An exquisite pair of 19th century Sometsuke porcelain bottles decorated with butterflies among seasonal flowers. The winged creatures float effortlessly among the bamboo, Chinese bell flower, wild chrysanthemum and other seasonal flora. Each bottle is peaked by a simple rounded wooden bung, and they come enclosed in an age darkened wooden carrying box with hand forged iron handle. They are roughly 15 cm (6 inches) tall each and in excellent condition...

A Ko-Seto-yu Chaire Tea Container by Teishitsu Gigei-in Suwa Sozan I wrapped in a chord bound silk pouch enclosed in the original signed wooden box tied with deer leather, the box bearing the seal of the Imperial Art Academy. It is 5 cm (2 inches) tall and is in perfect condition.
Sozan I (1852-1922) was born in Kutani country, present day Ishikawa prefecture, where he initially studied before moving to Tokyo in 1875...

A terrific hardstone cylinder seal made in a fine gemstone of amethyst with rock-crystal inclusions, Neo-Assyrian period, c. 1000-800 BC.

Beautiful and extremely rare cylinder, due to the stone used. Fine depiction of the winged Ashur hunting a winged animal with a sword or spear, fishes swimming below and start above.

Size: c. 27 mm. tall and 13 mm...

A lovely ancient Egyptian Scarab, more than 2,300 years old, from the famous Mitry collection (see our Homepage). It is 9/16” long (14 mm) and made of steatite, an easy-to-carve stone that hardens when heated. Scarabs empowered life and resurrection and were often placed under mummy wrappings to protect the body and to help it resurrect. This Scarab comes in a jewelry display cup...

A lovely ancient Egyptian Scarab, more than 2,300 years old, from the famous Mitry collection (see our Homepage). It is 9/16” long (14 mm) and made of steatite, an easy-to-carve stone that hardens when heated. Scarabs empowered life and resurrection and were often placed under mummy wrappings to protect the body and to help it resurrect. This Scarab comes in a jewelry display cup...

A Japanese Porcelain Figure of Guan Yin/ Kannon. Signed Aoki, Mokubei (木米), Circa, 19th Century. Aoki Mokubei 青木木米 (1767-1833). Aoki Mokubei was born in the Gion district of Kyoto as Aoki Sahei. From childhood, he was a disciple of the well known artist and Confucianist Kou Fuyou, who had a strong influence on his upbringing...

Chinese Tang dynasty (618-907) Lushan kiln tripod stoneware coupe with two thin upright handles covered entirely in a dark brown speckled glaze apart from the lower part of the unglazed feet. A large phosphatic splash is on both the front and back. Small bosses are spread around the circumference of the widest part of the body to imitate bronze examples. 6 1/4” diameter by 4 1/4" high...

This is the only calligraphy by Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921) we have ever seen offered for sale. His skill was so revered that the prince Daewongun paid Kim Eung Won to paint many of the works for which the prince took credit. Ink on paper. Mount: 73 x 15 inches (185.5 x 38 cm), Calligraphy: 51 x 12 inches (130 x 30 cm).

A lovely ancient Egyptian Scarab, more than 2,300 years old, from the famous Mitry collection (see our Homepage). It is 5/8” long (16 mm) and made of steatite, an easy-to-carve stone that hardens when heated. Scarabs empowered life and resurrection and were often placed under mummy wrappings to protect the body and to help it resurrect. This Scarab comes in a jewelry display cup. Guaranteed – purchase price refunded if the piece is returned unaltered within 30 days from the date of purchase.

Beautifully decorated book cover, of very refined gilded hammered copper on wood, with, on one side, two dragons with the "Ratna", or "Mani" (the Jewel of the Buddhist doctrine) in the middle, surrounded by stylised cloud motifs and framed in lotus design. On the other side, three handpainted Buddhist figures representing Manjushri, Chenresig and the Mahakala. These paintings have withstood the test of time a little less well than the front side...

Ancient mask, beautifully carved in heavy wood, with realistic features, representing the face of a snarling tiger. Wood, with remnants of the handpainted polychrome decoration. India, Gujarat or Maharashtra, Kukana tribes, early 20th century. Height: 27 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old accident at lower jaw, very well restored locally. Acquired in 1974.

Nicely carved statue of Hindu god Vitthal, standing, wearing formal attire and jewelry, arms akimbo. Wood, with fine glossy dark brown patina. India, early 19th century. Height: 25.7 cm. the statue is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Left and front lower side partly missing, slight abrasion, otherwise good condition. NOTE: Vithoba, also known as Vitthala, is a Hindu god predominantly worshipped in the Indian state of Maharashtra and Karnataka. He is a form of the god Vishnu...

Kajibanten (fireman's jacket) with sashiko, made of cotton. It has hand-drawn "shachi" motif, which is a mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish and it is an auspicious protecter. Generally, in good condition but some wear in the neck and brownish stain near hem. 19th century. W:122cm, L:87cm

Chinese Qing dynasty porcelain bowl with high foot decorated around the circumference with three blue and white landscape roundels set against a robin’s egg (lu jun) ground...

A lovely ancient Egyptian Scarab, more than 2,300 years old, from the famous Mitry collection (see our Homepage). It is 11/16” long (17 mm) and made of steatite, an easy-to-carve stone that hardens when heated. Scarabs empowered life and resurrection and were often placed under mummy wrappings to protect the body and to help it resurrect. This Scarab comes in a jewelry display cup. It's large and beautiful.

A lovely ancient Egyptian Scarab, more than 2,300 years old, from the famous Mitry collection (see our Homepage). It is 3/8” long (9 mm) and made of steatite, an easy-to-carve stone that hardens when heated. Scarabs empowered life and resurrection and were often placed under mummy wrappings to protect the body and to help it resurrect. This Scarab comes in a jewelry display cup. Hathor is pictured. Guaranteed – purchase price refunded if the piece is returned unaltered within 30 days from th...

A lovely ancient Egyptian Scarab, more than 2,300 years old, from the famous Mitry collection (see our Homepage). It is X” long (X mm) and made of steatite, an easy-to-carve stone that hardens when heated. Scarabs empowered life and resurrection and were often placed under mummy wrappings to protect the body and to help it resurrect. This Scarab comes in a jewelry display cup.R604

A lovely ancient Egyptian Scarab, more than 2,300 years old, from the famous Mitry collection (see our Homepage). It is 9/16” long (14 mm) and made of steatite, an easy-to-carve stone that hardens when heated. Scarabs empowered life and resurrection and were often placed under mummy wrappings to protect the body and to help it resurrect. This Scarab comes in a jewelry display cup. Guaranteed – purchase price refunded if the piece is returned unaltered within 30 days from the date of purchase...