Ivory manju netsuke depicting a giant cricket with long antennae next to an aubergine.
Signed Mitsuo 光雄 under the base near the himotoshi holes.
Origin: Japan
Period: Edo 19th century
Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 2cm.
State of conservation: Very good
We like to offer you a very unique and rare Bakongo statue with 4 faces built as a jar.
It is made of high quality wood around 1900. It is part of the van Norten Tribal Art Collection and has been collected by the founder of the Momoyama Gallery in the 1950ies.
The protrusion in the belly is said to contain magical elements, giving the sculpture its power...
An early pair of wooden twins, both females, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 19th. to early 20th. century.
Provenanced to an important collection, we offer a large selection of high-end wooden african figures, all with the original surfaces and elaborate carvings, most dating back to the 19th.-early 20th. century (c. 1880-1930)
The lovely set with large headdresses, and both richly adorned with metal and bead bracelets. Interesting depiction of the facial features on this pair...
Height: 6.4 cm (2.5 in)
Width: 5 cm (2 in)
Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)
Fine Chinese cloisonné snuff bottle on bronze; shows two main panels featuring dragons chasing pearls; sides and knop decorated with very fine wire scrolled lotus plants; marked on the base; good condition
A well made Keyaki wood sumitsubo. Used by carpenters to efficiently mark straight lines by snapping a silk string saturated with ink. The utilitarian purpose enhanced by the folk art attention to detail of this implement held symbolic of the trade. Meiji period. Good condition. Length, 8 inches
Chinese late Qing dynasty Guangxu period rectangular form porcelain plaque painted in famille rose enamels and gilt highlights with a crane on a pine branch above thick leafy flowers. A poem at the upper left is dated in Chinese cycle years to winter of 1902 and signed Jiang Yongyuan (active circa 1899-1919) at Zhushan, a district of Jingdezhen. A raised rim frames the composition. 15 1/4" long by 9 1/4" wide by 7/8” deep. There is a fine old brown hairline crack extending down from the top...
Width: 12.5 cm (5 in)
Height: 7.2 cm (2.9 in)
Depth: 8.3 cm (3.6 in)
Chinese 19th century gilt cloisonne box with wood lining; good condition
Two very rare and large Canton enamel vases on the original wooden stands with lovely rich patina and bright well painted scenes of the Chinese goddess Chang'e. These quatrefoil vases enables the owner to change the scenes at will by merely turning the vase to a different panel. This is rare to find in Chinese vases of the period. These date to the late 19th C. One of the stands are inscribed 'China' with a backwards 'N' to help authenticate period...
A beautiful late 19th/20th C. Chinese painted
enamel stacked boxes in very good condition, only with a small paint loss pls. see photo. Signed. H:13.5cm $750
From our Chinese Blue and White Collection, a good ginger jar with "double shu" design bestowing "double happiness," late 19th century, either Tongzhi (1862-1874) or Guangxu Period (1875-1908).
Jars such as this current example were often given as gifts containing foodstuffs with the lids glued shut. As a result, many lids were broken upon opening and subsequently lost to history, which is why so many are seen without their original lids...
Antique Chinese pair of high footed bulb shaped lidded cloisonne containers, decorated all over with a beautiful floral motif, very fine wire work, gilt details, interiors with a deep blue enamel, Republic Period.
Size: 8" high
A beautiful late 19th C. or early 20th C. Chinese cloisonne basin with tree feet, in excellent condition. D:31cm H:13cm $475
A beautiful floral cloisonne trinket box with bright red and yellow flowers against a background of turquoise blue, lovely pattern and perfect for jewelry items. Measures 3.5" long x 3" deep x 2" high. Circa 1900, this box has no condition issues. Excellent!
A pair of 19th C.to 20th C. Chinese enamel cloisonne pedestal dishes with flower motif, in excellent condition. H:8-2/5" D:6-1/2" Sold to IN.
A lovely Japanese cloisonne cosmetic box designed with flowers and gold tone flecks. It is in excellent condition and begs a new home. Measures 3.5" diameter by 2.25" high. Circa 1900
A beautiful silver enameled fingernail guard, in very small size (unusual), in excellent condition. H:4.5cm $55
A very beautiful cloisonne candy box, uniquely colored in both red and yellow; both symbolical of Chinese culture. The collar and shoulder are decorated with the highly stylized bat or ruyi cloud pattern, as well as the surrounding portion of the handle knob, along with floral and tendril foliage. Good condition, with a few tiny nicks, but hardly worth mentioning, save for accuracy sake. Original patina and antique charm well preserved, size 18 cm diameter or 7" and 6 cm or 2.5" high...
A beautiful late 19th or early 20th C. Chinese cloisonne horse in very good condition with some normal enamel paint lost, please see the photos. W:15" H:13" Sold (holding)
Late Qing Dynasty (1890s to 1911) small Chinese Canton enamel covered box for seal paste painted on the top with polychrome enamels depicting a Chinese lady with a fan in a garden, border of flower spray reserves and scrolling vines. Nice quality painting with famille rose colors, all dark spots are original pitting marks. Quiet item for a scholar’s desk. Height 1 inch, diameter 2 1/4 inches.
A lovely pair of Chinese sancai scheme enameled parrots perched upon an openwork stump. These birds are variously said to be roof tile ornaments or incense burners, but agree that the former is correct. They are Chinese export wares which were made in the 19th century to early 20th century.
Condition is very good to excellent with some very minor glaze flaking at the base...
An impressive Chinese roof tile in the style of a Ming water dragon. In very good condition, with just a few small age related chips, it measures 23.5" high, 23.5" long x 7.5". Base measures 11" x 7.5". This water dragon would make a stunning accent piece for your home or in your garden. Dates early 20th Century. Weighs about 50 lbs
A beautiful late 19th C. Chinese Canton enamel spoon with wooden handle and dish with double happiness Chinese characters, in very good condition with only a small paint lost from the spoon (pls. see the photo). L:18cm
Sold to Santa Ana
A vibrant Chinese cloisonné round covered box with lotus flowers and scrolling tendrils on a black ground. with fish scale pattern. With no condition issues, this lovely box measures 2.5” high by 3.5” in diameter. Marked CHINA on bottom, we date this circa 1900.
Rare silver mounted boar's tusk opium pipe from the Himalayas in the Tibetan area. The bowl is in the form of a dragon's head with dark blue glass eyes and has a cover fashioned as the dragon's nose with a chain attached. Marked 925. This is real treasure for the collector and is in excellent working condition. Following the outer curve it measures 7.5 inches. Dates circa 1900.
Tibetan woman wore their hair in long braids which were slipped into elaborately embroidered textile sleeves for festivals.
A Japanese rare ivory netsuke depicting the Buddha’s Hand (also known as Fingered cedar) among the leaves, an ornamental and fragrant citrus fruit that is segmented into multiple sections resembling a hand...
Originally part of a full sized Tibetan adult costume, this piece was cut down to complete a childs festival costume. Decorated with turquoise, coins, tassels and silver ornaments, this type of textile accessory would often be attached to the elaborate headdress or hat and drape down the back to complete the wearers costume. The Tibetan people are not wastefull and items of festival garments in any condition are hard to acquire. I have had it hanging on my wall for a number of years...
This very well carved ivory okimono of a Chinese merchant is a late Meiji period product. It is 5” high, 2” wide and 1 ½” thick at the thickest part. It depicts a Chinese merchant with his hands in his sleeves, resting them in front of him. The artist did a great job on his facial expression and dress which includes a typical Chinese old fashioned two piece robe and hat. His goatee and long pigtail make this merchant more interesting and realistic...
A wooden carved Tibetan mask. The art of Tibetan masks can be classified into religious type and folk type. Exorcising masks were initially held to drive away ghosts and evil spirits. Later were used in local operas.
Size: 27cm X 17cm.
This Tibetan shrine shaped gau (aka prayer box) is actually a religious shrine. When not being worn as an ornament during festivals, it would be kept in the prayer niche of the family home. The back of the box slides open. Frequently, a special prayer i.e. sutra pages would be placed inside. The small glass window at the front displays a Tsa tsa, which is a clay statue of a Buddhist Diety. These statues were made only by the monks and considered to be a holy relic. This antique gau has a f...
Unusual natural Antique Japanese burlwood container. Great for storing small items.
Original condition and warm finish.
Meiji period 1868-1912.
It measures 14" wide 10" deep 6" tall.
An antique Japanese Kanban signboard of a Sake (rice wine) brewery maker. Hand carved out of a hardwood and finished in a gold gilt with black lacquer in the back. 2 stylized opposing birds and an arrow hitting a bullseye target decorate this sign that was made to depict a celebratory sake cask.
Age: Meiji Era (1900-1910)
Dimensions: 24" Wide by 25" High by 4 1/4" Deep
This pair of traditional short boots were made and worn by the Miao women of Anshun. They are in very good condition but the upper boot areas have some soiling and the soles show signs of wear.
Height: 5.6 cm (2.2 in)
Width: 5 cm (2 in)
Japanese antler netsuke of Hotei resting on a barrel with rats, one rat is mobile; circa 1900
A boxwood carving netsuke in a classic mushroom shape with very fine detailing.
Mushrooms are associated with the natural beauty of the forest. They are considered a good-luck symbol. Finding a mushroom is considered to be very lucky and means good fortune is at hand.
This netsuke has the signature mark of Yamada.
Provenance: The Avery Brundage Collection
Date: 19th C
Dimensions: 2" X 1.5" X 1.5"
A beautifully drawn Nepalese painting on thickened paper of Vajrapani, shown with a tranquil, otherworldly expression on his face. In excellent condition. Measures 8" X 10"
Antique thangka painting with Buddha seated high above and also ascending from a heavenly realm. A palace below with many llamas and attendants. An altar is spread with auspicious objects. At the very bottom of the scene, figures relax in palace rooms flanking a garden. Painted in mineral colors on cotton.
Age: circa 1900
Dimensions: 56" high x 43 1/2" wide
Beautiful and Unusual antique Tibetan portable flint lock container. The "U" shaped brass body of a lidded box is chased and decorated with the "Wheel of Dharma." Backed with a metal belt loop used to fashion on ones belt. Container to store black powered and lead bullets for matchlock rifle.
19th Century
Size: 4 1/2" x 4" x 1 3/16"
Early 20th Century Tibetan Thangka of Mahakala and Consort from a renowned and published collection. Very Good Condition. 27 x 20.5 inches, 69 x 52 cm.
A boxwood netsuke depicting a snake coiled around itself.
Signature engraved under the base.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji late 19th century.
Dimensions: 4 x 3.5 x 2 cm.
State of conservation: Very good
The Ten Pleasures of Tea, ink on paper in a paper boarder with bamboo rollers befitting the rustic scene. Likely an image of the great poet and tea master, Bassho. Titled Charakujutoku (The Ten Pleasures of Tea). The image signed Kanzan, the calligraphy Kunsen.
Yamada Kanzan (Nagoya, 1856-1918) studied under Kosone Kendo and was a renowned literati and Seal Carver. He studied painting directly under Wu Changshuo in China and excelled at not only his trade of seal carving but also...
Early 20th Century Tibetan Thangka of Mahakala and Consort from a renowned and published collection. Very Good Condition. 28 x 21 inches, 71 x 53 cm.
Boxwood shunga netsuke with skillfully carved natural himotoshi depicting two mushrooms. A touch of genius is found in the depiction of the smallest mushroom, which is placed upside down above the larger one's head. From this small cavity emerges a delicate caterpillar carved from blond horn. Engraved signature Masatomo 正友.
Period: Edo 19th century
Dimensions: 2.4 x 4.2 x 3.6 cm.
State of conservation: Excellent condition - There are natural openings in the wood.
This is a well-painted Tibetan thanka depicting the Medicine Buddha. The painting is unframed and measures 10" X 12". Ample gold highlights, including the "aureole" surrounding the Buddha. Minor rubbing, as can be seen in the photos. In need of a good cleaning. Inscription on the reverse.
A boxwood netsuke depicting a monkey trying to catch a turtle, which retracts its head and legs inside the carapace.
Origin: Japan
Period: Edo 19th century.
Dimensions: 3.4 x 3 x 2.5 cm.
State of conservation: Very good
Late Qing Dynasty (1890s to 1911) Chinese / Tibetan mala - Buddhist rosary consisting of 108 wooden beads and 4 jadeite ones that serve as spacers dividing the prayer beads into groups of 27 each. Dark dense wood, beautiful green jadeite. Traditionally Buddhist rosary of 108 even-sized beads is used for mantra recitation. The thread represents the continuity of the buddhadharma piercing the 108 worldly passions. The mantras are recited to accomplish the four karmas or enlightened activities of p...
Interesting bronze relief figure female deity, probably Himalayan, and c. late 19th.- early 20th. century.
Size: 22-23 cm.
Ex. Danish Private Collection.
Early 20th Century Tibetan Thangka of Unusual Garuda from a renowned and published collection. Very Good Condition. 27 x 20.5 inches, 69 x 52 cm.
Old wooden Phurba...nicely aged patina from handling and use...
Faces topped with diadems, 3 side "blade"section has carved scroll design
almost 11 inches long high.
Alternative spelling...phurpa,phurbha, Pronunciation: Fur-bah
The Phurba is a special triple sided Tibetan ritual dagger or stake, patterned after an ancient Vedic tool. Originated as a stake that tethered sacrificial animals. It is used ritually to create stability and areas of protected space, often staked into the gro...
Late Qing Dynasy (1880s 10 1911) Chinese scholar agate seal of cylindrical shape. Wonderful simple piece appropriate for scholar’s desk, pleasant finish to the stone. The bottom is crisply carved with four raised characters, old red seal paste in the grooves. Beautiful stone of orange color with subtle play of lighter colored veins. old dried sea paste in the grooves. The impression of the seal is shown on Enlargement 1 (photo is flipped left to right to present the image as it will actually p...
A Japanese drop-shaped bronze vase worked with a remarkable depth that transforms the work into a breathtaking three-dimensional scene with a majestic bear in relief in the center as it stands powerfully on a rock.
The bear is portrayed with a precision that does justice to its majesty. The details of its fur, its powerful paws and the expression of its face give an extraordinary life to the animal. The vase offers a sense of depth and dynamism to the entire scene, bringing the bear and the r...
A fantastic boxwood netsuke of a fu dog, wonderfully hand-carved with gorgeous, precise details. A small black ball rolls loosely around in its mouth.
Meiji Period (1868 - 1912), 19th Century
Size: 2" L x 1.5" W x 1" H
A Japanese silvered bronze jewelry box with engraved chrysanthemums supported by two oni.
Meiji period late 19th century
Sizes: 7 x 13 x 6 cm.
Condition report: Good condition
Cloisonné vase, with base and edge in silver, decorated with polychrome enamels held by a silver thread, depicting a pheasant on the banks of a watercourse surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums.
The pheasant, chrysanthemums and cherry blossoms are three significant elements in Japanese culture, each of which carries with it a distinctive symbolism and importance.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji, early 20th century.
Dimensions: 25 x 15 cm.
State of conservation: Ve...
Ivory netsuke depicting a monkey skillfully grasping and riding the legendary earthquake fish Namazu, an imposing catfish-like creature with an eel-like body, which was believed to cause earthquakes with its movement.
The famous Kadori Myojin is represented by a monkey. She takes on the role of guardian, keeping the Namazu under close control to prevent the potential triggering of a catastrophic earthquake.
This netsuke is signed under the Masakazu base.
Origin: Japan
Period: Edo 19t...
Bronze okimono depicting a study of a puppy playing with a ball.
The puppy has a playful and curious expression as he interacts with the ball.
The ball the dog plays with is also sculpted with lifelike detail, the patina of the bronze surface creating a subtle shine that reveals the sculpted details with even more clarity.
This bronze okimono is signed Masayuki.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji second half of the 19th century.
Dimensions: 13 x 18 x 13 cm. Weight 3kg.
State of con...
Bronze okimono from the Tokyo school, depicting a farmer with a basket, which contains seeds.
The farmer is represented in a working position, intent on sowing seeds.
Signed Seiya six within square reserve on the relief base.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji end of 19th century.
Dimensions: 26.5 x 13.5 x 13.5 cm.
State of conservation: Very good
Well modeled bronze dog with drum. Detailed paws and face make the dog life like. Meiji period, 1868-1912. It measures 4.25" tall. Cartouche stamped in base.
Height: 4.2 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)
Very high quality wooden mask netsuke depicting Okame; fine carved modelling throughout; signed to the reverse, Ryukei; good condition
Antique Japanese shinto mirror, tenka ichi. This mirror has a tassle tied through a turtle. The central motif is of a turtle over bamboo meeting the beaks of two cranes. The birds and turtle are on a beach with pine trees and bamboo bushes. This mirror would have been placed along with three others at the entrance to a shrine for those entering to see their reflection as they entered. Made of bronze, Edo period (c1800).
It measures 4 5/8" by 1/2" deep.