Catalog (490)

A collection of 10 kihks from Lanna, Thailand. All are hand carved from wood (except two which are carved from buffalo horn- noted in enlargements) and incised auspicious Khom script, from Lanna Thailand. Contrary to how I see these often advertised they, have little to do with attracting women, but are worn by on the side by men for luck and prosperity or used by women to ward odd “evil men” and attract money. It’s not uncommon that they be put in cash register. The symbolism ...

Unusual Jackwood paan (betel) tray with well carved Kandy style floral medallion in the center, this motif also emulates carvings on pillars in some ancient temple. The WHO advised the Sri Lankan government against the chewing of betel and it is now illegal- that is not to say that this really stops people from still doing it though. This an antique piece with one crack. W: 29.5cm/11.5in x W: 29.5cm/11.5in x H: 6cm/2.2in

Lovely vintage reclining solid cast image of the Buddha lying on his deathbed about to enter Parinirvana, circa mid-20th century, from Japan or possibly Korea. He has serene expression and the multiple folds in his robe are particularly well done. L: 14.5cm/5.8in.

Vintage teak Buddha, carved around 1980/90, traces of pigment and signed at the bottom in Burmese script, in the classical Pagan style. H: 14cm/5.5in and base W: 9.5cm/3.9in. Sculpturally very well proportioned. Free shipping

Nice old carved hardwood box from the Shan State, Myanmar with traces of original lacquer. This was collected around 1988 in Northern Thailand, and originally dates to early the 20th century. Please note this is not a tourist piece artificially stressed to look old. The Shan have a strong shamanistic tradition which seems to blend well the local Buddhist religion, possibly this was used to house shaman paraphernalia. The box is carved from a single piece of wood and the sliding lid has...

Magnificent large Northern Thailand red and black lacquer box with foliate and floral scroll pattern, circa late 19th to early 20th century, most likely produced at a Chiang Mai workshop. Very light weight original top and bottom, best example I’ve seen in over 20 years. There is craquelure as is typical from antique Southeast Lacquer and very small color and lacquer loss due to use, please examine close ups. D: 26cm/10.1in and H: 10cm/4in.

Good vintage Burmese baby boy puppet with articulated arms and legs, carved circa 1980s/1990s, head to toe H: 22cm/8.6cm. Free Shipping

Lovely old Burma betel/siri/pandan box-a rare find with complete and original trays circa 1940 to 1950, and no restoration. The lid is semi domed with 8 planets pattern and central peacock medallion, the side has dancers and an assortment of abstract mythical beasts. Minor losses to lacquer on the lid (please see enlargements). Signed in Burmese script Saya(Sir)Kyi ~Myingabar Quarter,Pagan. Please see last enlargement for reference. D: 19cm/7.5in and H: 17cm/6.8in.

Very fine red lacquered saber (dao) scabbard fitting from the Nùng people Vietnam. They are well known for their sword making so it makes sense they would put the same effort into their accoutrements. This is an old semi antique piece circa 1950 excellent condition and intricate carving. L: 14cm/5.5in W: 5.9cm/2.3in and Thickness 2.4cm/1in.

Quirky ceramic image of a boy and beast emulating lacquer and wood, circa late Qing Dynasty or Republic Period. This is the first time I have seen a ceramic glaze imitating lacquer (also note the bottom imitates wood). L: 10cm/4in and H: 7cm/2.8in. This has few small chips.

Three antique Timorese wooden statues commemorating a departed loved one. These were kept in the “attic” of a home and were not meant to be free standing. I bought this from an old Australian collection which was collected in the 1980s in West Timor, so these date circa 1950’s to 1960s. Carved from hard wood in good condition with minor checks in the wood, please examine enlargements for condition and scale.

Stunning antique abstract carving of a lotus circa late Qing/Republic era, this would have been a temple eaves adornment. W: 48cm/18.8in and H: 23cm/9in. Small damage, painted over in noted in 5# enlargement.

Nice old Tibetan or Baotou saddle carpet, with floral medallions and scroll pattern. There are some repairs and restorations which I have highlighted in enlargement two. Early 20th century, the colors are still vibrant with some abrash but none of the garish aniline dyes used later in the 50s and 60s. L: 120cm/47.2in ad W: 60cm/23.6in.

Pair of high content silver, pre-owned, Turkmen forearm cuffs, with inset carnelians. Very heavy, these are 310 grams each or 620 grams total. Inner circumference sizes are: 17.2cm and 19cm on and 17.9m and 20cm on the other. These can be presumably be adjusted silversmith or someone with just a good grip!

Stunning pair of heavy silver bangles inlaid with raw polished Baltic amber, total 184 grams of silver. These have spring loaded hinges so they do not require a clasp. Inner diameters are 18cm. These crafted in a Tibetan design made by Nepalese silversmiths for a more sophisticated market than tourist kitsch. Would sell individually at $400ea.

Vintage Indian “paizbh”, girls chainmail anklet with leaf and flower shaped links, 125 grams, may be worn as a bracelet. Inner diameter 16cm. Good silver with screw in fastener.

Exquisite Chinese satin silk hand embroidered and hand sewn jacket and pleated skirt with drawstring waistband. Pristine condition, circa 1930s or 1940s, see last enlargement for reference. Jacket dimensions- sleeve to sleeve width at shoulder: 127cm/50in, length shoulder to bottom : 68cm/26in and width in the middle: 92cm/36in. Skirt length: 82cm/32in (not including fringe) and waist: 72cm/28in. Still very wearable!

Circa 1930’s/40s high collared side opening, “shan” from Hong Kong. Black diamond pattern silk satin and blue silk lining. All hand sewn with traditional knotted buttons. Excellent condition. Sleeve to sleeve width at shoulder: 119cm/46in, front length: 60cm/23in, center Width: 49cm/19in and bottom Width: 60cm/23.