Catalog (251)

DESCRIPTION: A beautifully crafted Navajo sterling and natural coral cuff bracelet . This bracelet features thirteen natural, dark red coral stones mounted on a 1 1/8" wide silver cuff between a scrolling border of stamp work, twisted wire, and silver beads. This cuff looks beautiful on the wrist; the inside is stamped "STERLING." See the last photo showing this bracelet with other pieces from our Native American jewelry collection. DIMENSIONS: 6 1/2" circumference (16.5 cm); medium adult ...

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: “Tibetan Art: Tracing the Development of Spiritual Ideals and Art in Tibet, 600 – 2000 AD” is a treasure trove of the creativity Tibet has harbored over the centuries. Amy Heller places Tibetan art into an historical and social setting, and has richly illustrated this work with over 120 color and 147 black and white photographs. Heller shows how the aesthetics of Buddhism, monasteries, Dali Lamas, renowned artists and outside influences, together with the country’s topogra...

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 finely painted Chinese glass snuff bottle in flattened rectangular form, each side featuring a lohan (a Buddhist disciple) in landscape settings, one with a crouching dragon and the other with a playful foo lion. Above each lohan is a poem in fine calligraphy with red seal marks. Aventurine stopper, in excellent condition, early 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 3 ¼” high (8.3 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A classic and quite old pair of hand carved South American wood stirrups. The Guacho of Argentina, the Morochucos of Peru and the Hauso of Chile all preferred large wooden "shoes" for use as stirrups rather than the more prevalent iron stirrup. These stirrups cover the whole front of the foot, which can be an advantage when riding through tall brush. This pair has good age and obvious usage; we estimate them to date from the early 1800's. Each shoe is carved from a single piece...

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 pair of rare Qing Dynasty (early 1800's) ancestor portraits of miniature size, framed in an archival, off-white silk matt. Both figures are seated on horseshoe back chairs with tiger skin drapes, the husband in a bright blue robe with black silk overcoat, his rank badge displayed on his chest; the wife in a bright orange-red coat, teal colored skirt, and elaborate headdress. Both are well painted with detailed, lifelike features. Portraits of this size are very rare as most anc...

DESCRIPTION: A well carved cylindrical jade cricket box, the body carved and pierced from white jade in a leaf and flower pattern, with a dark cyan colored jade lid, pierced and carved in the same pattern. The box is raised on an ebony stand with three feet. Dating from the first half of the 20th C., this cricket box is in excellent condition. DIMENSIONS: 3 1/8" high (8 cm) x 2" diameter.

CULTURAL BACKGROUND: Keeping crickets is a tradition in China, with cricket boxes made in a vari...

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...

DESCRIPTION: Dramatic in its bold yet simple design, this Japanese lacquer box makes a striking statement. The background of this large box is lacquered in a mirror-like, black ro-iro ground, with a vivid gold lacquer design on the lid of bamboo superimposed over a ginko leaf, all within a gold circle. The box is supported on four curved feet, and the interiors are brilliantly lacquered in orange-red. This box is in excellent condition, with very minor “bumps” to the outer lid, and the r...

DESCRIPTION: An unusual netsuke featuring an abalone shell crafted from wavy burl wood with an ivory lobster perched on top. The lobster’s curled antennas are made of metal, and on the underside of the shell a signature is etched into the wood. Early to mid 20th century in very good condition. DIMENSIONS: 1 ¾” long (4.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: Four beautifully detailed, red and gold lacquered sheets of Burmese Buddhist manuscripts describing rules of ceremony. Kammawasa are elaborately decorated manuscripts extracted from the Pali Vinaya pitaka, the monastic code of discipline which is generally read aloud at monastic assemblies. Topics covered would include formalities for the ordination of monks and the bestowal of their robes, the consecration of an ordination hall, celebrating the festival of the full moon, and other...

DESCRIPTION: A lovely graduated set of Japanese Kutani porcelain bowls, each delicately hand painted with three overlapping rectangular cartouches which reveal landscape, garden and interior scenes, highlighted with raised gilt decoration. Each bowl is signed on the base, Kutani Sei. The mark and style of this set dates it to the end of Meiji period (1868-1912), from around 1910-20. All bowls are in excellent condition, no chips or restorations.

DIMENSIONS: All three bowls nest neatly. ...

DESCRIPTION: A large and fabulous Sumida Gawa tankard with an unglazed body, graceful handle, and figures of a man and small boy in very high relief. A thick, flowing flambe' glaze in blues and brown coats the mouth and runs down the body and handle in thick drips. Fine attention to detail has been paid to the handmade figures of a seated man with a cane facing a young boy, both supported by craggy rockwork ledges. On the back in blue characters in a raised white cartouche is the potter's ma...

DESCRIPTION: A charming and well executed Chinese silver tribal bracelet, the wide band framed with parallel lines between which various mythical and humorous animals cavort. Included in the hand crafted repousse processional are donkeys, fish, and a dragon vying with a foo dog for a brocade ball. This tribal bracelet comes to us from one of the mountainous Miao groups, who are well known for their beautiful silver work. Estimated to date from the first half of the 20th century and in very good...

DESCRIPTION: A fine 19th C. Chinese ink stone, crisply carved in the form of a bamboo node with leaves at the top and root knobs at the bottom. A deep water well has been carved into the upper section. Natural inclusions, called "eyes," are highlighted within the duan stone's design, with one eye at the top carved to simulate the moon, and the other incorporated into the stone's grinding surface.

ABOUT DUAN INK STONES: One of the four treasures of the Chinese scholar's studio, the in...

DESCRIPTION: A pair of porcelain figures, each a representation of Li T'ieh-kuai, one of the Chinese eight immortals. Li T'ieh-kuai is always represented as a lame beggar leaning on a crutch with a pilgrim's gourd in hand. The Eight Immortals are legendary beings of the Taoist sect who attained immortality and dwell in the remote hills and mountains of China. Both of these figures date from C. 1900, with the larger one's inner base stamped with "China" in red ink. Both are in perfect condi...

DESCRIPTION: A Japanese Imari porcelain dish, shaped in “double fish” form and decorated in traditional Imari colors with floral designs in rust red, and fish scales and fins in royal blue. The reverse has painted florals and grasses on the four sides. Late 19th/early 20th century, and in excellent condition with no chips or restorations. DIMENSIONS: 10 ½” long (26.6 cm) x 9” wide (23 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A large and attractive Sumida Gawa tankard with a red ribbed body, graceful handle, and high relief figures of two children. A traditional flowing flambe' glaze in dark brown and beige coats the top third of the mouth and handle. Fine attention to detail has been paid to the handmade figures of children standing on ledges against the ribbed, cold painted body. On the back in blue characters is the potter's mark of Inque Ryosai, a family of three generations of potters who made S...

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 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 simply carved agate rubbing stone in the form of a Chinese boy carrying a ruyi. The semi-precious stone is pure white with brown inclusions that have been incorporated into the design as the boy’s cloak, hat and ruyi, which he carries on his shoulder. A small hole has been drilled through the ruyi at the back of the head for stringing and wearing from the belt as a toggle. Stones such as these were meant to held, rubbed and fondled, with this one fitting perfectly into the palm ...

DESCRIPTION: A fine smoked bamboo ikebana basket woven in a tall ovoid form with entwined bamboo handle. The basket is crafted with a vertical diagonal weave from both wide and narrow splints in contrasting colors. This sturdy and handsome basket has a beautiful aged patina with no losses detected; early 20th century. DIMENSIONS: 18 ½” high x 8 ¾” diameter.

DESCRIPTION: A large wooden scholar’s brush used to paint large calligraphy. Thick black bristles are gathered into a bulbous wood ferrule, turned from the same wood as the handle. The tip of the handle is pierced for hanging. A very nice old brush, good for display in large brush pots; 19th C., normal wear as would be expected. DIMENSIONS: 16” long (41 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese Hill Tribe necklace, handmade of alternating coral colored beads and silver repousse lappets, strung on two lengths of woven silver chain with hook clasp. A very attractive short necklace dating from the early to mid 20th Century. In very good condition and a nice example of ethnographic Chinese tribal jewelry. DIMENSIONS: 9” drop when clasped; lappets are 1” long each.

DESCRIPTION: A large, vibrant Churro wool blanket from the weaving center of Chimayo in Northern New Mexico. This finely woven blanket is of the "Rio Grande" style with alternating bands of white and navy stripes running across a bright red ground. These bands are each separated by a line of three stars with twelve points. CONDITION: This reversible blanket is in excellent condition with no repairs, holes or stains; the fibers are thick and the colors vibrant.

CULTURAL BACKGROUND: T...

DESCRIPTION: A finely carved celadon nephrite jade plaque, one side depicting a child attendant with crane holding a large fan over the head of an immortal. Three lines of raised calligraphy are on the reverse. Excellent condition, late 19th or early 20th century, Qing Dynasty. DIMENSIONS: 2" long (5 cm) x 1 3/4" wide (7 cm).

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 skillfully lacquered suzuri-bako (writing box) from the Meiji Period, early 1900’s. The lid of the rectangular box is decorated with a takamakie floral design in gold, silver and shu (a hue of red-orange) lacquer on a black ro-iro ground. The interior of the lid and box are sprinkled in a nashiji cloud motif. This suzuri-bako is a complete set, fitted with the original water dropper and inkstone and its original kiri (paulownia) wood box with inscription. Excellent conditio...

DESCRIPTION: A small, finely woven Churro wool rug from the weaving center of Chimayo in Northern New Mexico. The patterns on Chimayo textiles are creative masterpieces of design and color. This particular rug is of the "Rio Grande" style with white and navy bands running across a bright red ground. CONDITION: This C. 1940-1950 rug is completely reversible and is in excellent condition with no repairs, holes or stains; the fibers are thick and the colors vibrant. This size textile is comm...

DESCRIPTION: A large and handsome Sumida Gawa vase with ribbed body, high relief figures and pinched neck. A thick, traditional flambe' glaze in dark brown and blue covers the mouth and neck, and flows down the shoulders. Fine attention to detail has been paid to the handmade figures of a boy and girl standing on ledges against the ribbed body. Inoue (Ryosai) maker's mark in pear-shaped appliqué on the back. Early 20th C. (pre WWII) and in perfect condition; no chips or repairs. DIMENSIO...

DESCRIPTION: A large Chinese porcelain pillow decorated in underglaze blue with fish and aquatic plants surrounded by clouds. Dating from the 19th C., Qing Dynasty. CONDITION: A few old chips to the rims. DIMENSIONS: SIZE: 10 1/2" long (26.7 cm) x 5 1/2" high (14 cm) x 5" deep (12.8 cm).

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 extraordinary Chinese tray, its rectangular form crafted from one slab of huanghuali wood that has been skillfully hollowed to expose the beautiful grain and form the graceful, curved edges. This elegant tray highlights the incredible beauty of this favored Chinese wood and virtually shimmers in the light. Excellent condition with a nice weight to it; from a private collection. DIMENSIONS: 13 1/2" wide (34.2 cm) x 9" deep (22.8 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A large, handsome Burmese wood sculpture of a male Nat, or nature spirit, dressed in traditional attire and engaged in a joyful dance. Such images were first carved from wood, then laboriously decorated with applications of red lacquer then gold gilt. Dating from the early 20th C., it has been mounted on a rod with square base. Please see the last photo for size comparison with our other Nat, FIG56. Although not purchased as a pair, these make wonderful companion pieces. DIMENS...