This type of fukusa is a cover placed over a gift at the time of a gift-giving ceremony such as the "Yui-noh" which is held prior to a wedding. The evergreen pine symbolizes the strength and devotion of men; the plum blossoms represent purity, subtle beauty and the inner strength of women. Bamboo is often used to describe the personality of men and women; for example, a person being as straight (honest) as bamboo could also mean flexible (bendable) to a large extent. When pine (matsu, SHO), bam...

American high quality multiple step deep carved rectangle size Mirror, 38" high, 47" wide, 4 3/4" deep, the gold frame itself is 6 1/2" wide and 4 3/4" deep with multiple step, circa 1920, wide deep carved floral and wreath of berry and vines on inner frame and more floral wreath on outer frame, high and low relief carved design with polished and highlighted with burnished gold finish on the entire frame. The quality of work is very good and gilding is superb quality. The condition is good, s...

A female dancer dressed in massive and splendid Noh attire. The painting is attributed to Iwasa Matabei (1578–1650), a renowned Japanese painter who is often considered originating ukiyo-e genre painting. As is often the case with this artist, these two paintings do not bear his signature or seal, however the depiction of the figures with rich cheeks and long jaws shows typical expression of people of high social rank during medieval periods, which he exaggerated the expression was originated ...

A male dancer dressed in massive and splendid Noh attire. The painting is attributed to Iwasa Matabei (1578–1650), a renowned Japanese painter who is often considered originating ukiyo-e genre painting. As is often the case with this artist, these two paintings do not bear his signature or seal, however the depiction of the figures with rich cheeks and long jaws shows typical expression of people of high social rank during medieval periods, which he exaggerated the expression was originated fr...

New Reference Book: Classical Chinese Furniture – Marcus Flacks

Unlike other Asian cultures of the 17th and 18th centuries, the Chinese did not sit on the floor. The simple fact that the Manchu invaders imported highly flexible furniture from their yurts influenced the development of Chinese design and decorative arts. Within a few years of the Manchu invasion, Chinese craftsmen combined their highly refined design aesthetic with extraordinary exotic woods, veneers, and lacquer to create s...

A pair of large droplet shaped pendant lamps in cool green and blue murrines that resemble cells. An Ermanno Toso design from around 1960. The murrines are floating in a clear glass matrix on which they were gathered, heated, then blown.

Each hanging fixture has a satiny acid matte finish and is capped with a polished brass plate with loop for hanging. The brass plates appear to be original. The brass plates are held on by clips and can be removed to change the bulbs.

Each has its original...

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...

Outstanding quality antique, 19th century, Islamic, Turkish Ottoman Empire, (Egypt), Cairo -Ware, Mamluk Revival, Silver and copper, inlaid brass, large hanging Mosque lamp, “Qandeel."

A brass body of classical dome form and small conical finial surmounted by an elaborated openwork finial, the central wide band adorned with four large copper, inlaid and pierced, medallions containing a calligraphic Arabic inscription, profusely inlaid in thick silver and interrupted by four elaborated cart...

A wonderful American folk art portrait of a Methodist minister painted by Ammi Phillips (1788–1865). The distinguished gentleman is sitting at a table, with his hand holding a pair of spectacles and resting on a Methodist hymnal. The finely rendered depiction of the large dominating figure with dark clothing emphasizes the gravitas of the sitter.

The painting is 32 5/8 inches by 27 1/4 inches sight size, and 37 7/8 inches by 32 3/4 inches framed size. The painting is in overall excellent co...

The panache, verve, and energy of this striking wood carving of a Spanish conquistador is remarkable for its dynamism and expressiveness. The figure is hand enameled in traditional conquistador costume, wearing buccaneer shoes, pantaloons, coat, and plumed helmet, and dagger on his belt. The figure is in action stance, but it is clear that he is missing his original instruments of perhaps sword and shield. His penetrating gaze shows focus on his adversary.

While the sculpture is int...

Fine Chinese Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Foreigner with Oxford TL Test

This fine and rare pottery model of a foreigner was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a red pottery that has been cold-painted in a thick white pigment with the facial details picked out in red and black pigments. This elegant figure, a groom, stands with his shoulders raised, head raised and turned to his right, one hand outstretched. Note the detail of the clothing, the headgear and especiall...

Beautiful Shusu (satin silk) Uchikake kimono from the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). All hand sewn with embroidery and gold couching work - overlaying of threads (real gold wrapped around thread) rather than going in and out of the base fabric.

The dimensions are 50 inches between from tip to tip of the sleeves, 60 inches long and 29 and half for the sleeve length. All the edges and openings are generously stuffed with raw silk. The photos shown here do not capture the true quality of this gow...

A pair of 10 inch tall Pairpoint candlesticks in colorless glass with amethyst additions. The sticks are decorated in the classic “Waterford” pattern and are identified as shape F1622 Florentine candlesticks in the 1915 - 1920 company literature as illustrated in Padgett’s “Pairpoint Glass.” There is no damage to either candlestick.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Two Paintings of "Tama" Cats - Black and Beige
Date: Not known. There was a June 1924 Tama cat woodblock print (see our Shotei061) in which the white cat is in the reverse orientation.
Size (Black Cat): Paper: 15.5 x 11.375 inches (38.9 x 28.9 cm). Image: 13 x 9.25 inches (32.8 x 23.4 cm).
Size (Beige Cat): Paper size: 15.25 x 11.375 inches (38.8 x 28.8 cm). Image: 13 x 9.25 inches (33.1 cm X 23.5 cm).
Medium: Japanese paintings on paper. The ...

Great example of a Durand champagne glass with ruby red cup and foot joined by an ambergris stem. The cup, stem and foot are nicely ribbed and measure 6 inches tall. The cup is 4 3/8 inches in diameter and the foot is 3 1/16 inches in diameter. The foot has a rolled rim and has a small polished pontil mark. This example is pristine.

Sabra Field (American, born 1935)
Going Home
Date: ca 1980 (as noted on separate board)
Paper size: 13 x 8.5 inches.
Image size: 9.5 x 5 inches.
Medium: Woodcut print.
Condition: Light scuff on mountain.

A colorless Webb ewer or cruet decorated with an acid etched floral design and having an acorn stopper. The 7 ½ inch tall piece is 10 inches tall with the stopper in place. The stopper is not the original but is the correct style of stopper for this piece.

24034879 A nice small Pairpoint Rosaria compote, shape B-366. The compote has a Rosaria foot and bowl connected by a colorless stem with a bubble ball connector. Both the foot and the bowl are enhanced with a diamond quilted pattern. There is a polished pontil mark and there is no damage. The compote is 6 1/4 inches in diameter and 6 inches tall.