This Tibetan gau (aka prayer box) is actually a small 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...
Set on a domed floriform base with bulbous mid section incised with flowerheads, the flaring cup cast with bands of petals with beaded rims. H. 13,5 cm.
Japanese Yokohama woodblock print triptych illustrating the interior of an American steamship by Utagawa Yoshikazu (flourished 1850-1870) published by Maruya Jinpachi in 1861. In this design, the artist utilizes the traditional Japanese convention of “roofless architecture” which allows the contents of the ship to be visible. Inside, westerners are seated at a long table having a dinner party. The assembled size is 14 5/8"V x 29 1/4"H (each panel is about 14 5/8"V x 10"H)...
Japanese Bizen figure of a standing Shishi, Foo Lion or Dog, well sculpted, with very fine details depicting his fur, teeth, claws, and other white glaze spots outlining his tail and facial fur, his large eyes with dark shiny glaze...
The fish is symbolically employed as the emblem of wealth or abundance on account of the similarity in the pronunciation of the words "yu", fish, and "yu", superfluity. Age: Song. Size:L. 6.5cm. W. 2cm.
Condition: No repairs or chips.
A wily fox stands, head cocked to one side wrapped in the robes of a nun, something to be wary of this ceramic Okimono by Takahashi Dohachi enclosed in the original wooden box titled outside Dohachi Zo Hakuzoso, and signed within Kachutei Dohachi Zo followed by the artists stamp. It is 8 inches (21 cm) tall and in fine condition...
Rare Edo period Japanese namazu-e (earthquake fish picture) woodblock print featuring a giant human-like catfish playing a samisen beside an oni (demon) who is seated casually reading a book. In Japanese mythology, it was believed that giant catfish living underground caused earthquakes with their thrashing movements. A series of namazu-e were published anonymously in Japan shortly after the Ansei earthquake hit Edo (now Tokyo) in 1855...
A pair of gold screens with bold shishi on genuine gold leaf. It is signed Miyauchi Gohogan Shinsai Fujiwara Morimichi sei and stamped Hogan Morimitsu no In. Each panel is 37-1/4 x 68-1/2 inches (94.5 x 174 cm). The screens have been restored, with some old repairs visible. These appear to be remounted from what is likely a different composition, possibly a set of fusuma doors...
Large Qing dynasty slightly tapered cylindrical form white porcelain brush pot (bitong) with a central cobalt blue band holding bats flying among clouds. The white porcelain has a faint blue-green-gray tint. 19th century. 6 1/2” high x 8” diameter. Very good overall condition with a few old browned hairlines on the base which appear to have resulted when a drain hole was added...
In good keeping with the Koransha tradition, this vase demonstrates the imagination and creativity of the Fukagawa ceramists and is reminiscent of their design books. First thinking it might be a gourd form, it becomes apparent it must be a melon form - more consistent with the suggestion of Spring with the blue and white prunus and cracked ice background to the polychrome mountainous landscape with black pine and secluded retreats in green, yellow, aubergine, orange and gold enamel...
An alloy metal Buddha sitting under a bodhi tree.This is where Buddha gained his great Enlightenment by sitting in concentrated meditation beneath the bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya in Bihar,India. Can be made into an amulet. Size: H. 6.3cm. W. 3.3cm.
Condition: No repairs.
Antique late 19th century red lacquered wood Hsun-Ok offering vessel from Burma. Size: 27 inches ht. x 15 inches diameter. Probably from Pagan region, with two registers of laid-on decoration below the spire and a series of hand-turned balusters on the pedestal. Minor damage to cover.
Japanese bronze mirror. 19th century.
8.8 x 0.6 cm. 104g.
An antique pair of patinated heavy bronze statues showing a Kandyan noble and his wife in official attire. Dimension: 22.2 and 20 cm high, weight: 2.3 kg. Condition: the male on the back with soldered area.
Description: A silver folding comb was exquisitely decorated on the surface. By excellent chasing skill, a pair of dragon and phoenix were vibrantly rendered among the scrolling cloud. In another side, the surface was in plain form. The whole quality of this piece was very good and was reflected with enduring darken patina. Date: Qing dynasty(19th century), Length: 8.2cm(folded) and 15cm(unfolded).
Finely engraved small bronze altar of Vishnu with his consorts Shridevi and Bhudevi, cast in five parts. The three gods standing under an arch with a kirthi-mukha at the apex, the base of each figure slotting into the frame. Karnataka / Maharashtra 19th century. From a Swiss lady's private collection. Condition: fine. Dimension: 20.8 cm high x 17 cm long x 6.5 cm deep, weight: 1980 g.
An ornately worked, chased and engraved jug with dancing Burmese figures in repoussé. The handle in the form of an ogre. The spout might be a later addition, it is only silver plated. Base engraved "Moung Oung Myal 1875". No mark, silver tested. Condition: the ogre of the handle with a small loss, otherwise fine. Dimension: 11 cm high, weight: 382 g.