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.

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...

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...

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...

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

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"...

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...

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.

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)

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, 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)

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

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.

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...

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 )

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

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...

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.

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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...

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).

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...

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.

Please study the photographs.

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

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. P...

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 exceptional large, rare and fine Buddhist painting in mutiful natural mineral pigments on silk, It’s in very fine condition, with frame and plexi glass, but if necessary it can be removed fron the outter frame (big frame) or the painting cuts out from the painting’s back wood structure (it can be rolled and pack) for e...

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.

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. The vase f...

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. The mirror is inscribed with four kanji characters reading...

An excellently potted and fine and brilliantly enamelled bottle vase with "Shou Characters", bats and branches with peaches. Iron red six character Guangxu Mark and Period of Guangxu ( 1875 - 1908 ). H.: 16,3 cm. Diameter : 9,3 cm. Condition : Perfect.

Jambupati type (Buddha in royal attire). Shan State. H. 20,5 cm ( 24 cm. incl. stand). Condition: part of the pedestal is missing, mi or chips and age wear. Overall in good condition. Please have a close look at the pictures.

Made of painted wood, depicting husband and wife, seated on a chair. Most probably from the Hunan Province. The lady still has a small parcel with offerings in her back. We opened it up and found a seahorse, pieces of stone and mica and other materials. H. 27 and 29,5 cm. Condition: heavily eaten by woodworms, which adds to the charme. The figures were treated by the former owner and are perfectly clean.

Made of red pottery, covered with a white layer of slib, then painted. Tang Dynasty (618-907). Height 34,5 cm. Condition: expected age wear, overall in good condition. A thermoluminescence-test from Kotalla confirms the dating of this figure and is included in the sale.

In Ayutthaya style. H. 13 cm (the head), 21 cm including the stand. Very good age wear and patina.

Lovely Qing Dynasty (late 19th Century) Famille Rose rice bowl with figures and inscriptions. High resolution images by email on request.

Antique Chinese pair of oxbow arm chairs with a matching rectangular stand, carved with a pierced scrolling vine motif, the heavy golden hardwood with classic Huanghuali "ghost eye" grain. Very heavy in weight.

Dates early 20th century Dimensions: 29.5" L x 26" D x 39" H (each chair) 20" L x 16" D x 28.5" H (stand)

A splendid Chilong Dragon with a bifurcated tail is presented on the front of this unusual bottle. The material is limestone of a dark hue but under decent lighting exhibits a snowstorm of whitish inclusions.

Approximately 6.6 cm high. Fine condition. The coral stopper is not original.

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 t...

Small statue of Buddha, in monk's robes, standing on a lotus, his hands in abhaya and varada mudras. Hollowed at the back. Tenon below the lotus. Bronze, with reddish-green patina and traces of soil encrustations. China, Tang Dynasty. Height: 9.8 cm. Tiny casting defect on the lower left side of the robes, otherwise very good condition.

A really rare type of chawan: wan shaped tea bowl with a rounded brim, made of light coarse clay. The fine iron bearing clay was nearly fully covered with glaze mixed from wood ash and feldspat.

The iron oxide in the body turned the glaze to a bright orange where thin. The bowl shows a fantastic discoloration from tea as a result of many years of careful use.

This chawan was manufactured in the early stage of the 17th cent. or earlier in the kiln of the Japanese trading ...

A finely embroidered silk River or Lakeside Landscape made in Japan for export during the late 19th or early 20th Century. This item was framed in the UK by Boots the Chemist's, circa 1910 - 1925 Condition: excellent. Frame: 37cm (14.5 inches) wide;29.3cm (11.5 inches) high.

A bronze mirror, wakyo, decorated with a classic Autumn pattern that evolved in the Heian period which features a pair of birds, sparrows, water weeds, ashi, water, and a wave washed sandy beach, suhama. The design is cut by a single ring. The design of the inverted pistil boss and the density of the design, horror vacui, dates the mirror to the late Kamakura period 1275-1325. A great deal of the detail has been lost as a result of wear and over polishing. See British Museum 1927 – 1014.5 (...

A Set of Three Small Thai Market Chinese Canton Enamel Cosmetic Boxes 19thC The dark blue enamel with gilt decoration. The interiors with turquoise enamel and the bases with paler blue. Two boxes with composition finials. Chinese 19thC. Diameters: 6.2, 5.3 and 4.1 cm. Condition: some wear to gilding, minor small chips and a flake. The actual colour of the enamel is darker than in the images.

A good quality mirror of comparatively small proportions decorated with a fine line drawn pattern of a double and single Chrysanthemum supported by a fence and a banded hedge set against a fine sand textured ground to the reverse of the mirror. Fine line drawing in this style first appears in the eighteenth century. The mirror is signed on the left hand side Fujiwara Mitsumasa. A Mirror signed by a kagamishi with this name is included in the Kyoto National Museum Collection (EK248-85) and is...

A Japanese handled mirror, e-kagami, decorated with a Hoo Bird in flight, a harbinger of Peace, combined with Waka Matsu, Young Pine, a common motif associated with the celebration with the New Year. The design can therefore be seen as symbolising a wish for a Peaceful New Year. In the right hand portion of the mirror reverse is a set of four characters reading Fujiwara Mitsunaga. Two individuals with this name operated as Mirror makers, kagamishi, during the Edo period, one operated during the...

A Large and Fine Thai Market Benjarong Bowl. Finely decorated with four Celestial Buddha images between Celestial Angels on a black ground with pink flames. A floral circular medallion on a green ground to th interior. The rim and foot bound with a metal band. Chinese 18/19thC. Diameter: 7" (17.8 cm) Condition: Hairline crack from rim 7.5 cm. Two chips in foot filled with lacquer.

A Japanese handled mirror, e-kagami, cast with a Hoo bird in flight, a symbol or harbinger of peace, and a Kiri tree to its right, auspicious symbols associated with the Empress of Japan, Kiri ni Hoo. Beneath which is pine tree set upon a rocky shoreline washed by seigaiha; a wave pattern symbolizing eternal peace and happiness. The design overall connoting a wish for Peace and Harmony. To the left of the pattern is a set of four characters reading Fujiwara Mitsunaga. Two individuals with this ...

A Very Rare, Large, Fine Korean Pottery Bottle with Characters (명문명)-11th C.: Korean, Koryo dynasty, 11th to 14th century. Incised Characters. A well potted with a ring to the neck, and quite large baluster shape of a pottery incised with two characters on the base, an unusual one hole to the near shoulder that is for an air flow or to control its liquid polling out presumably but not quite clear what is for the simple hole, and neither the characters are, pottered with a pure...

Finely carved mask representing a demon, with expressive features, a protruding forehead bearing a third eye, protruding eyes, beaked nose, open mouth showing teeth. Wood, with remnants of polychrome painting. China, Qing Dynasty, early 19th century or earlier. Height: 23 cm. The mask,is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old accidents and insect infestations (no danger), otherwise good condition. A very rare piece.

A Rare Jewelry Box in Shape of Blanket Chest with a Heavily White Grass Mounted-19th C. Korea, Joseon dynasty, 19th century. A very unusual blanket "Bandaji" shaped jewelry box with heavily decorated with white brass in various forms and incised decorations around the whole outsides with an original lock and key, its drawers mounted with silk. It's in very fine condition, measures 19cm h. x 20cm w. x 9.5cm d.

This peach-shaped suiteki (water dropper for calligraphy) is made of fine kinuta celadon from one of the great masters of the Meiji era—Suwa Sozan. A classic design, the peach is said to represent long-life for mortals and immortality for the gods in asian folklore. According to legend, the moon goddess—a powerful alchemist—can make an elixir from peaches that grow in the garden of the western paradise with miraculous revitalizing properties.

Suwa Sozan the first (1852—1922...

Antique Japanese Buddhist abbot's oxbow arm folding chair. Made of red and gilt lacquer hardwood, with seat made of leather. The backrest has gilt lacquered panels with geometric motif carvings and pierced lingzhi carving, the reverse of the backrest marked with a triple mokko-mon (family crest). The edges of the chair are decorated in metal plating incised with motifs of chrysanthemums.

Edo Age 19th century Dimensions: 32" L x 20" D x 37" H

Antique Chinese round jadeite plaque carving. With a freely-moving pierced jade center, surrounded by lingzhi mushroom motif carvings. The outermost exterior of the piece is carved with a pair of dragons or serpents touching snouts.

19th century Dimensions: 2" x 2" x 1/4" thick

A Song Dynasty Green Celadon plate. Note, there is a color difference in the glaze noticeable when viewing the various images. Some ware/scratches to glaze on inside of plate. Some warpage noticeable. Otherwise, piece is intact and generally in good condition. Diameter: 8+ inches

Special Blue and White, 19th Century snuff bottle with hunting scenes, without spoon and stopper lid/top. Cylindrical in shape and in overall good condition. No apparent chips or cracks.

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history and importance of a ceramic object. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired with lacquer and gold such as the one featured here become more resilient and beautiful for having been damaged. In this case, the gold repairs undoubtedly enhance the bea...

Antique Chinese Jade carving of a rhinoceros. The coloration is primarily white with orange brown inclusions. It is carved in a relaxed stance with expressive features.

Dates from the 18th/19th century.

Dimensions: 4.75" x 1.25" x 2.5" H

Seated on a lotus throne, guarded by two attendants. On the back of the stand there is an inscription : This is a statue (or carving) or Kwanyin, for Mr. Wang (??)'s wife, Mrs. Chao (??). 2nd day, 4th month Daoguang 10th year (1830 A.D.). Condition: usual age wear, loss of gilding, the ribbon from the crown at the right side is missing. H. 23 cm.

A bronze vase finely cast in archaic Chinese style with twin elephant head handles and very unusually decorated with 16th Century Turkish Iznik/ Kutahya style 'Saza' leaves in red, blue, green and black enamels. The Made in Japan mark to the base indicates that this item was made in Japan (for export) post 1890. Condition: excellent - there are minor losses to the enamels but no damages and no repairs or restoration. 24cm (9.5 inches) high. For additional pictures, please view 1tem #163...

A heavy six-sided porcelain deep bowl decorated on the outside with famille rose enamels depicting ladies and boys in a garden landscape. The base bears the six character seal mark ( painted in iron red) of the Tongzhi emperor (1862-1874). Condition: there are enamel losses to the turquoise glazed interior: no losses to the famille rose enamels: no chips or cracks to the porcelain body and no restoration. 21 cm (8.5 inches) across; 9 cm (3.6 inches) high.

Four different pages from a 17th/18th century Tibetan manuscript, painted on thick paper each with four images of Goddesses holding various attributes with traces of inscriptions beneath each. Largest 36 x 13 cm. sewn cloth at top. Some damage and losses as shown. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

Thick shima-cho, a sample book of cortton shima (stripes) with about 870 fragments. The age is written on the cover "Meiji 3 (1870), however the age of the fragments range from very late Edo (mid 19th century) to Taisho (1920s). The first 770 fragments are late Edo and Meiji (the second half of the 19th century) and the second 101 fragments are woven in Taisho period (1912~1925). In excellent condition. 16cm x 21cm x 5cm

Chinese yixing teapot from Tek sing cargo shipwreck. 11 cm wide.7 cm body diameter. Teapot has small chipped at the rim (Please see on the pictures). No repair.