Rare Yuan dynasty red lacquerware oval tray, Chinese, 14th century, carved with two three-toed dragons encircled by a border of crashing waves. Size: 8 3/8 inches x 6 3/4 inches x 1 inch deep. Condition: two spots where the lacquer is missing on the top of the rim, some old filler on the foot ring on the under side, some cracking to the lacquer and a few tiny spots of loss to the incised lacquer in the background...

An extremely rare pair of original 18th century elm wood lacquered folding chairs. All the parts are original including the original lacquer. Only replacements were the hardware in the folding joints as the originals had rusted out. The back panel has an open- work floral design with a cloud design on the upper and lower panels. The soft mat seat seems to be original. The chairs fold in a unique backward motion. Size: H. 104cm. Width between the arm rests. 58.5cm. Seat depth. 38.5cm. Condition...

A rare, large and beautifully carved scholar's item made of huanghuali and carved with flower vases and a censer as the center piece, with the original hardware.The outer frame could be huanghuali or huali. It is unusual to find these wall decorations in huanghuali. Size: L. 86cm. W. 35cm Age: Late Ming, early Ching piece. Condition: No repairs. For serious inquires, I will send photos of the back of the piece.

LARGE Chinese Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Camel with TL Test (75cm)

This exceptionally large and impressive pottery model of a camel was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in various different coloured pigments...

A large basin in striking cobalt designs by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in an unsigned wooden box. The central figure is a soaring phoenix spiral n elaborate plumage surrounded by clam shaped scallops in which leaping carp vie for the prize. About the rim 3 dragons battle for the flaming pearl. Outside serpentine vines intertwine about voluptuous flowers over phoenix. All together a sumptuous and royal aura. It is roughly 32 cm (12-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition...

SUZURIBAKO Rare and important writing box. Japanese lacquer urushi. The exterior is decorated with two shishi carefully patterned. The interior of the lid is decorated with a steep rocky coast with a temple, in gold and silver takamaki-e, the craggy cliffs are enhanced by cavities carved. Techniques of takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, kirigane, uchikomi, kimetsuke and tsukegaki. On a nashiji ground. The rims are fundame. Empty. Size : 23 x 21,2 x 4,6 cm...

Golden cranes soar among clouds etched into the surface of this solid silver Japanese hanging incense burner (Tsuri Koro) dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Inside is an ash-cup suspended in a triple-hinged gimble which keeps the ash pot upright no matter the angle of the ball itself. On the side is impressed the official Kokuin which reads Jungin (pure silver). The cranes have a soft golden sheen and are likely gilded or damascened with gold...

Verdant foliage of the Imperial Paulownia (Kiri) tree in crisp cobalt rises majestically on this tall vase by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seika Kiri no Zu Kabin (Blue and White Vase with Paulownia Design). It is 30 cm (12 inches) tall and in excellent condition, signed on the base...

A comic scene in ink on paper of boys herding oxen by Nagasawa Rosetsu spreads across these two low screens. The central characters, one in the lead the second astride one of the behemoths crossing a bridge is distracted by a butterfly floating by above while the beast in front steps on its own rope, pulling his head back to the viewer with a quizzical expression...

Pear shaped body of ovoid section, supported on a flared foot covered in a deep imperial egg-yolk yellow glaze thinning midway down on the inside to where the balance is unglazed. The narrow sides of the neck flanked by a pair of dragon-head handles. The recessed base is glazed in the same deep yellow. The glaze stops short of the base. Unmarked.

Size: 13" high by 8-3/4" wide by 6" depth

Condition: Very good condition, no breaks, cracks.

Note: This is quite a...

An exquisite Olmec culture pre Columbian Mexico Jade hard stone mask. Measuring 8" x 6" x 3". A beautifully carved image with bold facial features. In ancient condition with centuries of deterioration of the stone matrix from being buried in an acidic soil, leaving the harder Jade intact authenticating the age. From a Stanford collection.

A beautiful and rare blackwood vanity chest. This is an unique piece and very large and quite heavy. It has all the original brass fittings and many drawers. There are many copies of this piece and this is the only original one I have come by in all the years I have been collecting. Age: Early 19th century. Size: L. 35cm. W. 25.8cm. H. 21cm. Condition: All original.

Anthropomorphic figure ‘Lagana’. H. 51 cm. First half 20th century. Old repairs to the arms and the left leg. Van Rijn: ao-0156590-004. Provenance: Private collection Antibes, France, Private collection Belgium. Exhibited: Paris, France, ‘Parcours des Mondes’, Joshua Dimondstein, 2019.

A Chinese porcelain copper-red glazed bottle vase. The inside as well as the base glazed white. The copper red glaze thinning to just below the top rim where it was covered in gilt. The controlled glaze stops just short of the base. The base with a six character underglaze-blue Qianlong seal mark (1736-95).

Size: Approximately 10-3/4" high by 5.5" diameter

Condition: Very good condition, no breaks or cracks. The gilt around the top rim has worn off, leaving traces.

A raw-clay-bodied globular vase decorated with comic deer in overglaze enamels by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Akebononoiro-do Shika no zu Kabin (Vase of Sunrise-colored Clay decorated with Deer). The farcical creatures are punctuated by the fellow caught in the act of chewing his hoof (or was he having a scratch?) He looks back at the viewer with wide eyed and sheepish. The vase is 24 cm (9-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
...

A Very Rare Group of Chinese Sui / Early Tang Dynasty Ritual Pottery Vessels (with Oxford TL Test)

These exquisite Buddhist pottery items were made around the 7th century during either the Sui Dynasty (AD 581 - 608) or the early part of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). They are made from a white pottery and coated in a finely-crackled pale yellow glaze that has spots of green here and there. In places the glaze has acquired a silvery iridescence.

They comprise a dragon-handled vase (hei...

Description:

A water dropper was in intriguing twin toad's shape.
In characteristic mustard tint, the vessel was merged by two halves made from clay molds.
Finger prints were left on the clay body by the potter when in the squeezing and applying method of the pieces.
There were obvious incursions happened to the thinner portion of the glaze.
The toads were in uniquely fiercing look which was a iconological characteristic of the dated periods.
One minute glaze fleck w...

A very rare Song stone carved mirror holder in the shape of a mythical ox called n Xiniu. The ox has his head turned upward and is looking at the moon which is represented by the bronze mirror above and the stone carvings represent the clouds. It is very unusual to find this type in stone mirror holder as the few I have seen have been in gilded bronze. Size: H. 19.5cm. W. 15.5cm. D. 8.2cm. Condition: No repairs or chips. The horns are long gone as they were either made of wood or ivory. Bronze m...

A Changsha bowl was painted in the cavetto with motif of bird and water weeds. Maneuvered by deft brush strokes, the picture was vividly rendered with simple lines. The bowl was heavily potted and was revealed with rough-feel body clay underside. The characteristic disk-like foot ring was well shaped. It was applied with white lining paint before dipping into to the brownish pigment and commencing the picture.Tang Dynasty (9th Century). Diameter: 15.5 cm. Condition: No chips, cracks ir hair...

This is a very rare and highly desirable Changsha kiln 9th century Tang Dynasty bird figurine. Usually these are characterized by such components such as under-glazed yelow-brownish and green motifs with molded design in relief, appliqué designs or impressed designs in relief and also incised or carved designs. The unique feature of the figurine is the olive/brown glaze that is more like yue ware, but the paste and glaze is actually one of the rarest Changsha kiln products that exist. This is d...

A radical ink landscape by legendary artist Fukuda Kodojin. Ink on paper in a green silk patterned border set in beige with wood rollers. It is 13 x 70 inches (33 x 178 cm) and is in excellent condition.
Fukuda Kodojin (1865-1944) an eccentric self taught artist, his status as a poet, calligrapher and literati artist has reached legendary status. Born at a time of great change (4 years before the final fall of the Edo Government), he lived through the westernization of Meiji, Taisho Dem...

A rare Bronze Ding or food offering container with domed cover and looped handles (when inverted the cover becomes a tripod dish) Age. Qin Dynasty (First Emperor) 221-206BC Size: H.17.2cm. W. 22cm. Condition: No repairs. All original. A small dent on the lid.

Two austere Bodhisattva play music and spread lotus petals before the benign countenance of Kannon while a fierce green God (god of thunder or wind) recoils, flame spouting from his mouth. This is a very unusual triptych enclosed in the original age darkened compartmentalized kiri wood box signed Urata Tenka titled Daiji Kannon no Zu (Image of the most merciful Kannon), Takahashi Koko Sho (Painted by Takahashi Koko). Urata Tenka was the first art-name (go) used by famed Meiji artist Takahashi...

A beautiful antique carved stone statue of a Hindu deity 10 - 11th century. Of a red sandstone measuring approx. 18.5 inches tall. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.

Tempestuous waves in fine gold lines splash between lightning shapes decorated with reed curtains on the sides of this singular lacquered wooden koro with woven silver lid dating from the Momoyama to opening of the Edo period, Later 16th to early 17th century. It is 8.5 cm (3-1/4 inches) high, 7.5 cm (3 inches) diameter. The worn base has been re-lacquered to protect the wood core from splitting or cracking otherwise is entirely original to the period.

Five matching boxes covered in black lacquer decorated with togidashi feathers in silver and gold enclosed in the original wooden box signed Shunji (active Meiji-Taisho period) and titled Hane-no-zu Maki-tabaco Shoshi (Feather decorated tabaco chest). Each faceted wood box has been covered in polished ink-black ro-iro lacquer, the diaphanous feathers then created on the surface with powdered gold and silver; then all is covered again in lacquer and polished through to reveal the design. An ard...

A lovely genuine full sized Bunraku theater puppet of a mature female character dressed in a blue silk kimono with elagent head dress. The doll is fully mobile, controlled from within by switches on her neck and poles extending from her arms. The hands are flexible as seen in the photos. She stands almost 4 feet (117 cm) tall, and comes complete with a bamboo display stand as pictured. All is in excellent condition, with a few stray hairs in her coiffure. This will be the first we have had th...

Depicting the Jain goddess Ambika. H. 24 cm (excl. stand), W. 18 cm. Very rare and early piece. Condition: see pictures. Comes with a museum quality metal stand. Provenance: private collection Belgium. More pieces will be coming from this collection, mainly in bronze and some in stone. Email me for more info.

The Heron Maiden coquettishly covers her face, the intimation of snow in the vacant background with large occasional flakes falling in the fore on this large work by important 20th century artist Kitano Tsunetomi. Pigment on silk in the original silk border with solid ivory rollers (these will be changed if exporting). It comes in a later collector’s double wood box. The scroll is 46 x 206 cm (18 x 81 inches) and in overall fine, original condition. There are faint scattered foxing marks t...

A fine wakizashi in saya of crushed aogai shell in lacquer with engraved silver fittings adorned with a family crest wrapped with matching Kozuka. Kyoto license number 59007 Heisei 9.
blade length: 38.9 cm
sori:0.7 cm
motohaba:2.4 cm
motokasane: 0.6 cm It is in excellent condition.

A small round heavily lacquered box made to contain incense carved with Peonies by Imperial Artist Suwa Sozan I enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Layer upon layer of lacquer has been applied over time, each subsequent layer allowing for drying, then the entire is carved through with the floral motif. This would likely have been years in the making. This kogo is 3 inches (7.5 cm) diameter and in perfect condition signed underneath Sozan. Sozan was known best for his impeccable celad...

A museum quality work by 19th century great Oda Kaisen featuring vines burgeoning with ripe fruit under the epitaph “Painted on a muggy date (possibly “by moonlight” as the term keigetsu refers) in 1840”. Ink on silk in brass colored Satin patterned with tendrils of mist and featuring white piping in the Mincho style and ivory rollers typical of literati painting of the 19th century. It is 18-3/4 x 72-3/4 inches (47.5 x 184.5 cm) and is in excellent condition.
Oda Kaisen (1785-1...

The Shishimai dance tradition is common throughout east Asia. A single, or sometimes a pair of dancers, don the costume and parade through the street biting people, especially children, on the head. This is believed to ward off misfortune and evil spirits, and make a child overcome fear. An incense burner by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan in the shape of a shrouded Lion Dancer in vibrant colors enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ninsei-I Shishimai Gata Koro. The koro is 14 cm (rough...

Fine & Rare Chinese Northern Dynasties Painted Pottery Kneeling Camel with Oxford TL Test

This fine and very rare pottery model of a kneeling camel, laden with saddle bags, was made during the Eastern Wei Dynasty (AD 534 - 550) or the following Northern Qi Dynasty (AD 550 - 577). It is made from a pale greyish-brown pottery that is fairly highly-fired. It has been "cold painted" in a base coat of a creamy-white pigment with details picked out in brown, red and black pigments. The camel is i...

A rare and very 18th century large scholar's standing screen. The front of the screen is painted red with a gilded mountain scene. The back is painted black with the remains of a good luck symbol. Size: H. 91cm. W. 78cm. Condition: Normal ageing. No repairs. In it's natural state, could use some professional cleaning.

A large exquisite vessel by Miura Chikusen III enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Hakuji Chokoku Unryu-e Kabin (White Porcelain Vase Carved with Clouds and Dragons), the box signed by both Chikusen and the woodworker (Sashimono-shi) Hosai. It retains the original rosewood stand, presumably made by Hosai. The vase is 37 cm (14-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition. It dates from between 1921 and 1931.
Miura Chikusen I (1854-1915) was apprenticed from a young age und...

A delicate white flower blossoms on the pink surface of this exquisite vessel by Kiyomizu Rokubei V which comes wrapped in the original stamped cloth sack and enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Taireiji Kabin. The vase is 22.5 cm (9 inches) tall and in excellent condition. Taireiji was the most important development by this innovative artist, and pieces are exceedingly rare.
Kiyomizu Rokubei V (Shimizu Kuritaro, 1875-1959) initially studied painting and decorating techniq...

Early figure with a weathered look. H. 51 cm. Ca. early 20th century. Ex Lode van Rijn (1910-1977), Galerie Khepri. Ex De Zwaan, Amsterdam, 2017. Ex Srdjan Sremac, The Hague.

The benign figure of Monju Bosatsu bearing the sword of knowledge and a sutra astride a fierce Shishi lion exquisitely painted by Takagi Shunrin in 1920. The compassionate being appears in royal regalia and white robes seated on a lotus shaped saddle upon the fierce creatures back. Pigment on silk in the original silk mounting with large ivory rollers enclosed in the original signed wooden box dated Spring of Taisho 9 (1920). The Rollers will be changed if exporting. It is quite large at 87 x ...

A Carved and Gilded Buddhist Reliquary containing a polished pink stone exhibited at the Shimane Prefectural Musuem Arakawa Kisai exhibition in 1974 enclosed in a custom-made wooden box and retaining the loan papers from the museum as well as the original pamphlet. The wood body has been carved in tempestuous waves, lacquered black and gilded, with a polished pink orb inside a flame shaped finial. It is 7 inches (18 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Arakawa Kisai (dates disputed, rou...

Of flat oval shape. Taotie masks with moveable rings on the sides. The lid now stuck to the vessel. H. 30 cm. W. 28,5 cm. Very good patina and traces of original repairs that were executed after the casting. This is often seen on Han bronzes. Provenance: Dutch private collection, Japanese private collection. Han Dynasty ( 206 BC - 220 AD )

A Te-bako lacquered box decorated with pigeons in colored lacquer on pale white with mother of pearl inlay by one of the most important 20th century lacquer artists Banura Shogo enclosed in the original signed wooden box dating circa 1935. Sharp corners, the cream-colored box raised on a dark colored foot, the rim edged with two beads of solid silver, all typical of the design aesthetic of the 1930s. It is 30.5 x 21.5 x 12 cm (12 x 8-1/2 x 5 inches) and is in excellent condition. For a free-s...

An exquisite vase decorated with crashing waves and plovers in blue by Seifu Yohei dating from the Taisho era. It is 12 inches (31 cm) tall and in excellent condition. Quite large for a work by Seifu, it is marked on the base with an incised signature. Either the work of the third or fourth generation, according to the definitive book "Kyoto Ceramist Seifu Yohei III", pieces from this era with this signature are impossible to differentiate between the two generations, as they worked side by s...

Two Sometsuke tea containers decorated with scholarly scenes and lengthy calligraphic prose by Seifu Yohei I enclosed in a double wood box (ni-ju-bako) annotated by the fourth generation Seifu. They are 6.5 cm square, 13 cm tall. One has a some damage to the inner rim, a chip in the lid and a nick in the glaze of the bottom corner. Repairs can be performed at cost if desired
Seifu Yohei I (1803-1861) founded the Seifu dynasty in Kyoto. He was born in powerful Kaga-kuni, modern day Kan...

Rare celadon charger with 3 level floral decoration. Flower spray on the center, and floral scroll on the inner side and cavetto. D = 32 cm. Yuan Dynasty. Perfect condition : fine glazed, no chips, hairlines, cracks or restorations.

Fine Large Chinese Han Dynasty Glazed Hu Jar with Hunting Scene

This fine and attractive pottery jar (hu) was made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). It is made from a fairly high-fired reddish pottery and coated in a very finely-crackled glaze of unusual colour varying in places from green to a yellowish-brown. There are a couple of minor kiln scars to the glaze, quite common with Han glazed pottery.

The neck and shoulder are decorated with deeply incised bands between which are ...

An incredible carved bamboo vase of warriors making their way through forested crags whipped by roiling mist cut from a single piece of bamboo and signed on the base Omikuni Sakata Shiori Yamaguchi Moritsugu Saku :Made by Yamaguchi Moritsugu of Shiori, Sakata, Omi Province (Modern day Maibara Shiga Prefecture on the North-Eastern shore of Lake Biwa). It is 35.5 cm (14 inches) tall and in overall excellent condition, enclosed in an old wooden box.
Possibly the image of Okuninushi and his...

Pre Columbian Olmec Jade hardstone figure of a seated man. Mesoamerica Circa: 1200 BC to 500 BC. The material is a variegated pale green nephrite with oxidation to the matrix of the stone due to interaction of soil minerals over several centuries. The dimensions are 8"H x 5"W x 4"D.

A brush, ink stick letter knife and ink stone are set into a compartment inside this flattened bamboo shape carved from Zitan wood with a poem engraved into the lid signed on the back side Hokkyo Sessai and enclosed in a wooden box. Lifting out the lid by means of the strap, one finds the knife tucked into the handle, the brush, stone, and ink laid out and ready to use. It is 34 cm (13-1/2 inches) long. The ink stone, firmly embedded in the wood, has cracked, otherwise all is in excellent co...

The mastery of expression accomplished by Suwa Sozan I is evident in this pair of porcelain children enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Gosai Doshi Okimono (Five Colored Figure of Children). This piece is published in the definitive book “Suwa Sozan Sakuhin Shu” (1971). In the book the photo title is more specific “Gosai Mimiakatori Karako Okimono” (Five Color Figure of Chinese Children Cleaning Ears) and the work is dated to 1913. The fellow doing the cleaning is absor...

A very well executed Ming stone weight depicting a strange youth guiding a mythical beast.The stone itself is unusual in that is very hard and veined with two colors. A very unique piece and a true work of art. It is my understanding that these weights were used for pressing paper. Size: Base. 28.3 x 28.3cm. H. 14.5cm. Condition: No repairs. Some minor old chips around the edges and the horn on the animal might have been filed a little long ago.

A sheer cascade of silver mist drops into the darkness beyond a golden outcrop harboring an ancient pine laden with blossoming wisteria vines. Togidashi, taka-maki-e and kirigane, this is a breathtaking box dating from the 19th to opening of the 20th century. Inside is elegantly decorated with drifting clouds of golden mist. Overall in excellent condition, enclosed in a period wooden box. It is 23 x 21.5 x 4.3 cm (9 x 8-1/2 x 1-3/4 inches).

A very unusual and rare Ming pair of lacquered scholar's partition screens on huanghuali stands.

Against a black lacquer background, each screen features scholar's objects in brown lacquer and mother-of-pearl with accents of gold. They are bordered with a band of leaf patterns done in gold and inlaid mother of pearl. The backs of the screens each have a gold leaf-patterned border while their centers have linear gold paintings of butterflies, plum blossoms and tiny chrysanthemums.

...

A fabulous 17th century Koro (Momoyama to early Edo period) covered in black lacquer inlayed with minute mother of pearl shippo designs around circular windows featuring floral motifs. The lid is solid silver, pierced with overlapping floral designs. The windows feature grape, plum, bamboo and other seasonal imagery important in Asian cultures. It is 11 cm diameter and in overall excellent condition considering the age.

A most exciting find, a scroll by five of the greatest scholar-painters of the Meiji period, Tanomura Chokunyu, Suzuki Hyakunen, Tomioka Tessai, Nyoi Sanjin and Yamanaka Shinten-o; all of whom resided in Kyoto during the Meiji period. Ink on paper in a brown cloth border befitting the Daoist figures. It comes in an annotated by by Tessai from 1911. The scroll is 29-1/4 x 75-1/2 inches (74 x 192 cm) and is in excellent condition.
Nyoi Sanjin (Tani Tetsuomi, 1822-1905) was born the son o...

A large trumpeting bulb in blue-green celadon glaze with snake-like handles by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seiji-yu Koshiki Ryu-mimi Kabin (Celadon Glazed Flaring Dragon Handled Vase). It is 29 cm (roughly 12 inches) tall, 19.5 cm (8 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
The name Kozan was granted by Prince Yasui-no-Miya in 1851 in honor of the tea ware produced during the later Edo for the imperial Court by the tenth generation head ...

A very rare Chinese Nanmu scholar's table chest. Nanmu wood has been used in China since the Han dynasty and is very prized by collectors as it is difficult to find. I feel that it is rarer than huanghuali. I have only come across one Nanmu scholar's chest in all the years that I have been collecting. Size: L.34cm. W.17cm. H.6cm. Age: Mid Qing or earlier. Condition: No repairs

A pair large Chinese silk kesi tapestries, once mounted as hanging scrolls with silk brocade border and backed with paper. Showing immortals and gods of the Daoist Pantheon in a landscape setting. Made of a two colour silk tapestry with painted areas. Dating to the late Qing dynasty. Condition: please look at the photos carefully - they make part of the condition report - the brtittle mounting is damaged and only partially preserved, the wooden bars of the top and one of the bottom are lost. Kes...

A spectacular pair of vases by Ito Tozan I decorated with the imperial chrysanthemum in gold between soaring phoenix; symbols of the Japanese imperial family. Both come in the original (tired) silk pouch in a compartmentalized wooden box signed by the artist. Each is roughly 6 inches tall and in excellent condition, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century (later Meiji to Taisho period).
Ito Tozan I (1846-1920) began as a painter in the Maruyama school studying under Koizumi Tog...

Birds in white plumage decorate the shadowed raw clay of this vase by Miyagawa Kozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 21.5 cm (8-1/2 inches) tall, 19 cm (7-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.　
The name Kozan was granted by Prince Yasui-no-Miya in 1851 in honor of the tea ware produced during the later Edo for the imperial Court by the tenth generation head of the Kyoto pottery family Miyagawa Chozo. The Kozan (Makuzu) kiln as we know it today was established...