19th century netsuke in manju pillow shape carved on the front with a scholarly landscape of Mount Fuji partially obscured by clouds, a wide bay with a sail boat and pines, and a lower part depicting 3 nasubi (eggplants) of different sizes. Excellent design in Japanee taste, superb quality carving, wonderful mellow patina turning honey color, wear to the back. Signed GYOKUHOSAI followed by a seal (rather worn) on the back - the artist is well known for that kind of work and is discussed on p...

18th century netsuke of a karako (Chinese boy) wearing nicely decorated robe, holding a fan in his hand and seating on a very large bag. Strong early netsuke, great facial expression with an attractive smile, well carved textile patterns, warm yellow patina, old age lines. Height 1 5/8inches.

Porcelain cover for jar or vase. Decorated with enamel flowers and birds. The exact dimensions are written on the photos so you can check that the lid fits your vase correctly. I think that given the flattened shape of the lid, it probably belonged to a jar rather than a vase. China late Qing dynasty. Diameter 20cm. Good condition.

19th Century Chinese Bronze Censer Xuande Mark with Elephant Ears

It is 6.7 inches (17 cm) tall by 15.75 inches (40 cm) wide. It is 3736 gram.

It has oxidation, rubbing of patina, pitting, cut marks, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid...

Antique Vietnamese bronze vase with silver and copper inlay, Vietnam 19th century, Nguyen Dynasty.

DETAILS: The vase is composed of two separate parts soldered together...

First edition Japanese Meiji Period woodblock print titled "The Curtain and the Announcements" from the series "The Calendar of Events in Edo Theater" co-designed by Adachi Ginko (1874-1897) and Torii Kiyosada (1844-1901). Three editions of this series are known. This print is from the first edition and contains the publisher's information and date of Meiji 30 (1897) 1st month 11th day in the left margin. Ginko's red seal is on the bottom of the curtain...

Antique copper alloy Sino-Tibetan Buddhist ritual bell Ghanta and Vajra, 16th -17th century, Ming Dynasty, Tibet.

The ghanta is cast in two parts: a silvery metal bell decorated with a band of vajra symbols and the shoulder adorned with sacred syllables in a written lantsa script...

1900's Japanese Bronze Urn with Relief Elephant

It is 8.85 inches (22.5 cm) tall by 13.2 inches (33.5 cm) wide. It is 11 lb.

It has oxidation, pitting, holes, chips, casting cracks, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid...

1900's Japanese Chinese Style Zitan Wood Lacquered Carved Box with Flower

It is 2.4 inches (6.2 cm) tall by 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) wide by 1.85 inches (4.7 cm) . It is 84.3 gram.

It has rubbing of gilding, peeling of lacquer, hairline cracks and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell...

First edition Japanese Meiji Period woodblock print titled "Pubic Reading (Yomitate)" from the series "The Calendar of Events in Edo Theater" co-designed by Adachi Ginko (1874-1897) and Torii Kiyosada (1844-1901). Three editions of this series are known. This print is from the first edition and contains the publisher's information and date of Meiji 30 (1897) 4th month in the left margin. Kiyosada's signature can be found on the billboard at the upper left...

Antique Vietnamese silver and copper inlay bronze censer incense burner with stand, 19th century, Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam.

A compressed bulbous body raised on three short cabriole legs rising to a waisted neck under a galleried rim.

The exterior is inlaid with silver wire with three figures of peasants in the field carrying garden tools, and silver inlaid bands of bamboo branches separate the figures.

The bronze circular stand is supported by three scroll-form feet...

Pair of six leaves screens with decoration of horse-races on golden relief paper. The decoration offers a multitude of characters combining all the social classes gathering in the sanctuary of Kamo to Kyoto, to attend the taking place horse-race the fifth day of the fifth month : the Kamo Kurabe-Uma (加茂競馬).

This race count twenty riders in costume of Heian period split in two teams...

Child Jesus as a Good Shepherd ivory statuette on a pedestal. He is naked and his face is gently leaned. His hairs are sculpted in fine strand of hair shaping curls. His almond eyes and his fixed look suggest a mystic and pensive attitude. The Christ child is seated, he is in a deeply meditation...

A well carved bamboo brush pot with beautiful patina. The main side showing figures in a garden setting, the backside with two animal cartouches and a poem in Chinese characters, as well delicately engraved in French and romanized Chinese. Condition: the base reinforced with leather, some tears and cracks and tiny losses, rim with flee bites. Dimension: height: c. 15.5, diameter: 11.1 cm.

Antique Chinese unusual double-gourd monochrome porcelain vase. The body with circular reserves in the center of either side of the vase. On one side is a highly raised and detailed scene of noblemen and a horse with a carriage and attendants. In the background is a pavilion roof and mountains. On the other side, a maiden sits in a garden beneath the moon with two attendants...

Ancient Chinese jade figure of a kneeling anthropomorphic creature. Angular face with large, almond-shaped eyes and two dragon-like curling ear/horns. The body of the figure appears human with hands resting on bent knees and feet tucked under. Carved of pale green jade with orange rind and striations. The back is pierced for a chord to suspend or sew to clothing. Considered precious, carvings like this one were passed down through generations before finally being buried with the owner.

Antique Chinese small bronze handle fragment from a ritual bronze vessel. Made with swirling cloud motifs and dragon-like creatures. Beautiful patination. With custom metal stand.

Age: Song Dynasty

:Size H 4.5" x W 2.75" x D 2.5" (on stand)

Interesting stoneaxe carved and polished from a finegrained red granite, possible for battleuse, 4th.-3rd. mill. BC.

This thinbutted type is quite scarce especially in the red granite and is likely belonging to the earlier neolithic period. Attempted drilling of a mounting holse at the bacvk as is often seen on the type.

Size: 13,4 cm.

Ex. Old Danish Private collection.

A nicely patinated chisel, Danish Neolithic period, Singlegrave culture, mid 3rd. millenium BC.

Interesting broad chisel, a combination of the axe and the chisel and quite scarce. A chisel knapped with nice symethri and sharp edges. The area of the edge is high polished to a glass like effect, the remaining chisel-axe is unpolished

Size: 145 mm. (14,5 cm.)

Condition: Choice! minor chips to the edge.

Ex. Old Danish Private Collection from Jylland.

An eye-catching combination of brown-black colors and old expertly applied gold repairs on a classic Japanese E-Karatsu tea bowl dating from the middle of the Edo-Period (1603-1868).

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century Korean potters heavily influenced the development of this form—helping to endow it with the earthy, simple, and natural qualities it is so appreciated for.

It comes...

Interesting lot of three amulets, two in stone and one in bronze dating from ca. 2000 BC-1000 AD.

The lot consists of a larger Islamic bronze pendant or amulet, 55 mm. long and another serpentine stone amulet with engraved decoration or writing (Hittite?), ca. 1st. millenium BC and a third amulet in stone, grooved and likely a fertility amulet Anatolia or Mesopotamia, 2nd.-1st. mill BC.

Nice lot that calls for more research!

Ex. German Private Collection

Fabulous Taisho Period c.1920 iron lantern. Repapered and electric source added. Very art deco. 10" tall by 9" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote from California.

Expertly executed noh mask carved out of cypress wood. Okina, among all Noh masks, the Okina (old man) mask is considered particularly sacred and has been at times treated as the embodiment of god, bringing longevity and prosperity to families. C.1920. In silk bag. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Antique Chinese belt hook of an unusual anthropomorphic figure with the head and wings of an owl but with human-like arms and legs. The opposite "hook" portion is another animal head. Made of bronze and mixed metal with inlaid swirling motifs and inset with carnelian eyes.

Age: Warring States ( 475BC-221BC)

Dimensions: 3 3/8" long x 1 1/8" wide x 1 1/4" high

An antique Japanese single section Kimono Tansu (chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute style handles. Front corner reinforcements on all drawer fronts with two side handles on each side for carrying this tansu from room to room. Constructed using thick straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails.

Age: Early Meiji Era (1868-1880)

Dimensions: 36 1/2" Wide by 37 3/8" High by 17 3/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Gifu Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite stye handles. 5 exterior drawers for storage and organizing with 2 sliding doors behind which store records and books were kept. Hinged door secures 2 small drawers where valuables were hidden away. Horizontal side slats provide strength and a visual design element complimenting the sliding door slats. Through mortise a...

Diameter approximately 9.9 cm. Height approximately 7.7 cm. The blue color on the powder box is cute. More pictures are available. In good condition.

Diameter approximately 9.7 cm. Height approximately 7.7 cm. The blue color on the powder box is cute. In good condition.

Rather unusual decent size 19th century staghorn netsuke of a horse appearing from a dried gourd that has a rope tied around its waist. According to a Japanese legend Chokwaro sennin (Chinese sage) could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted. Cleverly and elegantly carved piece with great face, mane and front legs. Porous center of staghorn at the mouth of the gourd is plugged as is usual in those types of pieces, and plug is carved as a flower with inlaid ...

19th century netsuke of a karako (Chinese boy) with a flower in his hand standing by a tall floor screen decorated with a dragon in flight among clouds. Very nice carving, beautiful light staining, pleasant wear and patina. Tiny old chip to rim on the top of the screen. Formerly in Mary Louise O’Brien collection (Sotheby’s NY, September 17, 1981, lot 153. Height 1 3/4 inches.

19th century kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) netsuke with multimetal top and wooden bowl. The top is inlaid with an actor wearing a mask and holding an open fan in his hand seated next to an assembly of stacked shallow boxes. Superb quality work with silver and gold inlays, excellent depiction of different designs on his robe and boxes, in great condition. The box is made of shakudo (an alloy of copper and gold) with its characteristic black patina resembling lacquer). Signed SEISEI MINGYOKU follo...

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke of a crouching puppy about to pounce. Strong early piece with unusual posture, excellently captured facial expression and chunkiness of a young pup, wonderful hairwork. Eyes are inlaid with black horn, old stable age line along its back, superb wear and patina. Excellent strong netsuke. Length 1 1/4 inches.

19th century kagamibuta netsuke with iron lid inlaid with multimetal old torn fan and iron tetsubin (tea kettle) in a shape of a pig, its handle of twisted gold wire, and 2 drum strikers incised on the plate. Elegant design in Japanese taste, crisp work, beautiful patina on the lid and the bowl. Metal swinging loop on the back for hanging. Recently deaccessioned from the Framingham History Center, Massachusetts, where it has been part of the collection since 1923. Lid diameter 1 1/4 inches, bowl...

A very nice assortment of Ancient Near Eastern cylinder seals, Mesopotamia, ca. 2200-1800 BC.

The selection consists of three Old Babylonian and Isin Larsa types with a worshipper before the throne of Ea, along with provincial types. They are carved in different types of hardstones

The largest seal measure 28 mm. and the smallest ca. 15 mm.

Condition: Largest intact group with some wear, the larger seal with chips.

Ex. Old German and US Collections, ...

A beautiful 19/20th C. Chinese sterling silver miniature snuff bottle with jade stopper, and embellished with gem stones in excellent condition. Marked Silver H:4cm $315

19th century Asakusa school staghorn / bone netsuke carved as 2 sprays of fungus growing on a tree stump. Superb elegant carving in Japanese taste, excellent rendition of fungus head textures. Very clever design, excellent wear and patina on the surface. Height 2 1/2 inches.

19th century netsuke depicting Ashinaga seated next to a basket, his absurdly long legs raising higher than his head, wearing a skirt, a short European jacket and tiger skin pants. In Japanese legends he is often accompanied by Tenaga (long arms) whom he puts on his back and goes fishing. Very nice work, wonderful smiling face, buttons are inlaid with horn, pleasant wear and patina. Height 1 3/8 inches.

19th century wooden netsuke of a blind masseur working on a client who appears to be a scholar wearing glasses and leering as he looks through a shunga (erotic book) edition. Wonderful carving with great faces, beautiful textile lines, rich warm patina. Signed HOMIN on the bottom - for information on this pupil of Meikeisai Hojitsu see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 487. Height 1 3/16 inches.

19th century wooden netsuke of a theatrical mask of O-Beshimi skillfully carved in characteristic ittobori (one cut) style typical for the Hida school. Pupils are inlaid in brass, golden paing highlights, excellent rendition of facial expression, wonderful mellow patina. Signed RYOSEI (alternative reading is Ryusho) on the back. Height 2 inches.

19th century netsuke carved out of kurumi (natural walnut shell) with a reserve on the front showing a face of a tengu hatching from an egg. Tengu are mythological: creatures half men, half birds, they are usually depicted as goblins and are considered to be first-class fighters. Nice carving, black and red highlights. Fantastic deep warm brown patina, signed NIKO by himotoshi - this rare artist who seems to have specialized in using walnuts is listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p. 503, number 183...

A scarce antique lady informal padded winter robe, 19th century (Qing Dynasty), China.

Dark blue satin silk is finely embroidered in colored floss satin silk with butterflies flitting amidst peonies, chrysanthemums, and other various flowers.

Sleeves finished with cream-colored satin silk bands embroidered with various figural scenes, bordered with multicolored ribbons and light blue satin.

The front - opening with four toggles and gilt–metal buttons and trimmed together wit...

Antique Chinese grey celadon ceramic military "gunpowder jar" or "bullet jar," late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The jar is handcrafted, strongly potted with a cylindrical tapering form, high shoulder, short neck, and lightly ground down rim.

The body is potted with horizontal coiled ribbing and covered with glaze in various shades of grey celadon.

REFERENCES:

Similar jars are in The Smithsonian's National Museum

https://asia.si.edu/object/S2005.51/

and The Brit...

Stoneware food jar covered with a brown glaze, probably ash-glaze. There are adhesions which I think are firing defects because they are very hard and not marine concretions due to long immersion which could scratch easily. The clay is beige in color. It would seem that the potter used the coiling technique to create this ambitious shape, I draw your attention to the difficulty of firing such a heavy jar with such a small base, there must have been a lot of breakage or sagging, so not many have ...

Authentic antique cast bronze brush washer of the compressed globular body with rounded sides terminating with lipped rim, 17th-19th century(Ming or Qing Dynasty), China.

Cast in full relief with a pair of chilong dragons clambering along the side with their front claws grasping the rim and long bifurcated curled tails.

The recessed base is cast and chiseled with the Chinese character "Xuan" within a square.

This Chinese character "Xuan" is possibly an abbreviation for the Chinese M...

18th century netsuke of a sennin (Chinese sage) wearing a monk’s robe and a leaf cape and skirt, looking to his left and supporting a double gourd on his shoulders. Netsuke represents Chokwaro sennin who could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted. Strong early piece with exceptional carving of his wonderful face with mouth open in a wide smile and one eyebrow raised, excellent detailing of his fingers and toes, flow of his robe lines and the leaf cape te...

18th century netsuke of a reclining monkey, its front paws and upper body resting on a large chestnut. Very strong early piece, great thoughtful face, excellent incised and etched hair, wonderful detailing of its fingers and toes. Netsuke of characteristic 18th century triangular section, warm yellow patina (darker on the bottom where netsuke was touching the silk of kimono), large and deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time. Length 1 15/16 inches.

19th century netsuke of a bamboo shoot containing a hollow section with anabori (cavern carving) of the Seven Sages of the bamboo grove looking at an open scroll. (see the detail on the first photo), The inside is almost impossible to photograph, but all the sages are there, need a flashlight even to see them. Very clever joke on the usual depiction of the sages being placed among bamboo stalks, not inside them. Excellent depiction of the shoot structure, the bottom perfectly imitates the marks ...

19th century hand carved Asian figural cheroot pipe with a Mother-of-Pearl disk inset on each side and a dark red lacquer rim. A very unusual and collectible pipe that was used "back in the day" when smoking cheroot in pipes was fashionable. Missing its stem which could have been metal or reed. Measures 3.5 inches long.

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke of a man with a horn on his head, bent under the weight of a richly dressed woman on his back. The subject of the netsuke is Ikkaku Sennin (single horn Sage) carrying princess Sendarama on his back - according to Japanese legend, he grew angry with the Rain Dragons and sealed them away in a cave, causing a drought. Beautiful Indian princess was sent to tempt him and when he could not hold on to his chastity vow, he lost his magical powers, and the rain returned...

19th century wooden netsuke of a slightly inebriated dancer with a fan in his hand. Wood is lacquered in Negoro style - red (or golden brown) lacquer over black, so as it wears the black starts showing. Beautifully carved drunken facial expression, really nice feel of age to the piece, very pleasantly worn. Height 2 inches.

18th century netsuke of a dog with its front paws on a large ball, all on a flat base. Strong early piece, wonderful face, beautiful wear and patina, a lot of compressed dust in crevices, of characteristic 18th century triangular section, old age lines. Height 1 7/16 inches.

An exceptional antique, Buddhist ceremonial Dhakya - silver cup stand with cover, 19th century, Sino - Tibetan.

It is fitted with a porcelain teacup from the Chinese Qing Dynasty, skillfully hand-painted with auspicious symbols, double happiness end bats.

A hand-hammered cup stand is made of solid silver, has a cylindrical, tapered foot, is finely hand chased with double Dorje Vajra among scrolling patterns, and three gilded medallions engraved with Padma (lotus).

The platform dish ...

Asa (hemp) noren (shop curtain) with "Mitsui" which is a logo of a noted general trading company and was a successful kimono textile dealer in Edo period. Both warp and weft are hand-plied and all hand-sewn. In good condition and has some wear on the selvedge from heavy use and washing. Late 19th early 20th century. W:144cm, L:132cm

1900's Yemeni Jambiya Dagger Horn Handle Decorated with Gold Faux Coins

It is 12.2 inches (31 cm) in length by 2.57 inches (7 cm) wide. It is 1.4 Lb.

It is tarnished and has loss of gilding, rust at the blade, flea bite chips, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount yo...

Antique bronze scholar's brush rest - holder in the form of a Chilong dragon, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644. AD), China.

This brush rest was cast in the form of a sinuous dragon with hand-chiseled details. It is further distinguished by a single horn and a bifurcated tail that coils and unfurls.

This brush stand is more than a functional object; it is an imaginative and auspicious sculpture designed to decorate a scholar's table. Its neck, body, and tail provide places for resting writing...

A rare antique, large cross - crucifix made of wood inlaid with mother of pearl, 17th - 18th century, China (probably Macau).

The cross is formed of two hardwood elements (probably rosewood), a central staff, and a horizontal bar, inlaid with incised and finely engraved mother-of-pearl to depict vines and acanthus leaves.

Both ends of the arms and the top of the cross are shaped like Ruya's heads and inlaid with mother of pearl with lotus flowers and acanthus leaves. The reverse is ...

19th Century Chinese Gilt Bronze Dragon Belt Buckle

It is 3 inch (7.7 cm) in length by 1.14 inches (2.9 cm) wide.

It is tarnished and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos). It is 89.6 gram.

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid. All you need to do is return the item to us within 10 days ...

A fine bronze brush pot decorated with the Rakan Handaka Sonja holding the begging bowl in gilt takazogan, in a combination of high relief and incised landscape with banana leaves and flowers. Gilt top rim. Incised signature on the Kyoto Kumagai zo (made by Kumagai). H. 9,5 x D 6,5 cm. Meiji period (1868-1912) . Very good condition.

18th century netsuke of a reclining sarumawashi - traveling monkey showman - obliviously smiling in his sleep while his pet steals from a basket behind the back of its trainer. Unusually substantial and heavy, excellent carving capturing facial expressions of both characters. Classic design, differently sized deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time, netsuke of triangular section characteristic for the period, old age lines. Superb wear, beautiful warm patina turning yellow on the...

19th century boxwood netsuke of a baby boy crawling on his hands and knees, wearing a bib tied on his back. Excellent rendition of body and limbs showing baby fat, great face, hair knots are inlaid with dark horn. Very beautiful warm brown staining, pleasant patina, overall in excellent condition. Length 1 13/16 inches.