Catalog (243)

DESCRIPTION: In Japanese lore, there are countless tales about the mischievous Tanuki, a real animal native to Japan. Masked like a raccoon but big and stocky like a badger, they are said to have supernatural powers to transform into any living or inanimate shape. Often they assume the form of a monk, as our Tanuki does here. This Tanuki okimono is hand crafted from a single piece of wood in the best of Mingei traditions. Dressed as a monk in a long robe, this charming Tanuki stands at an a...

DESCRIPTION: A large, boldly colored Chinese ancestor portrait featuring seven generations of mandarins and their wives. Such paintings were commissioned by descendants, and this one is executed in classic ancestral portrait style with the unsmiling subjects facing directly forward and seated on chairs with rounded backs, the men with hands and shoes showing and the women with their robes completely covering hands and feet.

A mandarin was a highly educated civil official who had passed a s...

DESCRIPTION: A large Qing Dynasty artist’s calligraphy brush fashioned from wood and carved in a naturalistic design. The long black bristles are attached to a bulbous ferrule with the handle carved in a design reminiscent of bamboo leaves. This is a substantial, sturdy brush that shows usage wear and minor splitting on the handle. DIMENSIONS: 17 ¼” long (43.8 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A large, ten pronged tortoise shell comb made for the European market (Victorian era, circa 1880-1890). The fashion of the day included large elaborate combs placed in upswept hair, and this one is a real beauty! The curved prongs and scalloped crown are from a single piece of shell which is mounted with three large round beads and two carved triangular designs. Very good condition with only a couple of tiny nits that are difficult to even see. DIMENSIONS: 6 ½” long (16.5 cm...

DESCRIPTION: From our Southeast Asia Collection, a large and classic 19th century Burmese Hsun-ok constructed of wood that was first lacquered in black, and then covered in successive layers of cinnabar colored lacquer called hinthabada. Over time, through use and handling, the cinnabar lacquer has worn off in some areas to reveal the black lacquer base coat underneath, resulting in an attractive negoro effect. This particular vessel has graceful, stepped shoulders, a tall spire with large ce...

DESCRIPTION: A classic painting from the Peruvian Cuzco School, this stunning oil on canvas of Arcangel San Rafael dates from the 19th C. San Rafael is depicted with angelic face and a crown of roses on his head. The angel is dressed in boots and an elaborate traveler's coat with lace cuffs. From his left hand he holds a fish, which is the symbol of this saint. Wonderful condition; in a more recent burlwood frame; unsigned. Fine detail work and an excellent representation of the distinguis...

DESCRIPTION: A Qing Dynasty Chinese scroll depicting a plethora of Chinese deities, each in colorful robes of blue, green, yellow and red, and each with an aurora around his head. The deities display different symbols or attributes that identify them to the knowledgeable follower. The artist’s inscription can be found between the two lower left figures.

Chinese mythology has a rich, long history and is a collection of folktales, cultures and religions that have been passed down in ora...

DESCRIPTION: A fine Spanish Colonial Cuzco School painting of the Virgin Mary, originating from Cusco, Peru. Here Mary is depicted with a golden halo looking straight at the viewer, wearing a royal blue robe with gold floral accents. In her hands she holds the crown of thorns and nails; however her image is not one of sorrow but of great peace and serenity. The painting is enclosed by its original, reverse-slant carved and pierced frame, very characteristic of the elaborate carvings made by ...

DESCRIPTION: Silver needle cases first appeared in China in the 1700's. Elaborate embroidery has a long tradition in China, and young girls began intensive training in needlework skills by age seven. Given the importance of embroidery in her life, a silver needle case was often presented to a girl as part of her dowry.

This particular case is an extraordinary example. Most silver needle cases held only one container for needles, while this elaborate case has a total of five large silv...

DESCRIPTION: Before the availability of electricity and modern irons, this simple but useful implement was produced to iron clothes. The long wood handle is attached to a large cast iron bowl designed to hold hot coals. The bowl has been cast with designs on its outer surface and is shaped with one side flared to protect the worker’s hand. After the bowl absorbed sufficient heat from the coals, it was pressed onto the garment using the flat bottom surface to smooth out wrinkles. Dating fro...

DESCRIPTION: A Qing Dynasty Chinese scroll painting depicting a seated Chinese deity with a large blue foo dog mask in his lap and two attendants at his feet. All figures have ornate colorful robes and auroras around their heads. An inscription can be found at the lower middle between the two attendants. CONDITION: “Waves” in paper from being rolled; colors and images are bright; painting has been remounted on white paper-backed silk. DIMENSIONS: Image is 47 3/4” high (1.21 m) X 20 1/...

DESCRIPTION: This large, boldly decorated early 19th century Japanese Arita sometsuke (blue and white) porcelain dish in square form (“kaku-zara”) is hand painted in deep cobalt blue with a center floral design against thin parallel lines. This center ground is bordered by diaper designs around the raised rim with floral cartouches at each corner. Such a dish was used in Japanese tea ceremonies for serving raw fish or shellfish. The reverse is hand painted with stylized decorations in cobal...

DESCRIPTION: This outstanding and rare antique Japanese Tonkotsu, or tobacco box, has been crafted from boxwood in the form of the Three Wise Monkeys, with a beautifully carved Iwazaru, or “Speak no Evil” monkey, serving as the main tobacco container. Mizaru, or “See No Evil”, forms the ojime and Kikazaru, or “Hear No Evil”, forms the netsuke to complete the set. Each of these has been meticulously carved with inlaid eyes and finely delineated fur. The large monkey wears a decora...

DESCRIPTION: Outstanding Japanese porcelain Imari charger, circa 1880, acquired in Brussels, Belgium. This charger is profusely painted in under-glazed blue, red, green and gilt with a central blue medallion of scrolls highlighted in gilt. Surrounding the medallion is a wide border of alternating cartouches enclosing pairs of birds with bamboo leaves, and flowers issuing from rockwork with butterfly. The reverse is painted with three sets of flowering blue branches. Perfect condition, no cracks...

DESCRIPTION: Antique American salt glazed stoneware crock with blue underglazed stripes, flowers, and “Butter” decorating the circumference. A “must have” for the country kitchen to hold eggs or fruit, 19th C., unmarked. Good condition; minor nicks to bottom rim. DIMENSIONS: 5.25” high x 7.25’ diameter.

DESCRIPTION: An outstanding, solid walnut, trestle-form refectory table comprising four hand-turned splayed legs raised on ball feet, each pair joined by a thick, scrolling wood stretcher. The legs are attached to a solid single-plank rectangular top with two hidden drawers to one side. Beautiful scrolling iron stretchers attach the underside plank with the wood stretchers for strength and stability. This handsome, sturdy table could be used as a desk, for dining, or as a library table; Spanish...

DESCRIPTION: A large, non-damper opium pipe, consisting of a long bamboo tube terminating at one end with a bowl of brass and copper overlay acting as the saddle, socket and damper. A tapering brass tip finishes the other end. Around the bowl is a double flower design in copper and brass, and on each side is a decorative brass fish with scales. Attached along the bamboo stem are lengths of braded yarn, one of which terminates in a brass ring for hanging. Purchased from the collection of Jean-P...

DESCRIPTION: A fine Chinese boxwood water-well basket toggle, intricately carved in an acorn shape with a realistic and detailed basket weave pattern with carved wood rim. The arched overhead handle has a free-carved wood ring attached; the interior is hollowed out. Excellent condition, a beautiful toggle, 19th C. For a similar example see: Schuyler Cammann, Substance and Symbol in Chinese Toggles, #188, p.228. DIMENSIONS: 1-3/4” high.

DESCRIPTION: A handsome set of six Spanish Renaissance carved walnut and leather dining chairs, 19th c., the rectangular leather backs over rectangular leather seats with large bronze floret tack trim, on square legs joined by stretchers with hand carved circular florets. CONDITION: Condition is consistent with age and use. The wood is in good condition with minor scuffs and nicks. The leather upholstery has some mild cracking and some wear at the edges. A good looking set with considerable Spa...

DESCRIPTION: A beautiful pair of late 19th century French carved walnut armchairs, with original gros point and petit point upholstery with nail head trim, the backrests with a central scrolling cartouche framing two maidens encircled with flowers. The seats and back are upholstered in dark blue/back fabric over a turned H-shaped stretcher base with a pierced, carved front stretcher, raised on animal paw feet. Very good condition, and the perfect complement to an Old World decor. DIMENSIONS: 44...

DESCRIPTION: This early to mid 19th c. high-back pine bucket-bench, or cupboard, is a graceful and highly unusual piece of American country & primitive furniture. With shaker-like sensibility, this utilitarian piece would have been at home in the foyer where you could sit while taking off snowy boots, or in the kitchen used as storage for crocks of grain and other staples, or on the covered porch by the entry where you could place groceries or packages while opening the front door.

This bu...

DESCRIPTION: An antique Chinese boxwood toggle (Guajian) carved as a pair of men’s shoes resting side by side, a symbol of marital harmony and the wish for many sons. The shoes are elaborately carved with hollowed interior, relief banding, and incised designs on all sides including the soles. A hole running through the inner sides of each shoe forms the track used for threading cords from which this toggle would have been suspended as a counterweight to some other object. An outstanding ex...

DESCRIPTION: An early 19th C. three door country New England corner cupboard in original dark blue paint with reddish trim. The interior is washed with a pale green milk paint and has three shelves in the upper portion and storage space in the bottom. Two door panels have age cracks to the wood. A superb piece for a country interior. DIMENSIONS: 71 1/2" high x 41 1/2" wide x 19 1/2" deep.

DESCRIPTION: Long acknowledged as masters of porcelain, the Chinese also excelled at pottery making. Qing Dynasty domestic pottery used regional clays and showed distinctive regional styles. This pottery, used for the storage of oil and other household goods, exhibited tremendous, quiet beauty as well as utility. Crafted of red clay and originating from Jiangxi Provence, this handsome jar is an excellent example with its incised geometric decorations in two-toned brown and yellow ochre glazes. D...

DESCRIPTION: A section of an antique Dutch Colonial architectural terrace railing, consisting of a sturdy wood frame with worn blue paint, enclosing eight hand-forged iron panels with large center medallions surrounded by iron scroll work, the lower rails bowed out making a lovely design. Would be a stunning decorative accent in the home, the garden, or if used as a striking king-sized headboard. DIMENSIONS: 82"wide x 38” high.

DESCRIPTION: Long acknowledged as masters of porcelain, the Chinese also excelled at pottery making. Qing Dynasty domestic pottery used regional clays and showed distinctive regional styles. This pottery, used for the storage of oil and other household goods, exhibited tremendous, quiet beauty as well as utility. Crafted of red clay and originating from Jiangxi Provence, this handsome wine jar with four looped handles and spout is an excellent example with its incised decorations in two-toned br...

DESCRIPTION: A fierce pair of Chinese pottery foo dogs, early Qing, 18th/19th C., covered with a heavy green glaze and seated on pedestals. Each bares its teeth ferociously while holding a ball between their front paws as well as in their mouths. Good detail with finely ribbed backs and curled manes. Very good condition. DIMENSIONS: Each approximately 9 ½” high (24 cm) x 5” wide (12.7 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese minority tribe antique silver bracelet, handcrafted from two sturdy silver coils, each twisted and joined to form a braided pattern, with each end terminating in a silver, four-horned dragon head. The woven coils, simulating the dragons’ bodies, and the gap between the horned heads allow the bracelet to be “sized” to any wrist. Very decorative and an authentically old piece of tribal jewelry. DIMENSIONS: 3 1/8” exterior diameter (8 cm); 2.5" interior diameter ...

DESCRIPTION: An exotic and intricately painted polychrome lidded wood chest of Italian Arabesque design. The body is decorated with carved architectural form arches and columns on three sides with intricately painted geometric and floral designs on a red ground. The back is also painted and has a large center pomegranate medallion with floral designs. Rising on turned feet, a scalloped apron forms the base; the hinged lid conceals open storage. Some paint loss and separation to wood. DIMENSION...

DESCRIPTION: A colorfully painted Tibetan chest with four side drawers having leather strap pulls (two drawers on each side). The chest is painted with green floral panels having red floral borders and is supported by short legs. A carved key fret pattern decorates the neck just below the top. Dating from the 19th C, this chest is in good condition with very minor scuffs to paint. DIMENSIONS: 33” high x 28.5” wide x 18”deep.

DESCRIPTION: A handsome Victorian era (c. 1890) copper coal scuttle with brass handle and hinges, having a built-in copper “pocket” on the top to hold a shovel scoop. These coal scuttles are practical today for removing ashes from your fireplace, and making a warm “hearth and home” statement. This one shows use with scattered small dents and a base repair. DIMENSIONS: 13.5" High x 19.5" long. A-MTL12 $315

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...

DESCRIPTION: A very handsome antique Chinese Yu mu (Northern Chinese Elm) bed with carved center apron and stout, inward turning horse-hoof feet. The rectangular top of this bed is inset with rattan, supported by strong woven webbing underneath. Yu mu, or Northern Elm, has an elaborate and beautiful wave-like grain and is favored for Northern Chinese furniture.

This sturdy bed dates from the early 1800’s and is in remarkable condition with no cracks. All the rattan and under-webbing in ...

DESCRIPTION: A beautifully lacquered Chinese table top cabinet with shaped skirt, two doors and rectangular brass fittings. Across the front, top and sides are garden scenes in gilt featuring people in various activities among trees, rocks and pavilions. Such boxes were used to hold valuables and special items in a wealthy Chinese household. Dating from the early 19th C., this cabinet originates from Shanxi Province and is in quite good condition with expected age wear. DIMENSIONS: 22 3/4" ...

DESCRIPTION: A large, heavily cast bronze storage vessel (gadur), with brass and silver inlays crafted by the Maranao tribe of the Phillippines. The round body and flared foot are profusely decorated with inlaid floral and geometric designs; the body is topped with an inlaid domed lid and tall spire. From the estate of Asian art collector, Dr. Edward Gerber. CONDITION: This is a fairly early example, dating from the late 1700's to early 1800's, and shows usage wear, some pitting, and a coupl...

DESCRIPTION: A rare and quite old Japanese lute, or sanshin, originating from the island of Okinawa. The sanshin (literally meaning "three strings") is an Okinawan musical instrument, and the precursor of the Japanese shamisen. Often likened to a banjo, it consisted of a snakeskin-covered body, neck and three strings, and was known for its calming tune. This sanshin, dating from the late 18th C. to early 19th C, Edo Period, has a rounded wooden body covered with the original snakeskin on both...