Catalog: Antiques (145)

DESCRIPTION: A pair of beautiful matching red lacquer Chinese chairs, c. 1880. Crafted from jumu wood (Southern Chinese elm) and originating from Fujian Province, these chairs have matching gilt medallions on the gracefully curved back splats, woven wicker over solid wood seats, and elaborately carved front skirts. Elegant and attractive. CONDITION: Excellent, both very sturdy and solid; professional restorations in China to bring them back to their original condition...

DESCRIPTION: A pretty little repossee’ silver Chinese export box on short paw-feet legs with a large pink quartz carving inset into the top, carved in the form of a peach and a pomegranate. The inside has been gold washed and the base bears a stamp “Made in China, Silver.” The perfect size for holding a favorite ring or earrings, the box is in good condition with wear to the white overlay on the horizontal band; first quarter of the 20th C...

DESCRIPTION: An attractive, round Chinese silver export pill box, banded with repossee’ floral designs, the hinged lid crowned with a carnelian disc. On the base is stamped, “MADE IN CHINA NO 28 SILVER.” Dating from the early 20th C., this little antique box is in excellent condition. DIMENSIONS: 1 1/8” diameter (2.8 cm) x 1” high (2.5 cm).

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: In Burma (now called Myanmar), one of the most honored and beautifully decorated ceremonial pieces was the box that held the many gold lacquered sheets of Buddhist manuscripts, called the Kammawasa. These sheets are read aloud at monastic assemblies, and topics covered could 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, or other such instructions...

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...

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...

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)...

DESCRIPTION: A large Mongolian trunk, the front delightfully hand painted with a large, colorful bird perched upon leafy blooms, around which are fanciful borders of butterflies, pomegranates, lilies and large red blossoms. Sturdily constructed of light weight Poplar wood, the top and sides are lacquered black while the back is red. A perfect place to store linens and blankets, it would also make an attractive bedside table. Very good condition and dating from around 1900 - 1910...

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...

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...

DESCRIPTION: Nearly life-sized and in the traditional frontal pose, this painting on rice paper depicts a Chinese Qing official (mandarin) and his wife seated on elaborately carved chairs in semiformal gowns. The woman's bright red robe has an embroidered insignia that proclaims the couple's rank and status. Her feet and hands are hidden and she wears an elaborate headdress of gold and pearls...

DESCRIPTION: A Japanese Sumida vase with oval neck rim covered in a rich, thick flambé glaze running midway down the vase. A high relief figure of a man balanced on a rocky ledge, holding an umbrella, is contrasted against the red, ribbed body of the vase. Excellent condition with no chips. For size comparison with our other Sumida listings, numbers CP72 & CP99, see the last photo. DIMENSIONS: 8" high (20.3 cm) x 3" diameter (7.6 cm)...

DESCRIPTION: A large antique porcelain plate, well decorated with a mythical Kylin gazing upward at a large bird perched in a pine tree. The decoration is in underglazed blue with a clear glaze containing a faint blue tint. The base is unglazed and unmarked showing the finely grained paste. Excellent condition, no chips, cracks or repairs; wood stand not included. DIMENSIONS: 11 1/4” diameter (28.5 cm) x 2 1/8" high (5.4 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A large Japanese Sumida vase with three children in high relief playing on a bridge against the red ribbed body. The neck rim is covered in a rich, thick flambé glaze that runs down the shoulders onto the traditional, cold painted body. This vase is in excellent condition with no chips and very little rubbing. DIMENSIONS: 11 1/2' high (29.2 cm) x 4 3/4" diameter (12 cm).

ABOUT SUMIDA EARTHENWARE POTTERY: This charming and highly collectable studio pottery originates from...

DESCRIPTION: A long, six-sided Chinese ink stick with nicely detailed dragon and phoenix curling about the surface. Short, impressed Chinese inscriptions are found on two sides. One of the four treasures of the scholar's studio, ink sticks (or cakes) would be carefully ground by the scholar and mixed with water on an inkstone to paint calligraphy or scrolls with a brush. This black ink stick is in good antique condition. DIMENSIONS: 6 1/2" long (16.5 cm) x 1 1/4" diameter (3.2 cm).

DESCRIPTION: This wonderful Chinese bamboo basket is one of the nicest we've ever offered. Pleasing in form and expertly handcrafted, the entire basket is tightly woven from bamboo strips in various sizes, forming a pleasing design. Chinese characters are found inside the removable, cone-shaped lid. Three long bent bamboo strips form the handle. Very attractive and in excellent condition. DIMENSIONS: 24" high including handle (61 cm) x 18" diameter (45.7 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A handsome scholar's calligraphy brush, crafted from a wood shaft that has been beautifully lacquered in a swirling, wave-like pattern of red and black lacquer. The lacquer shaft is connected to the natural bristle brush by a bulbous wood ferrule. One of the four treasures of the scholar’s studio, this striking scholar’s brush would have made an attractive companion to a fine brush pot. Very good condition; most likely dating from 1900 - 1930. DIMENSIONS: 15 1/2" long (39....