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. It was undoubtedly once part of a series of similar stone panels (indeed we have another from the series, see also our item stock number MA282).

Height 53 cm (20.75 inches), width 48 cm (19 inches), weight 18.05 ...

This unusual blue & white porcelain bowl was made during the mid to late 16th century c.1560-1580. The outer surface remains undecorated whereas the inner surface is particularly elaborately decorated. In the centre is a standing bird, most likely a crane (a symbol of longevity), together with various plants and blossoms. The surrounding wall is decorated with a pattern featuring lotus leaf panels and tassels.

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This large and impressive pottery jar was made around the 13th / 14th century, during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279) or the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368). Until recent years, this type of jar was almost unknown in the west with some people initially attributing them to the Liao Dynasty (same general period but in the north of China). These jars are now known to have originated from Yunnan province in the south-west of China.

It is ...

This fine example of a painted pottery ding was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is a large example of its type, made from a fine-grained grey pottery and relatively highly-fired, having a distinct ring when tapped. The lower part stands on three long curved legs and has two curved square-cup handles on opposing sides. The upper part is adorned with three moulded appliqués (horses with ...