Chinese antique carving of gourds, made from agate. Gourds are interesting because they have many special meanings to the Chinese. The Chinese would scoop the insides clean and use the hard outer shell as a bottle for medicines, wine, and elixirs. The vines of a bottle-gourd are pronounced as "man" or "wan", which also means "10,000" in Chinese. Because the plant has many seeds, it was symbolic for fertility (10,000 seeds/children)...

Antique carving of a cicada, made from white agate. Cicada appear quite frequently in Chinese art, typically as a symbol for rebirth and renewal. The adult cicada sheds its old skin and emerges in a beautiful, winged form, much akin to the butterfly. 19th century Size: 1.75" long, 1/2" tall

Two playful monkeys climbing on a large peach, carved from antique agate. Monkeys are commonly depicted in Chinese art as holding a peach as a symbol for wealth and a long life because the word for "monkey" is a homophone to the word for "nobleman". They often call this "feng hou bao shou" which can mean both "crazy monkey clutching [a peach]" as well as "may you become a salaried official and embrace longevity". 19th century Size: 1.5" long x 1.25" tall

Chinese snuff bottle made of various stones, with a delicate inlaid design of a a rose. The bottle has a brilliant sheen and is very elegant. 19th century Size: 2.75" height, 1.75" across, 1" thick

Antique carving from Jade of a Chinese foo dog in a curled position. Despite the name, foo dogs (or Shi) are actually lions with dragonlike features and are depicted as guardians, often to the rich and powerful. Ming dynasty. Size: 2.75" long, 1.25" tall

Breathtaking antique snuff bottle from China, with a mosaic-like inlaid body, carving of a feline on front and back, and a small berry made from coral. The kanji on its bottom reads "Tong zhi nian xing", which means "Made during the year of Tongzhi". Very bright and beautiful with extremely detailed carving. 19th century Size: 2.5" tall, 1.75" wide

Brilliant white Jade medallion with carvings of two intertwined serpents, smoke billowing from their mouths and nostrils, their tails wrapped around a circular etched design in the center. The medallion is carved front and back. 18th/19th century Size: 2.75" diameter, 2mm thickness

Antique brush holder of steatite, or soapstone, with intricate carvings of a tree branch with flowers and a bird perched upon it. It has a smooth surface and a sturdy feel. 19th century Size: 4" tall, 2.5" wide at base

Beautiful antique Chinese sleeveless robe with bright green ribbon closure, made of light pink silk with a robin's egg blue silk interior lining. Both the front and back of the robe features gold thread circular designs with two young maidens relaxing, surrounded by flowers. The vest is outlined in light golden-beige panels with colorful birds, deer, and vegetation. Size: 36.5" tall, 28.75" wide

Antique Miao comb made of wood and silver. Flowers, birds and dragons designs. The ring on top was used to secure the comb in the hair, with a chain by instance.
Magnificent patina with expected wear, one tooth partially broken (see pix). 19th C. or before. H: 10 cms, w: 8 cms.

Very special huangyangmu (rosewood) two sided toggle representing a frog on one side and a headless human body on the other. Fertility symbol.
Beautiful patina, perfect condition. L: 3,5 cms. TCT 124 (see Bibliography)

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a bat (bianfu) eating the peach of immortality. Symbol of happiness and longevity.
The bat has one wing folded. Beautiful patina, very good condition. L: 5,5 cms. TCT 119 ( see Bibliography)

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a ringed bottle gourd with a stopper, representing the gourd of Li Tieguai, one of the Eight Immortals, containing the magic potion. Symbol of longevity and protection.
Beautiful patina, very good condition, 2 small chips on the edges (see pix 2, 3, 5). H: 5 cms. TCT 94 (see Bibliography)

A Chinese celadon arrow vase ,the narrow mouth flanked by twin lug handles. The long neck spreading to the oval body. The footrim and its' base unglazed.

A blue and white dish decorated with flower branch to the center, the cavetto and underside is plain. Ming dynasty 15th/16th century in perfect condition. Diameter: 20.5cm.

An unusual underglaze blue Chinese cricket jar with charming scenes of a scholar in garden settings. The condition is very good without chips, cracks, or hairlines. Dating circa 1900, it measures 5" across x 3.5" high.

Ming celadon bowl decorated with incised lotus motive. 13,4cm diameter. Bowl has two small chipped at the rim has been repaired.

Beautiful antique red-toned bamboo brush holder from China with intricate carvings of various scenes including cherry blossom trees, a man leading a horse, two beautiful maidens shyly conversing with a young gentleman, an older man admiring the scenery through his window, and kanji reading "carved in the year of the tiger by San Miao". Great attention to detail is shown in this piece. Size: 5.5" wide, 7" tall