During the Qing Dynasty, hair combs like this were commonly used. The structure is bone and the tines are of wood. A few tines have gone missing with age and use. The comb is about 5 inches x 2 inches.

This early 19th century Japanese Imari vase is 10 ½ inches high and 4 ½ inches on the widest part. The top of the vase had been cut and polished. Two peony blossoms were painted over the lower part. Three small circles on the upper were painted pine, plum blossom and bamboo. It has a green “Fuku – Happiness” mark on the bottom. Aside from some faded color due to its age, it is in great condition.

This mid. 19th century Japanese Imari (Aka-e) vase is almost 10 ½” high and 4 ¾” on widest part. There are two sections; one depicts a painted phoenix, butterfly and maple tree, the other depicts a geisha holding an umbrella standing in front of iris and hanging flowers. The rest of the vase is decorated with floral and textile designs. It is in perfect condition.

This late19th Century Japanese Imari (Aka-e) vase is 7 ½” high and 3 ¾” at its widest part. It depicts cherry blossoms and orchids in two sections, fruit (peach or persimmon) and some unknown flowers are painted on the rest of body. There are three small butterflies painted on the rim. Aside from a few blisters and smudged color due to firing, it is in excellent condition.

This Burmese antique offering plate was the result of work by dedicated and skillful craftsman. Beautifully woven of bamboo strips, the finished shape would be first painted with repeated layers of black lacquer followed by layers of red lacquer... obvious wear to red paint from repeated handeling through the decades of worshipers allows the under black lacquer to show through in varous areas... measures roughly 5 inches high (12.5 cm) by 10 inches wide (24.9 cm)

Of circular form, with a pedestal foot, with side lion-mask handles, decorated with carved designs of animals in continuous panels along the rim of the exterior, the foot decorated with openwork and carved floral design.

Age: China, Qing Dynasty, circa 19th century
Diameter 45 C.M. / Height 33 C.M.
Condition: Very good condition, partially with patina. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details...

One of the most spectacular Japanese bronze hibachi's ever encountered and quite unusual in every way. Massive and weighing a solid 18 lbs. this hibachi features a well sculpted dragon that clutches the celestial pearl of wisdom that effort-sly glides about the wind that whips about its body, three monkeys in varying poses or positions support this cauldron-like monstrosity...

Most attractive, sought after and rare Post Pagan Shakyamuni Bronze Buddha, 14th Century, Burma. Very good condition, Size H. 26 cm x W. 17 cm at base x D. 11 cm at base.

This small antique Chinese wooden storage container was used for calligraphy implements. Inksticks would have been held in the rear center compartment. Calligraphy brushes would have been held upright on the right and left side compartments. Seals or chops would have been stored in the lidded section. Originally painted with black lacquer, this piece has great age and wear patina.

This exciting little piece is a grey pottery urn from the Han Dynasty of ancient China (206 BC - 220 AD). It has a plain but elegant shape with incised line decoration. The surface has light soil encrustations and traces of root fibers from extended burial. There are no signs of repair or restoration. It measures just under 13 cm in height and weighs 618 grams. Don't miss this opportunity to pick up a wonderful piece of our world's Priceless Past!

This specimen is a piece of grey-ware pottery from ancient China.It likely dates to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). It appears to be intact and un-repaired. It has soil encrustations and traces of root fibers all along the surface. This is an outstanding relic of ancient Chinese culture. Large for its type, It measures just under 21 cm in height. Authentic ancient Chinese artifacts are becoming nearly impossible to find. Take advantage of this piece at a "pre-ban" price.

This before World War I ceramic Kutani style nude lady is 12 ¾” high, 3 ¾” wide and 4 ¾” thick. It depicts a long hair nude beauty holding a bright traditional rube and leaned on a dark rock. There is a faded red mark on the bottom. It is in excellent condition.

This week I am posting several Bronze Age weapons from the Middle East including a set of 5, very unique, crescent-hilt daggers from the Marlik culture (circa 1000 BC). These all came from the same private collection. For a nearly identical example see "Arms and Armor from Iran" by Manoucher Khorasani p 50 figure 1 and page 53. This specimen appears to have been cleaned partially so I have included a 35X micrograph of an area of the surface showing crystallization common on ancient bronze...

A fabulous early Meiji era silk fukusa with two cranes, pine trees and the brilliant sun, all symbols of longevity and good fortune. Techniques used to create this wonderful fukusa were yuzen resist dying, sumi-e hand painting, free-hand embroidery, and gold foil couching. The cranes’ crests were created with tiny hand embroidered knots...

Japanese antique fukusa, a gift cover embroidered with "The Old Couple of Takasago" on wool (rasha, felt like), padded and lined with orange crepe silk, Meiji period (1868-1912).

The story of the old couple, Jo and Uba, came from the Noh play, Takasago, which was written during the Muromachi period (1336-1573) by Zeami. Jo and Uba were spirits who resided in an old pine tree which was two trees that grew together over the years...

This old set of pygmy quiver and arrows have seen a lot of use. When hunting, the leather quiver would have been worn high on the back. The cap comes off easily and the upper portion of the quiver is bent to allow easy access to the arrows. The metal tips of the 5 arrows are worn and broken with only 1 showing its original shape and barbs. Each arrow has a plant binding around the end with a notch for the bow string...

Decorated with stylized panels revealing Foo dogs playing ball design on cherry blossoms background, on one side with an open-work of coin design.

Age: China, late 19th - early 20th century
Measurement:
No. 1: 13.5 X 6 C.M. / Height 11.4 C.M.
No. 2: 13.4 X 5.8 C.M. / Height 11.9 C.M...

White Marble from China was referred to as Chinese Alabaster because of its grain and translucent quality. This small simple inkstone is both beautiful to see and to touch. There is a very worn rim surrounding the grinding surface and inkwell and 4 very worn feet on the bottom of the ink stone to raise it slightly off the surface.