Catalog (243)

DESCRIPTION: The art of Chinese seal making developed from very ancient times. First seen as molded clay stamps, bronze seals then appeared in an embryonic form in the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600 BC – 256 BC). This pair of small bronze seals are an excellent representation of the early forms of Chinese seal making. The simple square seal pictured dates from the Han dynasty or earlier (206 BC – 220 AD), while the seal with a tortoise dates from the Tang or Song Dynasty (618-1279 AD). ...

DESCRIPTION: During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, glazed sculptural tiles became a popular decorative devise used extensively in temples, altars, imperial palaces and gardens, and are considered one of the hallmarks of classical Chinese architecture. On temples and palaces, representations of mounted warriors and snarling dragons were meant to ward off evildoers of both the physical and spiritual kind.

More rarely seen are wall tiles earlier than Ming, so we are pleased to offer this one...

DESCRIPTION: A Jin Dynasty (1115-1234 AD) pot / container decorated with a luscious, thick black and brown glaze over a bulbous, ribbed body. Two strap handles are attached to both sides of the short neck below the flared rim. Overall very good condition with small repair to rim. DIMENSIONS: 9 ½” high (24 cm) x 8 1/2” diameter (21.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A large, museum quality, carved and lacquered Chinese sculpture of the Taoism deity Hsuan Tien Shang-ti, dating from the Ming Dynasty, c. 1500's. The Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heavens, Hsuan Tien Shang-ti is known by numerous titles within China; he is best known to foreigners and laymen as the Northern Emperor, Pei Ti (Cantonese Pak Tai) or Chen Wu.

Here he is carved in a seated posture, draped in a red lacquered robe with blue trim, his hands resting on his knees with f...

DESCRIPTION: A beautifully mounted Chinese roof tile of a Ming warrior seated upon a horse. The bearded soldier, his right hand on his hip, sits erect upon his amber horse which stands on the curved tile base. This earthenware tile has been decorated in a sancai glaze of predominately green and amber colors. A beautifully carved custom rosewood base has been made for this large tile, the base itself probably being over 100 years old. CONDITION: Quite good condition with the usual wear one wou...

DESCRIPTION: A fine Spanish Colonial carved wood figure (or santo) of the Christ Child. This devotional sculpture was sensitively and realistically carved with the Christ Child standing, looking slightly downward with his right hand raised and wearing a draping red robe tied at the waist. Images such as these were created as objects of devotion, playing a significant role in introducing and educating indigenous peoples in the Americas to the Roman Catholic Church, which itself was an integral ...

DESCRIPTION: A small black lacquer Chinese cabinet, the front doors with male and female figures in a courtyard setting gazing onto a lake beyond. The doors are surrounded by a border of pomegranate leaves and fruit with a vase on either side. The top, back and sides are lacquered black with faint floral decorations. Originating from Shanxi Province, this box is in "all original" condition with no repairs or replacements, including the original metal door fittings. CONDITION: Has light we...

DESCRIPTION: An unusual and quite old (18th C.) copper box toggle in the form of a peach, the Chinese symbol of longevity. Probably used as both a toggle and tobacco container, the two halves have a tightly fitting overlapping seal, with two loops forming the hinge at the stem point. This large solid copper toggle has a rich, aged patina and is in fine condition with minor signs of wear, as to be expected. DIMENSIONS: Approximately 2 1/4” long, tip to tip (5.7 cm) x 1 ¾” diameter (4.5 cm). ...

DESCRIPTION: A very old Chinese wooden incense holder, crafted in the form of a partially unrolled scroll that bends and folds to form the container. On the edges of the “scroll” is a relief carved key pattern border with traces of gilt; the worn lacquer surface still shows the original designs of a bird, flower, bamboo and Chinese characters. The top of the flat back plate has a shaped and carved design with a center hole for hanging. On its reverse can be seen the old, hand forged iron ...

DESCRIPTION: A significant Chinese sculpture featuring a Scholar with his boy attendant, carved from a large slab of burl hardwood. The undulations and knobs of the slightly curving burl slab have been beautifully incorporated into the carving, forming the scholar’s garment and top of his curled hat. The bearded scholar looks slightly upward with a pleasing expression and holds a scroll in his hands. At his side is his young attendant gazing upward with a charming smile. Naturalistic burl c...

DESCRIPTION: A large polychromed wood figure of Saint Martin De Porres, Peruvian, 18th C. Here he is depicted gazing upward toward heaven, arms outstretched, wearing his Dominican robe embroidered in gold with a long painted rosary dangling past his waist. His white undergarment is richly painted with flowers and gold leafy tendrils. Carved in full round, his head is set with glass eyes and he retains a good amount of the original paint. DIMENSIONS: 26 inches high (66 cm).

SAINT MARTIN...

An attractive pair of antique Chinese porcelain plates, each hand painted with a large, leaping blue carp with russet colored cross-hatched scales. The carp was an auspicious fish in China and a symbol of perseverance and success, often applied to success in business enterprises and state examinations. In excellent condition (no cracks, chips or hairlines), this pair of deep-dish plates would have served as large shallow bowls as well. Dating from the Yongzheng to Qianlong Periods (AD 1723 - ...

DESCRIPTION: An appealing Chinese toggle (guajian), carved from Huanghuali wood (a hardwood similar to Rosewood) in the form of a Buddhist lion seated on a plinth with one paw placed on top of a ball. With raised tail, textured fur on his back, and brass studs decorating the eyes and each limb, this foo dog would have been used as a counterweight for a tobacco pouch or other object suspended from a belt. Displaying a luscious patina from use and handling, this little grinning lion is a real ch...

DESCRIPTION: An antique Chinese toggle (guajian), carved from boxwood in the form of a Buddha's hand fruit (or fingered citron), a symbol of happiness, longevity and good fortune in China. The fingered citron is unusually shaped with bright yellow fruit segmented into finger-like sections, resembling a human hand. Highly fragrant, it is used predominantly in China for perfuming rooms and personal items such as clothing. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha prefers the "fingers" of the ...

DESCRIPTION: An engaging Spanish Colonial carved santo figure depicting Saint Anthony holding the Christ Child. St. Anthony of Padua is perhaps one of the most loved and admired saints in the Catholic Church. Born in Portugal in 1195, he was a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order who later did much of his work in Italy. Here St. Anthony is dressed in a brown friar's habit with head tilted to one side, gently holding the Christ Child in his arms. This figure, dating f...

An attractive antique Chinese porcelain plate, hand painted with a large, leaping blue carp with russet colored cross-hatched scales. The carp was an auspicious fish in China and a symbol of perseverance and success, often applied to success in business enterprises and state examinations. In excellent condition (no cracks, chips or hairlines), this deep-dish plate would have served as a large shallow bowl as well. Dating from the Yongzheng to Qianlong Periods (AD 1723 - 1795), this plate is o...

DESCRIPTION: An 18th c. banister back armchair having a scalloped crest rail, turned finials, straight bottom rail, bulbous front spindles, and rush seat. Good condition with age appropriate wear, original black paint. See our listing #A-CH2 for a near match companion chair to make a pair. DIMENSIONS: 23” wide x 19.5” deep x 44.5" high; 18" seat height.

DESCRIPTION: An 18th c. banister back armchair having scalloped crest and bottom rails, turned finials, bulbous front spindles and rush seat. Good condition with age appropriate wear, original black paint. See our listing #A-CH3 for a near match companion chair to make a pair. DIMENSIONS: 46.5" high x 25” wide x 18.25 deep; 17" seat height.