noire, and famille verte palettes. Th...

Late Qing Flambe Transmutation Vase (LQF071704)
19th century
Late Qing Dynasty
Porcelain with flambe transmutation glaze
Height: 35.5 cm
Diameter (at widest point): 21 cm
From an Argenteuil, France estate

A beautiful 19th century late Qing flambe vase, the glaze of a deep mysterious "jun" red that is a deep crimson at the body and flares out to streaks of purple and blue near the mouth rim. The vase is well-potted in a baluster "guanyin zun" shape with p...

Ruby-Ground 'Silkwork' Hu Vase (GMR101701)
c. 1890 - 1900
Guangxu Period, Qing Dynasty
Porcelain with overglaze ruby and famille verte enamels
Height: 21.7 cm
Width (at widest point): 13.5 cm
From a Toronto, Canada estate

A rare and unusual late Qing archaistic 'hu' vase, covered with a thick and bubbly ruby glaze, and decorated with cartouches of famille verte silkworms wiggling amongst mulberry leaves. The design and painting workmanship of this piece...

19th c Peachbloom Vase (QPB031704)
19th century
Late Qing Dynasty
Porcelain with peachbloom glaze
Height: 36.7 cm
Width (at widest point): 16.7 cm
From a New York City metropolitan area estate

A lovely 19th century late Qing monochrome vase, glazed in a mottled red-green color typically called "peachbloom" or "jiangdou hong" by scholars and collectors. Invented during the Kangxi period, peachbloom glaze utilizes a copper base in its formula to achieve th...

Blue and White 'Liuhai' Paste Box (RBW031706)
c. 1890-1900s
Late Qing - Republic
Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue
Diameter: 8.5 cm Height: 3.7 cm
From a New York metropolitan area estate

A charming late Qing - Republic blue and white paste box, painted on the front with the Daoist immortal Liuhai riding his toad amongst waves. The reverse side is marked with an apocryphal four-character Qianlong seal mark.

Condition: The lower portion of the ...

White Jade Qilong Belt Buckle (QHJ101607)
19th century
Qing dynasty
Khotan (Hetian) jade of a grayish white hue
Length: 8.6 cm
Width: 1.8 cm
Depth: 2 cm
Weight: 36.4 grams
From a New York estate

A nicely carved 19th c white jade belt buckle, of reticulated qilong dragon form. The tone of the jade is of a translucent grayish white.

Condition: Some minor age-related wear to the jade surface. The stone has some natural fissures and inc...

Japanese tall armoire made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. This single section cabinet opens with two hinged cabinet doors. The interior has it's original metal rod for hanging clothes, a smaller metal rod on the right hand door and it's original small rectangular mirror. At the base is a single large drawer. Conservative design, with the only decoration being metal handles on the cabinet doors which are cut in a scrolling vine motif.

Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: ...

Kangxi Dehua Songzi Guanyin (DBC061705)
c. 1690 – 1710s
Kangxi period, Qing dynasty
Porcelain with white glaze; Dehua ware
Height: 20.5 cm (8 in)
Width: 12 cm (4.7 in)
From a Maryland, USA estate

An early Qing blanc-de-chine figure of Guanyin, produced by the Dehua kilns of Fujian, well-modeled with the boddhisatva seated atop a rocky plinth, draped in flowing robes, and bearing a downcast expression, conveying the Guanyin’s role as a merciful observe...

18th c Jun-type Flambe Quatrefoil Vase (LQF111705)
18th century
Early-Mid Qing Dynasty, probably Yongzheng/Qianlong
Porcelaineous stoneware with jun-type transmutation glaze
Height: 30 cm
Width (at widest point): 22 cm
From a Northern California private collection

A rare and unusual 18th century 'shiliu zun' quarefoil vase, glazed in a transmutation color belonging to the Jun type. The glaze is extremely thick, luminous, and creamy. The streaks and spla...

Famille Verte 'Four Concubines & Sixteen Sons' Jar (GWC111709)
18th / 19th century
Late Qing, or possibly Kangxi
Porcelain with overglaze famille verte enamels
Height: 33 cm
Width (at widest point): 26.5 cm From a Leeds, United Kingdom collection

A gorgeous and extremely well painted antique Chinese baluster jar, enameled in the famille verte palette with exactly four concubines and sixteen sons, a theme especially popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, ...

Daoguang Famille Rose Jardiniere (DFM071703)
c. 1820-50s
Daoguang period, Qing dynasty
Porcelain with overglaze famille rose enamels; Jingdezhen ware
Height: 36 cm (14 in)
Diameter: 40.5 cm (16 in)
Weight: 12.6 kg (27.8 LB)
From a Miami, Florida estate

A splendid and large mid-Qing Daoguang period jardiniere, sumptuously painted with famille rose enamels throughout and bearing a panoramic scene of mandarin ducks, heron, and grasshopper in an aquatic ...

Qianlong Underglaze Blue & Yellow Enameled Dragon Dish (QBW121602)
1735-96
Qianlong period, Qing dynasty
Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze yellow enamel; Jingdezhen ware
Diameter: 25.4 cm (10 in)
Height: 5 cm (2 in)
From a Paris, France metropolitan area estate

A video of this dish can be viewed on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ORnPnmWoqds

An imperial circular dish, Qianlong seal mark and of the period, reserve-painted with fierc...

A diminutive carved wooden Shishi, used as architectural elements placed under the eaves of Shinto and Buddhist temples to ward off evil spirits. Carved Hinoki wood with glass reverse-painted eyes. Mounted on custom steel metal display stand.

19th Century Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8.5" x 7.5" x 4.25". Mounted on a step metal base 5 x 7".

The expression of this armor, with its dragon and carp maedate transformation, sets the tone of its mythological meaning. The red armor has a Zunari Kabuto decorated with a Nichirin sun motif, which supports the dragon and carp conversion. The menpo is a Reisei-men with rabbit hair mustache, rendering a fierce warrior’s expression. The menpo is attached with four Kiritsuke yodare in blue and gold silk cords. The Renzan Dou is decorated with slivers of silver in the Ronin pattern from front to ...

A rare dedicated souvenir "Turban Shell" (Latin: Turbo Marmoratus) hand engraved, onboard ship, "with a penknife" by C H Wood. This presentation piece was commisioned by the ship's Chief Engineer William Driver, for his brother Charles in 1866, to commemorate the laying of the transatlantc telegraph cable. The Great Eastern, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was an iron steam sailing ship which, from it's 1858 launch until 1899, was the largest ship ever built. The inscriptions, in a...