A very finely decorated cloisonne enamel bowl depicting, on the outside, two confronting five clawed dragons, over waves, in pursuit of a flaming pearl and, on the inside, an impressive Imperial style dragon. This item was made in China circa 1890 to 1920 probably during the reign of the Guangxu emperor (1875-1908). Condition - excellent - no losses, damages or restoration...
This Chinese pipe is from the Miao Ethnic Minority group in the vicinity of Rong Jiang. My Miao friends insist that this pipe would have been used for smoking tobacco and not opium. Made from silver alloy, the stem design has the two dragons chasing the center pearl.
The pipe is in very good condition and is 19" long and it comes with its own custom made stand.
Description: A dish-mouthed bottle vase from Yue kiln of Zhejiang province was preserved in perfect condition. In a fine greenish tint, the bottleās glaze was evenly applied nearing to the edge of the bottom. Through enduring age, the glaze was kept in a fine and stable condition when sophisticated and retrospective luster was reflected in a charming look. Under the glaze, regular patterns were imprinted around the shoulder for decoration...
Description: A terracotta amulet or Tsa-Tsa of Tibet was preserved well in a fine condition. By a mold image of Shakyamuni Buddha who in the earth-witness gesture on the front, gold pigment was applied including the drapery throne when faded red and darken purplish pigment were left to the background. Clear reticulate grains were on the back side. Date: 18th century, Tibet. Height: 8.2cm, Depth: 1.6cm(base).
A slim rectangular box of huanghuali wood with original brass hardware. Over a two-part round lock plate is a cloud-shaped hasp. The four corners on top also have cloud-shaped protective/decorative brass.
Period: 17th Century
Size: Height = 10.5 cm, Length = 35.2 cm, Depth = 17 cm.
Condition: Some old age cracks.
This antique Japanese Goten or Palace would have been used to create a Palace scene of the Imperial Court for the display of the 15 traditional Girls Day Hina Doll Collection. The structural parts of the dollhouse are constructed of light weight wood which is painted with black lacquer. Made in the Meiji Period, it is elaborately decorated with painted cranes, pine trees, and flowers, and metal fittings...
A well painted late 19th Century Chinese Moon Flask decorated with scrolling lotus design and with panels on each side depicting two confronting dragons. There are two 'chilong' dragons on the shoulders. This item was made during the reign of the Guangxu emperor (1875-1908). Condition - there is a 4cm (1.5 inch) hairline running from the rim and an old chip to the back of one of the chilong dragons...
A Rare and nice molded Dragon celadon dish,decorated with clear dragon motif,inner wall with carving weave motif, outer wall with rising lotus petal motif, dish covered with green glaze.Dish is in good condition,it just has very small glaze chip at the rim,no crack,free from any restorations. Dish semi porcelain(no high ping sound).
Size: 36 cm diameter.
Description: A Yinquing ewer or water dropper was kept with its original cap. Produced from Jindezheng of Jiangxi province, it was an exquisite Qingbai(bluish white) porcelain manufactured in one of the Hutien kilns. On the surface, when motifs of flowers were framed with 16 different sectors, subtle pinhead incursions were randomly spread in the bluish glaze. It happened to the surface of the cap too. Characteristic chalk-feel body clay was revealed at the bottom...
A cricket cage made of a long bodied gourd with ivory mounts to accommodate the ivory and tortoise shell lid. The surface of the gourd has a leathery look from age. The tortoise shell piece has intricate pierced carvings of the "Eight Taoist Symbols" amidst curling tendril patterns.
Period: Ching (19th Century)
A dilapidated shrine nestles deep in a forested mountain side with a cluster of stone Jizo and a fudomyo climbing the green hillside behind signed Koho and dating to the late Meiji. A quiet and contemplative scene reflecting the quality of the art of the time, the subject not overstated but resting silently awaiting our discovery...
Flora in heavy pigment decorate the gold leaves of this two panel Rimpa screen dating from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. Tinges of red bring a brush of Autumn to the various grasses and flowers. Heavy veining on the gold as well, evidences the age and brings to vivid life the scene in the fore. The screen has been restored at some time in the distant past with some repairs performed then, and is bordered with patterned blue silk in a natural wood frame...
A large natural amber snuff bottle with carved coral tiles of stylized dragon heads on both sides. The amber is intricately carver on all sides. Size: H. 7cm. W. 4.8cm. Condition: No repairs.
This pair of Kingfisher hair ornaments are from my personal collection. The kingfisher bird feathers are in very good condition and the ornaments are 4 inches across at their widest point. Each piece has its original hair pin attached to the paper back with a wire.
The kingfisher bird feathers were a favorite item used to decorate ornaments for both hair and clothing, usually hats and headbands. The earliest ornaments had large feathered areas which were glued to a paper/cardboard back...
Description: A Ming Longquan Li-typed censer was kept in very fine condition. Well mold and heavily glazed, the tripod censer was in typical lake-green tint when whitish ridges were on the body along everted feet. Charming crackles, pinpoints condition and darken hue in portions verified it a true old piece. Brownish red was obvious in the center of the cavetto where the body clay was revealed...
A nicely carved natural amber pendant of the hand of Buddha citron with a hole at the top so it can be worn as a pendant. The citron fruit may be given as a religious offering in Buddhist temples. According to tradition, Buddha prefers the "fingers" of the fruit to be in a position where they resemble a closed rather than open hand, as closed hands symbolize to Buddha the act of prayer. Size: H. 3.7cm. W. 2cm. Condition: No repairs, chips or cracks.
The character Kotobuki followed by a playful verse crying Watashiya kyujukyu made (Longevity, I live to 99). Ink on paper enclosed in a subtle cloth border befitting Zen art. It is stamped Taishitsu (his art name) and enclosed in the original signed wooden box with the same inscription on the lid. The scroll measures 10 by 73 inches (26.5 x 185 cm). There is some cupping in the scroll, otherwise in fine condition...
A Chawan tea bowl by Goho with calligraphy work by Yamada Mumon enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The calligraphy reads Mi-Do, The Way of Taste, followed by Mumons artistic signature (Ka-o). The bowl is 4-1/2 inches (11 cm) diameter, 3 inches (8 cm) tall and in perfect condition. Mumon (1900-1988) studied law in his youth, but was converted to the life of Buddhism by a statement of Confucian theory which says, rather than become a lawyer, create a world where there is no need for co...