Catalog (243)

DESCRIPTION: A nice old Chinese toggle carved from a striated wood in the form of two peaches. The peach is a symbol of longevity, and this thick toggle has a wonderful aged patina that only comes from age and handling. Strung with a cord through the holes under the stems, it would have hung from a sash and been used as a counterweight to a tobacco pouch or other utilitarian object. A wonderful example of Chinese folk art, this toggle dates from the 1700’s. DIMENSIONS: 2 ½” wide (6.4 cm) x ...

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: A handsome pair of walnut wood Neoclassical style carved and stained candle prickets with circular tops above turned, tapered and fluted shafts with leaf tip ornaments, above swelled bases with splayed feet. Italian, 20th century; silver and gilt highlights on each. Unmarked, good condition. DIMENSIONS: Overall height 25.25".

DESCRIPTION: A handsome rectangular Chinese chest crafted from a deep red ox leather and furnished with brass fittings. The interior still has the original blue silk lining and would have originally held scrolls or documents. Today it would make an attractive accent piece on top or underneath a cabinet or table. Good condition with some scuffing on edges; blue silk interior has some stains and small holes. This chest originated from Zhejiang Province and dates from 1920-1940. DIMENSIONS: ...

DESCRIPTION: A sturdy wooden champagne grape box or crate used in French vineyards at harvest time. This one has touches of red paint, “GHM MA CHAMPAGNE” stenciled on both sides and handholds notched into the slats at the top. These boxes enhance a country provincial decorating style while functioning as split log holders for the fireplace or the perfect place to toss your wet or snowy boots in winter. DIMENSIONS: 15 ½” high x 27"wide x 19 1/2"deep.

DESCRIPTION: A Japanese Sumida vase with round neck covered in a rich, thick flambé glaze running to the shoulders, with a high relief figure of a monkey balanced on a rocky ledge. In his right hand the monkey holds a peach (symbol of longevity) he has pulled from a green vase; these are all contrasted against the ribbed red body of the vase. Excellent condition with no chips; signed "Ryosai" on the base. DIMENSIONS: 5 3/4" high (14.5 cm) x 2 1/2" diameter (6.5 cm).

ABOUT SUMIDA EARTH...

DESCRIPTION: A handsome ikebana basket, Meiji Period, crafted of smoked bamboo in a diagonal weave with double wrapped handle. Three vertical bamboo strips reinforce two corners, and the basket rests on a square, open weave base. Excellent condition with no breaks or losses. Ikebana ("living flowers") is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is also known as Kado ("way of flowers"). Japanese artists crafted Beautiful baskets such as this one as containers to hold simple to elaborate ikebana...

DESCRIPTION: A hand carved and painted pair of Native American Hopi Kachina (or Katsina) dolls, one in a long green and blue robe with red neck kerchief, the other in an elaborate headdress. Each is signed, one signed “Mongwa, D. Scott, Old Oraibi” and the other “D. Harvey, Koyemsi, Hopi Tewa, ‘96”. DIMENSIONS: Tallest 10.75” high.

CULTURAL BACKGROUND: The Hopi people live primarily on three mesas in northeastern Arizona, about 70 miles from Flagstaff. Hopi katsina figures, als...

DESCRIPTION: A square porcelain dish by Arita, hand painted in the blue and white “Three Friends of Winter” motif. The “Three Friends of Winter” was a popular Japanese theme where pine, prunus and bamboo are grouped, said to represent perseverance, longevity and vitality, despite adversity. The raised and flared edges have repeating geometric patterns and bamboo plants are found in each corner. The plate rests on a round raised foot with blue designs on the undersides. Produced in the...

DESCRIPTION: A small Japanese Sumida vase with round neck rim covered in a rich, thick flambe glaze running to the shoulders; a high relief figure of a young boy in a green robe is balanced upon rockery on the ribbed red body of the vase. Excellent condition with no chips; unmarked base. DIMENSIONS: 4 3/4" high (12 cm) x 2 1/2" diameter (6.5 cm).

ABOUT SUMIDA EARTHENWARE POTTERY: This charming and highly collectable studio pottery originates from the Sumida River area in Japan (near T...

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: This dynamic and colorful Alebrije goat (or ram) is carved as if in a full run, its long front leg folded under its body in mid-stride. Two huge white horns curl from the top of its head to its ears. His green speckled body is accented with vibrant red "stripes" running down his back, tail and legs, while a purple design covers his belly. This large, delightful animal is signed on the underside, "Narcisco Gonzalez Ramirez, Arrazola, Oaxaca Oax., Mexico." Excellent condition. D...

DESCRIPTION: A fine red and gilt Chinese scholar's ink cake in circular form with the front and back molded in relief in the form of a foo dog (shi shi) with tightly curled mane. Both the front and back have raised Chinese characters in relief. Excellent condition in original box, and dating from the first quarter of the 20th C. or earlier. DIMENSIONS: 2 ¾” diameter (7 cm).

DESCRIPTION: An ornate, cast iron oil lamp by Bradley & Hubbard in gothic style with a pierced, rounded body and vine & tendril feet. Beautiful iron work, original font, bulbous glass shade; stamped B&H for Bradley & Hubbard. Very sturdy and in excellent condition. DIMENSIONS: Lamp is 13”H x 9”W; Shade is 9”H x 5”W.

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: A handsome scholar's calligraphy brush, crafted using a dark brown bamboo for the shaft which connects to a shaped horn ferrule and long, natural bristle brush. One of the "four treasures of the scholar’s studio," this striking scholar’s brush would have been used for calligraphy or painting. This attractive, well made brush dates from the early 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 13.25” long (33.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: An antique circular form egg gathering basket of woven splint oak with bent splint oak handle. Good condition with only minor wear. DIMENSIONS: 9-1/4" high x 9-1/4" diameter

DESCRIPTION: Original acrylic painting, signed by the artist, of a bison in bold colors against a blue ground, 2016. Very good condition. DIMENSIONS: 20'' x 20”.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Kathleen Kills Thunder (legal name), a Sioux Indian whose family was from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in NE Montana, was born in 1947 in Seattle, WA. Her father, Ben Kills Thunder, was Sioux while her mother was Spanish/Irish. Kathy grew up painting and beading since a young child and uses a bright color p...

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...

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: A handsome Japanese hibachi, crafted from a section of kiri wood (paulownia wood) with rounded body and lacquer floral designs. Inside is the original copper liner where coals would be placed for heating or keeping a tea pot warm. Two large peony blossoms are lacquered in gold and orange on the front, with smaller leafed branches on the reverse. Paulownia wood is very light, fine-grained, and warp-resistant, and is often used in Japan for chests and boxes. Today Japanese hibachi...

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: A Chinese peach toggle (guajian) crafted from a flat piece of burl wood with large spreading leaves, representing longevity in Chinese iconography. Two holes on either side of the stem were used for threading a cord from which this toggle would have been suspended as a counterweight to some other object, such as a tobacco pouch. A nice example of Chinese folk art dating from the mid 1800’s or earlier, this toggle is in overall fine condition with aged patina. DIMENSIONS: 1 ½” h...

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: Antique embossed copper double picture frame featuring a heart at the center crown and foliate leaves at the corners. DIMENSIONS: 7 1/2" H X 9 1/2" W. PROVENANCE: From the private estate of a Peruvian gentleman; Houston, Texas.

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: An attractive scholar's calligraphy brush, crafted using long brown horsehair bristles attached to a bulbous ox-horn ferrule and segmented, solid ox- horn shaft. A very handsome brush in good condition from the latter Qing Dynasty, which would have been used for calligraphy or painting. DIMENSIONS: 14” long (35.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: An antique Spanish Colonial style painted sheet metal mirror, 19th to early 20th C., continental Europe. Acanthus leaves decorate the painted border, topped by an elaborate floral crest with center figural medallion. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw. CONDITION: Good, few minor dents to sheet metal. DIMENSIONS: 19.25" high x 10.75" wide.

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: 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 Chinese export filigree bar pin fashioned from three hardstone discs, two of jade and one carnelian, mounted in delicate, decorative openwork made from thin twisted wire. Most likely dating to the Victorian era (1837 – 1901) when such pins were fashionably worn at the neck fastening two collars, the pin is in very good condition with no chips to the stones and slight wear to the wirework. DIMENSIONS: 3 ¾” long (9.5 cm) x 1 3/8” wide (3.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: An intricately painted Native American pottery seed pot or bowl, dating from the early to mid 20th C. (1930 - 1950). This ovoid pot is painted in concentric circular bands of geometric designs separated by red stripes on a taupe colored ground. On the bottom is written "#22 Vase Navajo Ariz," along with other collectors' identification marks and numbering systems. Very good condition, minor scuffs and pockmarks; no chips, cracks or restorations. DIMENSIONS: 5" high (12.7 cm) x 9...

DESCRIPTION: A colorful hand woven rug with red borders and hexagonal designs on a light blue ground. This flat weave rug is reversible and is in excellent condition (bright colors, thick pile, no stains or losses). After purchase, all of our textiles are professionally cleaned and stored until sold. Sourced in Chile while on a buying trip, this rug would make an attractive area rug or wall hanging. DIMENSIONS: 37.5" long (95.2 cm) x 25.25" wide (64 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A lovely set of five red clay Mexican earthenware nesting bowls, dating from the 1950's. The bowls are decorated in fluid strokes of blue between blue line borders on a white/cream ground. The interiors have a line of blue around the inner circumference with dollops of green glaze. Very good condition, no chips, original imperfections that add to the charm. DIMENSIONS: Largest bowl: 10.25 diameter x 4.75” high. Smallest bowl: 5.5” diameter x 2” high.

DESCRIPTION: Great reversible pattern Pendleton blanket with horizontal rows of red, orange and white chevrons. The background is dark green on one side and grey on the reverse, edged with a dark red crisscross fringe on all sides. Perfectly sized for either a twin bed blanket or a wearable wrap. Pendleton label, late 1900s, good condition with no holes or tears. DIMENSIONS: 67" x 70" + 6" fringe.

DESCRIPTION: A red and gilt ink cake in the form of a turtle with a curled snake on its back. In ancient China, the tortoise and the snake were thought to be spiritual creatures symbolizing longevity. Both the front and back have been finely pressed in raised relief with gilt accents. One of the treasures of the Chinese scholar’s studio, this ink cake is in excellent condition, in its original box, and dates from the first quarter of the 20th C. or earlier. DIMENSIONS: 3” long (7.7 cm).