Japanese Jubako, traditional stacked lacquerware food boxes, represent not only culinary refinement but also an important aspect of Japanese food culture. These elegantly tiered containers, often adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, are integral to the presentation of special occasion meals such as New Year’s celebrations and formal picnics. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Jubako boxes like the one featured here showcase the artistry of Japanese lacquerwa...

A rare model of Ghurra composed of a chain with 2 square links whose upper link carries an ancestor seated at its top who seems to be in a meditation position. The lower link shows on each of its 4 faces naive sculptures of various mythical animals, elephant, deer, cow, dog and peacock. The ancestor measures 9 cm high, his face measures 3 cm. Superb hard inlaid patina. Presented on an iron stand. Note that this ghurra has undergone several discreet local repairs. This ghurra comes from Western N...

A superb oil on canvas American folk art painting depicting a man orating about temperance. He is standing beneath trees which are arching to almost form a bower over him. A courting couple is on either side of him, with a church in the background. The symbolism of the couples probably reflects the belief that marital and family relations improve in temperance households. Note also that the orator is holding a bottle in his left hand, probably just after having poured the contents on the ground...

A rare Chinese enamel on copper medallion bowl decorated with three red-crowned cranes each holding a lingzhi, against a pink background. The interior with flowering peony. 18Th ~ 19th century.

The medallion bowls, three roundels against a coloured background, were produced in porcelain from the Qianlong reign to the Daoguang in the main, this bowl appears to be the enameller’s answer to the challenge.

Approximately 12.5 cm diameter. The bowl has had a slight knock to the e...

Very Rare LARGE Chinese Qin Dynasty Pottery Cocoon / Listening Jar with Oxford TL Test

This oversized vessel, in the form of a "cocoon jar", was made during the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BC) or possibly a little earlier during the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC), but even then by the Qin state. It is made from a fairly high-fired fine-grained grey pottery. The whole of the outer surface of the body is decorated with repeated cord or woven impressions with vertical bands then being made aro...

Published in 1913, by Valentine & Sons, Dundee, London, and Montreal, this extremely rare publication, "Ten Little Nigger Boys", is a highly creative and imaginative variation of the original 1869 minstrel song "Ten Little Niggers", composed by the British songwriter Frank Green.

(Likely inspired by Frank Green's lyrics, Agatha Christie, in 1939, composed her very well-known "Ten Little Niggers" story, with the title for the 1940 US edition changed to "And Then There Were None", the final lin...

A beautiful hand thrown stoneware vase of tapering shape with three very small ears; mottled blue glaze / rubbing eggs glaze creating a stunning effect made by Ito Tosan. Ito Tozan I (1846-1920) or Ito Tozan II (1871-1937). Seal mark underneath reading Tozan, enclosed in the original stamped cotton bag. It comes with a collector box from the 50´s. Late Meiji to Early Showa, 20th cent. H. 26, 5 x Diam 7,5 cm. Condition: Fine. **** Ito Tozan I (1846-1920) started his artistic career as ...

Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku pottery, especially in pieces made by the original Raku family (16 generations) and by a branch kiln known as Tamamizu—started by the illegitimate son of the potter Ichinyū, whose work we see here. Approximately 350 years old, this piece displays a beautiful red glaze and has a shape known as “tsutsu” with high walls and a slender form making it ideal for keeping in heat during the cold winter months. Antique gold repairs...

An early Hindu sculpture in redish buff stone, of the godess Davi or Tara, Hindu artisans of Java, Indonesia, ca. 10th. century.

A nice very early sculpture, made while Southern Indian influence was strong in Java. Likely made by South-Indian artisans in the style of MADHYA PRADESH, though still with subtle Indonesian elements to the expression.

The curvaceous devi standing with a slight twist in her hips wearing elaborate jewelry that highlights her feminine form. She is ...

Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku-ware and especially in works produced by the Tamamizu kiln, such as the 300+ year old ceremonial tea bowl seen here. The first in this line of potters was Yahē (1662 - 1722), an illegitimate son of Kichizaemon Ichinyu (1615 - 1768) who studied under his father and then left to open his own kiln in the village of Tamamizu (known today as Ide-cho). Though he is the first potter of this branch, he is sometimes referred to as Tamam...

A very rare pair of Antique European late 19th century cold painted spelter sculptures on elaborated square bases. The finely and realistically modelled sculptures depict a Chinese man and a Chinese woman in national costumes. The man is wearing a long green robe with gold swirl motifs, grey Balloon Pants and red shoes on his feet, the hair is braided and drawn back under a black hat. His left hand is grasping a Chinese musical stringed instrument (Erhu). The female is wearing a lavish robe, ela...

Rare Chinese Ming Dynasty Blue & White Hexagonal Porcelain Jar

This rare blue & white porcelain jar of hexagonal form was made during the 16th Century. It is quite "heavily-potted" and attractively decorated in underglaze blue of good colour. Each of the six sides features a chrysanthemum blossom (the emblem of friendship and representing a life of ease). Around the shoulder is what is possibly a cloud collar (representing long life). As can be seen, on the edges of the sides there is "frit...

Fine & Rare Chinese Ming Dynasty Blue & White Kraak Porcelain Dish

This fine "kraak" porcelain dish was made in the late 16th century, during the Wanli reign (1573 - 1620) of the Ming Dynasty, or possibly slightly later. The dish has a moulded lobed cavetto and is decorated in underglaze blue of good colour. The rare and unusual pattern features a singing bird sitting in a blossoming tree (no such dish with this pattern appears in the "bible" of kraak porcelain, "Kraak Porcelain" by Maura Ri...

Fine Chinese Ming Dynasty Blue & White Conical Covered Porcelain Box (Ex. Lammers Collection)

This attractive small round porcelain box of rare and unusual form was made during the Wanli reign (1573 - 1620) of the Ming Dynasty. The underglaze blue decoration is of a particularly good colour. The decoration to the conical cover comprises two chilong dragons. The lower section is decoration with a floral pattern.

Diameter 5.5 cm. It is in fine condition with no repair or restoration, altho...

Fine Chinese Ming Dynasty Blue & White Porcelain Brush Washer

This attractive small porcelain jar, a brush washer, was made during the late 15th to early 16th century. It is relatively heavily-potted and decorated in underglaze blue of very good colour with a pattern featuring scrolling lotus blossoms. Both inner and outer surfaces are coated in a thick glaze. The foot and recessed flat base remain unglazed.

Diameter 6.75 cm. A fine example in fine condition. No repair or restoration. ...

Chinese Ming Dynasty Blue & White Porcelain Brush Washer (Ex.Lammers Collection)

This attractive small porcelain jar, a brush washer, was made during the Hongzhi reign (1488 - 1505) of the Ming Dynasty. It is relatively heavily-potted and decorated in underglaze blue of good colour in a pattern featuring scrolling lotus blossoms. Both inner and outer surfaces are coated in a finely-crackled glaze. The foot and recessed flat base remain unglazed.

Diameter 6.75 cm. It is in very good condi...

Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Blue & White Porcelain Dragon Dish (Ex. Lammers Collection)

This attractive porcelain dish was made during the Wanli reign (1573 - 1620) of the Ming Dynasty. This particular type of ware is referred to as "Zhangzhou" or "Swatow" ware and it was commonly exported around south-east Asia. The underglaze blue decoration is of very good colour. The pattern features a chilong (qilong) dragon in a landscape with three further dragons around the cavetto interspersed with p...

Chinese Ming Dynasty Blue & White Porcelain Covered Jar

This attractively-shaped porcelain jar was made during the Wanli reign (1573 - 1620) of the Ming Dynasty. Both jar and cover are decorated in underglaze blue with scrolling floral and lotus patterns, and coated in a silky smooth glaze. The inner surface of the jar is also glazed whereas the underside of the cover and the recessed flat base of the jar remain unglazed revealing the pale porcelain body.

Diameter 11 cm, height 11 cm. C...