Joseon Dynasty Ton-kwe (Korean Coin Chest). Coin chests are highly prized by collectors, as their purpose required that they be the largest, heaviest, and most well constructed piece of furniture in the home of an aristocrat. Paper money did not exist in Yi Dynasty Korea, and the coins were of very small denominations. They had to be strung together in large quantities to have any worth, so a strong money box was obviously a necessity...

This striking black and gold Japanese antique shop sign is from a Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) headquarters for a drug store chain. It dramatically declares that this shop carries the best elixirs for vitality, the best remedies for high blood pressure, and the most expedient cures for fever. 17.5 x 41 inches (44.5 x 104 cm). Excellent Condition.

A warm grained Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) two piece Yonezawa Isho Tansu (clothing chest from Yonezawa) finely constructed of pine (matsu) and highly desirable paulownia (kiri). 42 x 34 x 16 inches (107 x 86 x 41 cm). Very Good Condition. This chest is from Shonai, a region of Yonezawa that makes chests that are highly prized for their combination of understated Japanese design with a sense of tradition.

In keeping with our tradition of bringing you Rare and Fine Japanese Antiques that you can't find elsewhere, we present this 19th Century Elm Wood Japanese Rice Mill, a striking conversation piece for any home or office. 51.5 x 70 x 29 inches (131 x 178 x 74 cm). Excellent Condition.

An especially fine Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Gilded and Red and Black Lacquered Butsudan (Japanese Buddhist Altar) with an endless variety of luxuriously designed details, hidden drawers within secret compartments behind hidden panels, marvelously rendered images and elaborately carved sculpture. All other butsudan pale in comparison with this rare, museum quality showcase piece. This piece would have taken the maker close to 2 years to complete. 65 x 44 x 27 inches (166 x 112 x 69 cm)...

A Large and Fine Kesi of “Boys Play”: Chinese, 19th Century, This is framed professionally and well preserved, the silk tapestry finely woven with boys at play in a landscape ground including a group of imitating the emperor, kite flying, studying in the pavilion, playing catch, playing music, teasing, playing with crickets, playing blind boy’s bluff and etc, all below swirling clouds and under blue sky woven, executed predominantly in shades of red, grey, pink, black and white, aube...

This is a classical form Song dynasty small longquan or celadon dish with moulded appliqué twin fish in the centre and an everted flatten rim. The dish is glazed with an uneven sea green or aquamarine glaze with crazing instead of the standard green colour.

There is no repair or restoration. Minor abrasion on the base and a small stone pits covered with the glaze near the cavetto which does not affect the aesthetic of the dish (picture 2 at 12 o’clock)...

Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature...

Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature...

Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature...

Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature...

Getzuzan inherited from his renowned father an effortlessness with the brush, shown here in the easy curves of the robe and face of the 12th Century Zen master, Taikobo, and the gentle washes that are used to compose the soft landscape that is the lovely place where he meditates and fishes. Gekko had several students who achieved fame, but he always favored his son. Getsuzan paintings that are available for sale are very rare. 45.5 x18 inches, 115.5 x 45.5 cm, unmounted

A prominent Japanese dealer is currently offering a Kawabata Gyokusho painting of similar size for $21,500. You can find this painting online. Kawabata Gyokusho is considered the last great representative of the Shijo school of Japanese painting. His work is quite delicate, making use of Japanese technique in a realistic manner. He had many pupils who later became well known...

Unique antique Japanese doll set of warrior dolls (musha ningyo) for the Japanese Boy's Day. 17 3/4 inches tall empress Jingo with her faithful minister, Takenouchi no Sukune, 12 inches tall holding prince Ojin (Oh-jin), the future 15th Japanese emperor who later became known as "The God of War".

Boy's Day in Japan was traditionally held among Samurai and aristocrat families in the Edo period...

Japanese 2-panel Taisho Period screen painting of woman in flower garden, she is almost obscured by bright blossoms but can be seen bending over, a pair of scissors in her hand, her flower basket sits on the ground beside her, painted in bright colors with much use of raised gofun on gold silk, signed and seal "Gaun" which is the artist name for "Yamanouchi Shinichi". Size:67" high x 74" wide Yamanouchi Shinichi. Biog.: Western-style painter...

A Rare Group of Ten Old Korean Shoes: Choson Dynasty, 19th to early 20th Century This collection of 10 old Koran shoes is a very rare opportunity to find them in sale. There are each different shoes of use and materials...

Unique Japanese antique clay doll, Mingei folk art of Japan, Emperor and Empress hina dolls (Dairi bina). Clay dolls were made all over Japan by the late Edo period (1603-1868) by off-season farmers which would often involve the entire family for extra income. These dolls were for the regular people (over 90 percent of the population were farmers then) who could not afford pretty hina dolls made out of cloth. While the early clay dolls in the Edo period still carried religious mean...

This is a collection of bronze (and some bone) arrow points from ancient China. Most of the bronze points will date to either the Warring States or Han periods (475 BC - 220 AD). The bone points are possibly as old as neolithic (pre 1700 BC). There were too many of these to list individually so I posted the entire collection. Email for specific prices. Pieces can be sold individually, in lots, or as a complete collection.

This is a large collection of ancient Chinese iron arrowheads dating as early as the Liao dynasty (916-1125 AD) to as late as the Qing. There were too many of these to list individually so I have listed them all together. They can be sold one at a time or in lots at the buyer's request. Email for individual or group prices.

A rare persimmon glazed Dingyao type covered bowl. It stands on a short unglazed footring, showing the white fine-grained body and everted to a straight persimmon glazed body. The inside of the bowl is glazed white with a burnt black spot in it. The inner mouth rim is unglazed. The cover of the bowl is of mild dome shaped with a small finial, which is likely to be of lotus bud. Pieces in such good condition are hard to come by.

There is no repair or restoration, crack, chip or glaze f...

Beautiful Meiji(1868-1912) Japanese hina ningyo (dolls), 20 inch empress doll and 17 inch emperor doll. The Hina Festival in Japan takes place every March 3rd. It is a day of celebration for the well being of every girl in the family. In earlier days, people were more susceptible to natural disasters or diseases, and in order to keep evil spirits away, this day was spent giving offerings to God. This custom was originally adopted from the 7th century, Chinese ceremony that took place on the...

There have been decorative textiles sewn into squares or rectangular shapes since the Edo period in Japan. The small squares are made for tea ceremonies; the medium to larger sized ones (called fukusa) are used to cover seasonal and ceremonial gifts. This old Chinese panel was acquired in Japan mixing into our fukusa collection.

A dragon and phoenix together symbolize the emperor and empress in China. The phoenix that is graciously presenting a peony, the sovereign of the flowers is embroi...

Old Japanese gift cover, fukusa with a black mask and a mask box, bells, hat and fan used in the Noh(No) play, Okina (the sacred old man). The Dance of Okina start with a comtemporary prayer for 'a peaceful reign over the land' Okina wearing a white mask. The black mask is worn by the Kyogen actor in the third dance, "Sanbaso". Embroidered on satin, lined with red crepe silk. Dimensions: 28" X 29"

A Large and Fine Blue and White Porcelain Dish: Korean, Choson dynasty, late18th-early 19th Century This is well potted and high quality of warm and semi transparent white glaze applied overall, it bears a character "longevity" underglaze blue on the dish. It is a quite large, and there are some beautiful spots of pink peach blossom colors under white glaze. It is in perfect condition. Measurements: 9 1/4" x 2".

An Extremely Rare Erotic Painting: Korean, Choson Dynasty, 19th Century or earlier As a Korean erotic painting from 19th century or earlier, like this painting is a very rare and a few existed in markets. It is painted in ink and a very colorful color on paper, and a man and women are in Korean traditional costumes. It is not necessary to describe its details on this painting. It is a hand scroll painting with a very good condition with just minor creases. Measurements: 78” x 8”

Only a wealthy Chinese woman would have been able to own this rare antique silk headband. Decorating each side of the headband are mirror images of an ornament depicting a bird and using the prized Kingfisher bird feathers. Intergrated with each kingfisher bird ornament is a finely embroidered bird on a branch.

A tree from under water in a dam of Thailand. The skin of this tree was eaten by freshwater shell which makes it look naturally beautiful.

Age: Thailand, circa 19th century
Measurement: Height 58-90 C.M. (excluding stand)
Condition: Intact with original condition. Please refer to the enlargement photos for more details.
Shipment: Worldwide shipping from Bangkok, Thailand at actual cost. Please e-mail us for the shipping fee.

This is a large bowl with deep sides rising from a short flared foot gradually for the first two-thirds, then steeply to a lightly indented vertical lip. The interior of the bowl is covered with glossy iron-rich black glaze with five lustrous russet-silvery glaze streaks, like a star, radiating from the base with the black glazed background. The exterior mostly black glaze underneath, the unglazed foot showing the buff body with the foot rim burnt to a very light mushroom colour.

In g...

A Pair of Fine and Rare White Glazed Porcelain Dishes: Choson Dynasty, 19th Century It is a very rare and with a high quality of white glaze applied porcelain dishes that are for the palace use. This pair of dishes are applied with an even pure white glaze, and set on a high foot the shallow bowl with a

Pair of Japanese antique sake warmers, made of bronze with silver finish, incised all over with beautiful scrolling motif, lovely patina overall, come with kiri wood tomobako. Size of each: 6 1/2" high (including handle) x 8 1/2" wide (including spout).

Japanese woodblock print by Yoshitoshi, from "36 Ghosts" series.

A Very Rare Hand Carrying Paper Lantern(Jo-Jok Dyung); Korean, Choson Dynasty, 19th Century It is a very rare and an unusual hand carrying lantern for using women in Choson dynasty, it is made with a bamboo frame work covered with black colored and thick oiled paper decorated with eight trigrams and eight floral head, geometric medallion designs(Auspicious Ideograph) in high relief technique on the body, Inside, the candle is supported by a revolving clamp that allows the candle to rema...

This is a superior Takeda ningyo (doll), an old Japanese theater doll which was most likely modeled after the character, Teiseiko from “Kokusenya-ya-Gassen.” It was a popular theater play in 18th to 19th century Japan. The setting of the play is during mid 17th century China towards the end of the Ming Dynasty. Teiseiko (also known as Watonai) was fighting the battle for the old dynasty. The play is based on a true story of "Teiseiko" who was born from a Chinese sea merchant and a Japanese...

A fine White Brass Candleholder; Choson Dynasty, 19th Century This white brass candle stick is of a slender elegant and simple design which is one of characteristic beauties of Korean art. It is an assemblage of simple geometric forms ---circles, squares and lines--- which are exquisitely balanced one to another. The drip basin with its supporting post is connected to an upper post by a panel with a reversed swastika cut into its open work. In the Choson dynasty, the reversed swastika ...

A very Rare Shape of Total Blue Water Dropper: Choson Dynasty, 19th century This rare and unusual shape of water dropper formed as a stylized star-shape, and is decorated in a thick blue underglaze and a sunken well on the top. It is in good condition except one tiny chip repaired on rim. It bears a label on the bottom. Measures 3 ½” x 1 ¼”, ***provenance; Spink & Son Ltd., London

A Very Rare Koguryo Stoneware Roof Tile; Three Kingdoms, Koguryo Dynasty, 5th-6th Century This is a very rare and fine roof tile from the out of its original place and in the market. The circular roof tile is finely moulded with a stylized lotus flower design surrounded by a raised rim. It is in fine condition with this old age. It measures 6” diameter x 4 1/4” long *** As a Koguryo roof tile there is no any offer in markets. For a similar example of this tiles see Tokyo National Muse...

Antique Japanese warrior dolls, musha ningyo displayed for the Japanese Boys Day. Clad in armor is a beautiful young widow, the Empress Jingo with her faithful retainer/high ranking minister, Takenouchi no Sukune. He is holding her baby Ojin (Oh-jin) who was later known as “The God of War”, the 15th Japanese emperor, Emperor Ojin. These are all original dolls including the baby.

Some old records indicate that in 300 AD, God came down to talk to Empress Jingo in her sleep. This was...

An Inlaid Celadon Cosmetic Box and Cover: Koryo Dynasty, 12th Century This is an unusual circular box and cover inlaid in black and white slip with black dots in the white inlaid circles between two white inlaid lines, the domed cover with wide and flat top is also inlaid in black and white slip with a single chrysanthemum medallion centered by unusual stylized lotus leaves. It is covered with grayish green celadon glaze evenly over all. It bears three spur marks and label on the b...

A Portrait of Monk:Moo-Hak(1327-1405): Korean, Choson Dynasty,19th Century His Buddhist name is "Moo Hak",(1327-1405), his name is "Ja-Cho", and his family name is "Park",. He was one of the greatest monk in Korean Buddhist history, who he"lped the founder of the Choson dynasty,(1392-1910), "Tae-Jo", Yi Sung-Gae", and then he was named as a its National Monk by the King, T"ae-Jo". It is painted with mineral color and ink on paper and has an inscription of "Moo Hak Kook Sa Jee Jin Yong" on...

Wonderful Chinese tomb pottery figure of a camel, molded gray clay with multi colored Sanghai glaze, wonderful lines and stance, Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 907). Has Oxford TLT Test papers. Size: 14 3/4" high x 12" wide x 4" deep.

A Pair of Very Fine and Rare Blue and White Cups: Korean Choson dynasty, 18th-early 19th century. This pair of cups were made from an official kiln for the imperial palace use, which is very very rare with a character "Nae". It is almost imposible to fine this type of high quality of a pair for an imperial use with character inscribed. Set on a short ring, and covered evenly overall, in and out of the body, with very fine and clear light blue-tinged white glaze. Each cup is marked with a...

A Qing Dynasty Blue and White Dish from the Diana Cargo.

Provenance: Chrisitie's, March 1995

The glaze has wear off due to the long period of exposure in sea water. Otherwise it is in good condition. No chip, crack, repair or restoration.

The measurement of the dish is: Diameter 27.6cm and the Height is 5cm.

Beautiful antique Chinese desk, Republic Period (circa 1920) with inset marble details; door panels feature carvings of bamboo and plum blossoms with birds; detachable secretary top secured by mortise and tendons; inset brass handles. 54" high x 41 1/2' wide x 21 1/2" deep. (Stool sold separately $780.)

Japanese bronze statute of a peasant maiden. Signed Hidemitsu. Meiji Period. Height 30-1/2"; diameter of base 9-1/4".

This is Song Dynasty (960 – 1276) yingqing jar with cover. The motif on top of the cover is moulded. On the body, just below the neck, on the shoulder, it is incised with what looks like S-shaped sunray, on the centre part of the body, it is incised with lotus flowers and foliage and at the lower part towards the base, it is incised with upright leaf lappets.

Some minor abrasions. There are no chip, crack, restoration or repair. It is in good condition.

The measurement of...

Korean embroidered Civil Rank badge: Choson dynasty, 19th century This is called “Hyoong-Bae” in Korean that is the art of embroidery which is another famous Korean specialty during the Choson dynasty. This is a rare embroidered silk civil rank badge with GOLD thread and embroidered in polychrome silk thread with central pink crowned pair of cranes flying midst clouds, holding in its beaks, branches of “bullocho” fungus, sewn in silk of blue, green, orange, white, black a...

This late 19th or early 20th century Japanese cloisonné vase is 11 3/4 inches high and 4 1/2 inches on the widest part. It depicts a rooster and hen in a bamboo grove. It is in excellent condition.

This 19th century Chinese Famille Rose vase is 9 ¼ inches high and 4 ¼ inches on the widest part. It depicts traditional Chinese legendary figures “San Xin.” These three noblemen represent longevity, good fortune and prosperity. It has a red maker’s seal “Yu Yuan Chang made” on the bottom. It is in excellent condition.

This early 20th century Japanese silver wire cloisonné vase is 7 3/8 inches high and 4 inches on the widest part. It depicts a rose blossom and buds. It is in excellent condition.

This hand made 19th century Chinese sterling silver inkwell is 2 ½ inches long, 2 inches wide and 1 5/8 inches high. It depicts a cormorant sitting on a fishing basket. It has “sterling silver” (in Chinese) stamped on the bottom and a glass container inside. It has nice patina and is in excellent condition.

This late 19th or early 20th century hornbill casque with a carved ivory plaque of Guan Yin (Goddess of mercy) standing on cloud is 4 ½ inches high (with base is 5 ¾ inches), 7 ½ inches long and 3 inches on the widest part. It is in great condition.

This 19th century Chinese molded ceramic statue is 8 ¾ inches high, 7 ¼ inches wide and 3 ½ inches thick. It depicts a sitting young boy holding a frog. There is a square maker’s mark “Yi He” stamped on the bottom. The statue has its original leather and silk box from Spink and Son’s. It is in excellent condition.

The pair of early 20th century carved ivory emperor and empress snuff bottles are 2 ½ inches high, 7/8 inches wide and ½” thick. The emperor’s right hand holds a fan; his left hand carries a long staff. The empress’ right hand holds a flower; her left hand carries a round fan. The impressions on their faces are very well presented and their robes and hair pieces are nicely carved and colored. Aside from some worn pigment due to age, they are in really great shape.

This mid or late 19th century Chinese statue is 15 1/2 inches tall and 6 inches wide. The statue presents a legendary Chinese character who is a member of the eight immortals. According to legend, one day he told his disciple that his spirit was going to travel far away. He asked the young man to watch his body for seven days while he was away. If he did not come back after the seventh day, the young man must burn his body. Everything went well, the young man kept his promise and the spirit ...

This late 19th C. or early 20th C. carved hard stone water bowl for painters or scholars is about 2 inches high, 5 ½ inches long and 4 ¾ inches wide. The water bowl is carved as a double plum blossom; a lucky bat, two smaller blossoms and leaf are on the side. The lucky bat and plum blossom represent bravery, strength and longevity in Chinese culture. The workmanship is simple and elegant. It is in excellent condition.

This late 19th century very well carved nephrite of a sage riding a horse is 9 inches high (with wood base is 10 ½ inches high), 8 ½ inches long and 4 ½ inches thick. It depicts an old sage holding a lantern while riding a horse. Though the nephrite has some natural blemishes, it is quite an eye catching piece. It is in great condition.

This 19th century deeply-carved small boxwood root brush holder (Bi Tong) is 5 ¼ inches high and 2 5/8 inches wide. The carver used the natural shape of the root to create a pine tree and plum blossom. The workmanship is great. The design, carving and polishing are all very well executed. The bottom was filled with softer wood. It is in excellent condition.

This pair of late Qing Dynasty Famille Rose Mille Fleurs (thousand flowers) bowls with cover are 2 3/4 inches high (4 inches with cover) and 5 5/8 inches in diameter. Peony, chrysanthemum, lily, hibiscus, iris and several unknown flowers are painted over the entire exterior and the interior rim of both bowls and covers. There are Qian Long (1736~1795) honorable marks on the bottoms of the bowls and a single peony blossom on the center of the covers. The workmanship is elegant. The gold edging...

This Qing Dynasty Dao Guang Period (1821~1850) and marked Famille Rose wedding bowl is 2 ½ inches tall and 5 inches in diameter. It depicts scenes before and after a wedding ritual. One scene is a happy groom riding a white horse toward the bride’s house to ask her family to let him to take her to his home. The second scene is the newly wed couple bowing to each other during the ceremony. The third scene has the bride playing “Go” with her mother-in-law while the groom is standing beh...

This late 19th or early 20th century lacquered bronze statue of a boy is 8 ¾ inches high, 4 inches wide and 2 ½ inches thick. It has a signature “Mantoshi” on the back. Aside from some wear due to its age, it is in good condition.