Catalog (243)

DESCRIPTION: A fine and very sculptural Chinese Duan ink stone in the form of a bell with a deeply carved water well on one end, and a flaring flat surface on the other for mixing ink. The stone is raised on two elongated prong feet, between which is a five character inscription. Worth noting is the attractive coloring of the stone, best described as a plumb or eggplant color mixed with dashes of scattered sea-green inclusions, often called “eyes.” CONDITION: One tiny chip on raised lip at...

DESCRIPTION: A superb solid copper Spanish Colonial cooking pot with a wide banded straight neck and hand hammered bulbous body. Large handmade brads hold the thick copper sheets in place, and two sturdy rings hang from downward curling supports. PROVENANCE: Sourced in Chile while on a South American buying trip; early to mid 1800's. This is a magnificent, solid pot in excellent original condition with age appropriate wear and patina. DIMENSIONS: 11" high (28 cm) x 12" diameter (30.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: Pipestone (Catlinite) is the sacred red clay stone that American Indians used for trade and for making beads or ceremonial pipes. It is found in only a few places in the world, with the best quality pipestone coming from mines in southwestern Minnesota. Pipestone ranges in color from pale pink, to brick, to blood red. Since pipestone is smooth to the touch, can be easily carved and takes a high polish, it was highly valued by Native Americans. This is an early collection (19th C...