An unusual shallow Japanese porcelain plate (#1) decorated with confronting dragons, one in blue and gold, the other gold and red. The plain back with 5 neat spur marks.

Arita porcelain, circa 1750 ~ 1780.

Approximately 18.7 cm diameter...

Unusual early 19th (can be as early as 18th) century Chinese pewter covered round box, the cover with brass inlay of a flowering bush. Might have been used on scholar’s table for storing small items such as ink cakes. Beautiful patina, pleasantly heavy, wonderful feel of age to the piece. Diameter 3 3/8 inches, height 2 1/4 inches.

During the late 1800's and early 1900's eyeglasses became an important accessory for the Chinese. Upon seeing eyeglasses on visiting Western dignitaries and businessmen, the Chinese perceived and admired these "spectacles" as age enhancing. Not only did the eyeglasses improve eyesight...but they added age and dignity to the face of the wearer. Equating age with wisdom and respect, many Chinese took up the custom of wearing eyeglasses...

Late 19th century small Chinese / Tibetan mala - Buddhist rosary consisting of 108 Chinese angel skin coral prayer beads and 4 jadeite ones that serve as spacers dividing the prayer beads into groups of 27 each. Must have been made for a child as the beads are small (about 4 mm in diameter). True white coral with beautiful areas of slight pink. Traditionally Buddhist rosary of 108 even-sized beads is used for mantra recitation...

19th century netsuke in kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) with cinnabar lacquer top carved with the character FUKU (fortune) among peony flowers. Essentially the netsuke is a wish for wealth. Very nice work, beautiful patina, compressed dust in crevices, nice old wooden bowl, with rotating peg that serves as himotoshi. Bowl diameter 1.72 inches.

A very attractive octagonal famille rose "deer" plate. Showing two deers and a bird in a flower landscape. The center surrounded with four beautiful flower sprays. Condition: Normal condition. The plat has a hairline in the center of the plate. And the rim has one larger chip. Further no restorations. Measurement: diameter 21.5 cm = 8.5 in

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Single 19th century menuki (Japanese sword fitting) depicting tanegashima - a matchlock gun - and a powder horn. Rather unusual subject, great design and detailing (see finely incised scrolls on the butt of the gun), gilding, overall in great condition. Length 1.59 inches.

A Thai Sawankhalok pottery covered box and a bottle, dating to 14th-15th cent Ad.

A large covered box with floral moifs on a grey/light blue underglaze. The bottle with a globular shape and unglazed base.

Sizes: The covered box 10 cm high, 12 cm wide (c. 4 x 4,7 inches.)

Condition: The bottle is superb - as made. The covered box has a chip to the rim. (Not visible when the lid is on). Besides that: as made.

Ex...

19th century boxwood netsuke of a theatrical mask of Hyottoko (perplexed peasant) leaning against a small drum. Clever design, nice carving, nicely incised wood grain on the body of the drum, nails on the drum are inlaid with ivory or bone. Nice wear and patina, pleasant warm staining. Signed KYOKUSEN on the back - the artist is listed in NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 686. Length 1 1/4 inches.

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) marine netsuke of a standing tanuki (badger) holding some huge unspecified part of its private parts in its paws. In Japanese folklore tanuki is a notorious trickster: he drums with his paws on his large belly (tanuki no hara tsuzumi), imitating the sounding of gongs in temples and inns, and leading tired travelers astray in the darkness...

19th century bronze Japanese sword tsuba with perforated design of Shoki the demon Queller threatening a terrified oni with a sword. Nicely made, pleasant dark patina, in great condition. Height 2.96 inches.

19th century Japanese silver two pronged kanzashi - a hair pin - with ear pick spoon on the terminal and decoration of a sacred key and Daikoku’s magic mallet. Excellent and clever piece implying a wish of wealth to the owner, with superb quality work - see the incised wood texture of the mallet. I did not test the metal, but confident that it is silver, the sacred key is gilded. Some tarnished areas, can be cleaned if needed. Length 6 3/4 inches.

Pair of early 19th century Japanese sword menuki each depicting a pair of geese resting on a riverbank by a willow tree. Bronze with brown patina, overall in good condition. Length 1 7/16 inches.

A kozuka with sea shell and seaweed decoration with gold and silver overlaid on shakudo (a pickled gold and copper alloy) nanako ('fish roe' textured ground.) The utility knife handle with filed gilt bronze sides and back. Slight bend and the nanako somewhat dented in places. Would present nicely enough with a sword fitted to hold a kozuka in the saya (scabbard.) Kogatana (utility blade) not included. Length, 3 3/4 inches.

19th century Japanese Satsuma belt buckle decorated with blooming chrysanthemums by a picnic cloth. Wonderful quality painting, generous use of gold enamel, in excellent condition. Metal backs are stamped with hallmarks in a form of torii (a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine). Size assembled 2.92 x 2 inches.

A large and genuine 18/19th Century Bronze OPIUM WEIGHT of a Mythical HINTHA Bird, Burma, marked with 9-rayed star emblem. Octagon base. Size: H. 60 mm. Weight: 326 gr.

Late Meiji Japanese Bizen pottery ware chaire (tea caddy for storing powdered green tea used in tea ceremony) with slender body of rounded triangular section and narrow mouth. Wonderful potting, beautiful patina, very nice texture and play of colors to the glaze on its surface. Inscribed by the potter on the bottom. Turned bone cover lined with silver colored foil on the inside. Great piece in excellent condition. Height with cover 3 3/8 inches.

A North Indian steel Katar, known as a push or punch dagger. 19th century.This form of weapon is found only in India and was considered to be a high status weapon.

Constructed from steel it is a very strong weapon. The chiseled blade widens in thickness towards the tip to strengthen it when used against chain mail or armour...