Catalog (321)

An excellent pictorial reference book documenting the famed Anthony M. Solomon Collection of Chinese Tomb Sculptures. There are about 60 high quality, full color photos plus some very informative text by Virginia Bower. The pieces represented mostly cover the Han, Northern Wei, Northern Qi, and Tang Dynasties This is a very good book for anybody interested in tomb sculptures. In our candid opinion, it's not enough of a reason to purchase an antique merely for the sake of a free book, but any...

An excellent pictorial reference book specializing in Chinese tomb sculptures. There are about 70 high quality, full color photos with text both in Chinese and English. The pieces represented cover mostly the same periods as the Bower book on the Solomon Collection, namely the Han, Northern Wei, Northern Qi, and Tang Dynasties, but this book also goes a little further to cover the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties as well. In our candid opinion, it's not enough of a reason to purchase an antique ...

An excellent pictorial reference specializing in blanc de chine (dehua) and a must-have book for anybody collecting within this field. The text by Robert Blumenthal is very good as well. We personally find that blanc de chine is probably the biggest area of fraud, abuse, and mistake by unscrupulous and /or unknowledgeable dealers, and as such it is probably the main area where novice collectors get burnt the most. From what we see, we estimate that a staggering 75% of so-called blanc de chine s...

An excellent pictorial reference book specializing in Song Dynasty ceramics with very good informative text by Rose Kerr. This is an especially well-photographed book with about 120 color photos covering all areas of Song Dynasty ceramics including Ru and Jun wares, Xing and Ding wares, Yaozhou wares, Cizhou wares, Celadon wares, Qingbai wares, and Jizhou and Jian wares. In our candid opinion, it's not enough of a reason to purchase an antique merely for the sake of a free book, but any client...

From our Japanese Collection, a published and very fine satsuma charger, Meiji Period (1868-1912), most likely between 1870-1880, depicting Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion surrounded by deities and adorants, executed in typical satsuma palette but with an especially rich, heavy, and quite skilful gold application. Signed Hodada.

Published in "Imari, Satsuma, and other Japanese Export Ceramics" by Nancy Schiffer, page 151, copyright 1997.

Size and Condition: 12 3/8 inch...

From our Chinese Blue and White Collection, a very fine, large, and rare late Shunzhi / early Kangxi porcelain charger circa 1645-1665. This charger is well-painted in a rich blue featuring symmetrically arranged peony sprays within a six-pointed star-shaped central medallion, surrounded on the cavetto with a continuous ring of ruyi head motifs. The reverse features an uncommon double footrim along with Buddhist symbols on the outer border. Interestingly, "chatter marks," (radial lines around t...

An elegant and highly stylized zun-shaped lacquered bronze vase, either Chinese Late Ming Period (1600's) or Japanese Early Edo Period (1600's). This very interesting and attractive piece with its splayed footed base, angular shoulder, and trumpet-shaped mouth that resembles opened floral petals when viewed from the interior, was most likely intended as a flower vase itself, but its intended purpose is no more certain than its actual country of origin. Indeed, despite its presentation of a figur...

From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, a stunningly beautiful 19th century Khavakend-influenced Kashmiri silver teapot of bulbous teardrop form, finely chased in the rosette pattern with paisley and chinar motifs. This extremely fine teapot sits atop a flat rounded base with an avian-form handle, beak-form spout, and a dome-shaped hinged lid. Though the workmanship of this piece is clearly Kashmiri, the overall aesthetic is heavily influenced by the architectural motifs and artistic iconograp...

From our Chinese Monochrome Collection, a very fine late 18th century / early 19th century carved cinnabar lacquer vase of compressed baluster form. The vase sits upon a splayed foot with a trumpet form neck containing reserves of floral springs atop a collar of wave motifs. Below this there are two separate scenes contained within trapezoidal shaped cartouches framed by ruyi head motifs:

In the main scene, we see the famous Jin Dynasty calligrapher Wang Xizhi (303 AD - 361 AD) sittin...

From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, a good Kashmiri silver surahi (water flask), 19th century, of compressed globular base with elongated neck and attached stopper secured by linked silver chain, well-decorated with chased vegetal and floral designs typical for Kashmiri silversmithing of this period. Overall a very attractive example with elegant proportions and good presence.

Size and Condition: 9 1/2 inches tall, 5 1/2 inches in diameter at its widest point on base. Excellent co...

From our European Collection, a fine 19th century original oil on panel by British painter and listed artist William Anslow Thornley (1857-1898), entitled "Moonlight on the Thames." Signed "Thornley" lower left.

Size and condition: 13 inches x 11 inches framed dimensions, approximately 10 inches x 8 inches unframed image size. This painting has been taken care of well, there is only some very minor age-related soiling and minor scuffing to the frame.

From our European Collection, #1 of a set of three fine 19th century stained and leaded glass architectural panels, ex-Christies, most likely of British origin, featuring a central heraldic crest or family coat of arms signified by three lions within a shield, flanked on both sides by mosaics of stained leaded glass in vibrant reds, yellows, golds, blues, whites, greens and browns, each containing various decorative, architectural, and figural elements such as fleur de lis motifs, other floral p...

From our European Collection, #2 of a set of three fine 19th century stained and leaded glass architectural panels, ex-Christies, most likely of British origin, featuring a central heraldic crest or family coat of arms signified by alternating panels of lions and bulls within a shield in the central panel, flanked on both sides by various mosaics of stained leaded glass in vibrant reds, yellows, golds, blues, whites, greens and browns, each containing various decorative, architectural, and figur...

From our European Collection, #3 of a set of three fine 19th century stained and leaded glass architectural panels, ex-Christies, most likely of British origin, featuring a central heraldic crest or family coat of arms within a shield in the central panel, flanked on both sides by various mosaics of stained leaded glass in vibrant reds, yellows, golds, blues, whites, greens and browns, each containing various decorative, architectural, and figural elements such as fleur de lis motifs, other flor...

PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE RECENTLY RE-ACQUIRED THIS VERY FINE PLATE FROM A CLIENT WHO IS LIQUIDATING HIS ANTIQUE HOLDINGS DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES AND MEDICAL EXPENSES: WHILE WE ARE VERY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THIS CLIENT'S CONDITION AND CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES, WE ARE GRATIFIED AT LEAST TO BE ABLE TO ASSIST THIS WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN IN THIS MANNER, AND TO RE-OFFER THIS FINE PLATE ONCE AGAIN: From our Chinese Blue and White Collection, a very finely painted "Tea Production Plate," early Qianlong Period circa ...

Ex Bonhams: From our Chinese Polychrome Collection, a large gilt copper alloy and lacquered repousse figure of Vajrapani, 18th century, standing pratyalidhasana with a ferocious expression on a repousse and chased lotus throne, left hand in tarjani mudra and his right hand raised above his five-leaf crowned head. The figure is clothed in flowing robes open at the chest to reveal ornamental body jewelry and jeweled necklaces. Vajrapani's face retains a lot of cold-painted flesh colored lacquer, ...

From our European Collection, a lovely and substantially-sized 19th century nautical oil painting of ships in a European port, signed and dated S. Brade 1871. This painting is in excellent condition with only the typical fine craquelure expected in paintings of its age. UV light inspection suggests possible small random areas of touch-up to the sky, but otherwise this piece has survived well in fine original, essentially unrestored condition.

Provenance: De-accessioned from a Boston a...

From our European Collection, a very fine and elegant Victorian era marquetry inlaid credenza, late 19th century circa 1865-1890. This beautiful piece is dark walnut inlaid in stylized foliate strapwork design, using a softer and lighter colored wood for the inlay material that is most likely either tulipwood or fruitwood. The piece is adorned with wonderful gilt bronze castings on the columns and base area that are essentially artwork unto themselves. There is one central panel door (with orig...

From our European Collection, a very large late 17th century / early 18th century oil on canvas painting believed to be titled "A Warning to the Wicked Ezekiel." This piece is obviously in relic condition with several notable tears, punctures, and heavy soiling both front and back. Please note that this piece is still currently under study and not fully researched, so we must refrain from posting pricing information at this time. As this piece is potentially significant, we have already put ou...

From our European Collection, a truly superb Victorian era marquetry inlaid credenza, late 19th century circa 1865-1890. This amazing example is a masterpiece of old world craftsmanship, intricately inlaid using at least 4 different types of wood, which we believe are most likely ebony, amboyna, tulipwood and fruitwood. The credenza features inlay to the side, top, and bottom friezes, as well as to the central door panel, all raised on a shaped plinth base, flanked by glass doors on either side,...

DUE TO RECENTLY ANNOUNCED CHANGES, AND FURTHER PROPOSED CHANGES THAT HAVE NOT YET BEEN FULLY IMPLEMENTED OR PROMULGATED BY THE US GOVERNMENT, IT IS NOT CLEAR TO US AND MOST ANTIQUE IVORY DEALERS, EXACTLY WHERE (WHAT JURISDICTIONS), TO WHOM, UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES, AND WHAT TYPE OF NEW PERMITS MIGHT BE REQUIRED FOR US TO CONTINUE MARKETING ANY OF OUR ANTIQUE IVORY PIECES FOR SALE. PLEASE CHECK BACK WITH US IN JULY OR AUGUST AFTER THE NEW RULES AND GUIDELINES ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN MORE FUL...

From our European Collection, a very fine and elegant Vernis Martin style corner display cabinet, late 19th/early 20th century, probably French. This piece features a three-quarter gallery with a red velvet lined interior (original interior), and inset on the top with a lovely piece of reddish brown marble (also original), nicely veined with whitish / cream colored striations. There is a top frieze applied with fine metalwork consisting of gilt-bronze / dore bronze tassels and foliate scrolls, ...

From our Fine Arts and Americana Collection, a stunning Early American classical carved mahogany sofa, Philadelphia School circa 1815-1825. With wonderful clean lines, masculine yet very elegant, and with a fantastic grain/burl to the wood, this is a great example of early American craftsmanship from the early days of this then, still rather young country. Upholstery is new of course, executed in a red background with golden starburst motifs that really make the piece "pop," but does so in a...

From our European Collection, a stunning Napoleon III gilt bronze mounted boulle marquetry and ebonized "bureau en pente," or slope top writing desk, dating to the third quarter of the 19th century circa 1865-1885. This fantastic and nearly pristine example of boulle work features a rectangular top surmounted by a pierced brass gallery, set above a boulle inlaid slant front desk cover that opens to several drawers and pigeon holes above a larger scalloped drawer. This desk is raised upon gilt b...

From our European Collection, a beautiful, large, and imposing Renaissance Revival gilt pier mirror, third quarter 19th century circa 1875-1895, ex-Bonhams. From the collection of the famed Harry Denton, San Francisco California.

Size and Condition: Height including support base 92 inches; width 52 inches. Superb condition, probably re-gilt. Currently on corporate loan to a private restaurant enterprise in San Antonio, Texas: Please inquire for availability.

From our European Collection, a very fine oil on canvas by British painter William Robert Symonds, signed and dated 1875. Symonds, who lived from 1851-1934, was a genre painter known for touching scenes of people and animals, and most often of small children in random snapshots of everyday life, where he captured well their innocence and curious musings. His works are carried by several UK- based institutions, most notably the Colchester and Ipswich museums, and in his day, he was often exhibit...

From our European Collection, a large and very finely painted 19th century oil on canvas, English School, depicting Mary Queen of Scots bidding farewell to her followers on her way to the gallows in 1587.

Courtesy of Wikipedia: Mary, Queen of Scots (7 December 1542 – 8 February 1587), also known as Mary Stuart or Mary I of Scotland, was Queen of Scotland from 14 December 1542 to 24 July 1567 and Queen consort of France from 10 July 1559 to 5 December 1560.

Mary, the only surviving ...

From our European Collection, a fine and quite large oil on canvas of a seated gentleman, by Ignaz Marcel Gaugengigl 1855-1932. The painting here signed but undated, but most likely 3rd quarter 19th century, and likely no later than 1920. The following information courtesy of Wikipedia:

Gaugengigl was a German-American painter and engraver who worked primarily in the United States. He specialized in portraits and historical paintings. His father (also named Ignaz) was a teacher w...

From our European Collection, a very large and finely carved oak Prie Dieu, late 18th - early 19th century, probably Belgian/Flemish or possibly French. This Prie Dieu has a very well executed carved central panel, and is unusual for its size and overall workmanship. A dramatic statement piece for an elegant environment.

Size and Condition: 88 inches tall, 34 inches wide, 30 inches deep. There are random age related stress cracks and rubbing, but no significant losses. The piece shows its...

From our European Collection, a very fine historical oil painting on canvas by Robert Alexander Hillingford (1828-1904) entitled "Charles X of Sweden after the Battle of Pultova." Signed lower right "R. Hillingford". Inscribed on the back on an old fragmented paper label as follows: "Charles X ** Sweden/after the B****e of Pultova/"Twas after dread Pultovas day"/"When fortune left the Royal Swede"/"The wounded Charles was forced to flee"/--------- Surrounded by the faithful few"/--------Let non...

From our Japanese Collection, a good Meiji Period (1868-1912) imari lobed dish, executed in traditional palette using iron red, orange, blue, green, and gilt on a white porcelain body, depicting a stylized chrysanthemum head motif in the center well, along with dragon, phoenix, and floral motifs in the border reserves. An unpretentious but well-made traditional example.

Size and Condition: 8 3/8 inches in diameter. Some light wear to gilding in the center, heavier wear to the gilding ...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (Ex-Asia), a charming hand-carved mirror frame from Cuzco Peru, sister city of the famed Macchu Piccu ruins. The wood used here is an indigenous Andean softwood that has been very skillfully carved in Spanish Baroque style, not uncommon since Peru was colonized by the Spanish in the 1500's and Spanish architectural influence still pervades their culture and crafts. The mirrored glass was installed later in the States. A lovely and unique gift item.

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From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, a large carved marble caparisoned elephant from Southern India. Naturalistically carved from a cream / off-white colored marble, this makes for a good decorator's item for those looking to add an Indian flair.

Size and Condition: 12 inches tall, 10 inches long, and 4 inches deep. A very heavy and substantial piece of marble at approximately 20 pounds.

From our Chinese Blue and White Collection, a charming little export ware teacup and saucer, late Kangxi to Yongzheng Period (1700- 1735), with loosely painted floral motifs both on saucer and tea bowl, all executed in an attractive blue.

Size and Condition: Saucer 5 1/2 inches in diameter, teacup 3 1/4 inches across, 2 inches tall. Small nick to lip of teacup

From our Chinese Polychrome Collection, a charming and unpretentious Famille Rose teacup and saucer, Qianlong Period (1736-1795), most likely late Qianlong 1760-1785, decorated in a delicate floral pattern in Famille Rose palette, with a Batavian Brown (iron oxide) dressing on the reverse.

Size and Condition: The saucer is 5 inches in diameter, the teacup 2 7/8 inches across, 1 1/2 inches tall. Small inconsequential nick to footrim of teacup essentially perfect.

From our Shipwreck Porcelain Collection, a good teacup and saucer ex-Sotheby's, from the Ca Mau Cargo, Yongzheng Period (1723-1735), executed in the "Tu Hai" pattern in underglaze blue.

This particular teacup and saucer is a very good example that somehow managed to survive over two centuries under the sea, essentially unscathed. Shipwreck porcelain comes off the sea floor in a wide variety of conditions, with many pieces utterly destroyed, others cracked and chipped, others whole but enc...