A very nice tanged bronze dagger, Ancient Near East, dating to early 2nd mill BC.

The dagger with broad shoulders and a tapering blade with a defined central midrib.

Size: 25,5 cm

Condition: A choice dagger with nice patina. Has been cleaned a bit roughly.

Ex Danish Private Collection

Circa 1870s Cantonese export carved ivory larger size calling card case. The front is saturated with open flowers, leaves, stems and buds in the type of work that appears like they are lifted in the air with skilled undercutting and back carving. The background is all perfectly hatched in the wan-fret design and there is a central area that is filled in with scenes of Chinese life, also in high relief...

Collection of four hardwood “tun tun” pig trap markers made by the Iban people of Sarawak, East Malaysia, circa last half of 20th century. All in good condition. The longest one is L: 59cm/23.2in

A pair of small “utility” knives made by Iban people of Sarawak, East Malaysia. These were frequently carried in the sheaths of their larger brothers, the Dayak mandau. The blades are hand forged, possibly scavenged steel from the leaf springs form an old car. Circa last half of the 20th century. The longer thinner knife has carved deer horn at one end (repaired see enlargement) . See enlargements to see details of the carvings. Both blades are sharp and serviceable...

A rare ring, elaborately decorated with two kinds of stupas linked together. Bronze, with nice age patina. Soil encrustations. Graeco-Buddhist Civilisation, Gandhara, ca. 3rd century. Inside diameter: 17 mm. Height: 43 mm. Very good condition.

A bronze plate with shaped rim, beautifully decorated, in gold lacquer with sparrows among bamboo and plants. Base signed "Kyoto Okuda sei". Dimension: diameter: c. 20.3 cm, c. 1.2 cm high. Condition: fine, only minor wear and lacquer loss.

Fine Large Chinese Jin Dynasty Carved Stone Tile - Bird (AD 1115 - 1234)

This extremely rare large stone tile dates to the Jin Dynasty (AD 1115 - 1234). The carving is of fine quality and features a bird standing with outstretched wings in a circle, itself within a square panel...

A stylized grass motif painted in ferrous pigment across each side and on the inside of this mukozuke serving dish marks it as being more likely produced in Karatsu as opposed to having come out of a Mino kiln. Though very similar styles and techniques were utilized during the late 16th or early 17th C. when this would have been produced; the color, distribution of glaze, and patterning suggest Karatsu...

Sculpture - Inari. Symbolized by a pair of Japanese fox - Shinto kami. The foxes are represented seated on pedestals and take their place in a sort of painted wooden temple entrance door. Japan late Edo (1603-1868) 19th century. Dimensions of the wooden shelter: 24 cm x 25 cm. Dimensions of foxes: 14 cm x 6.5 cm. Inari is one of the main kami of Shintoism, mainly associated with agriculture, revered to protect the rice fields and provide an abundant harvest, a symbol of fertility...

Inro – A amusing and beautiful model of a black japanese urushi lacquer Inro, open by 4 cases and a lid, showing mice and a rat playing together on shells.  Brown, black, gold and silver lacquers of maki-e. H : 5,7 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 18th century.

Kobako box decorated with stylized foliage in black and gold hiramaki-e lacquer. The motif is karakusa, a growing plant extending in all directions. It symbols prosperity and longevity. Interior is lined with a floral fabric and topped with a pewter border.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height: 2.5 in / 6.5 cm – width: 3.5 in / 9 cm – depth: 3 in / 7.5 cm

Netsuke – Good size model of a toad with a rather strong expression, crouched down, about to jump, its legs folded under its belly. His eyes are encrusted with brown horn. Nice natural patina of the wood. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 18th century.

Netsuke – Nice model representing a fox, in Japanese Kitsune, in carved wood, represented seated, wearing a long coat, disguised as a priest, leaning on a base on which rests an open book. Nice model with a beautiful natural patina. Himotoshi in the back. Dimensions: 4 x 3.7 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) late 18th century.

Small light brown patina bronze okimono of a mouse with head and tail erect, paws spread.
Bears the stamp « Masu » (ます) on its belly.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height: 2 ¾ in (7 cm) – width: 1 in (2.5 cm) – depth: 2 ½ in (6.2 cm)

Netsuke - A mask carver, by Masayuki. The carver is holding his lasted creation, a chisel resting in his other hand. Evidently satisfied with his work, the carver twists his face into the same expression of that of this subject- a kyogen mask of the "liar" (usofuki) type, one eye closed and the lips pursed into a sideways whistle. Japan, Asakusa, Edo (1603-1868) 19th century.

Netsuke – A lovely model of boxwood group of chestnuts, one of which reveals the passage of a small worm, in carved bone. The natural chestnut color and wear to the wood provides a very naturalistic depiction. Wide himotoshi at the back. Beautiful natural patina. Nice finesse of sculpture. Probably former Carlo Monzino collection, n°191 sold at Sothebys London in 1995. Dimensions: 5 cm Edo period late 18th century

Netsuke - Nice model of the Shichifukujin Takarabune (The famous boat loaded with treasures of the 7 gods of happiness) in carved boxwood. Nice carving details of the whole composition. The 7 deities are all identifiable, the boat itself is ornate, the waves and a small Minogame turtle sculpted on the base. The cartridge signature has disappeared over time. Very nice natural patina. Height: 3.5cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 19th century.

Fine Chinese Han Dynasty Burnished Pottery Cup

This fine & rare pottery cup was made some 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220), or possibly a little earlier. It is made from a fine-grained grey pottery. This inner mouth and outer surface have a smooth burnished surface making it a real pleasure not only to view, but also to handle...