Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (116)

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...

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....

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese eight-sided footed plate with raised base and blue under-glazed decorations featuring two pavilions by the water (each reversed so the plate can be viewed upright from two directions), surrounded by key-fret and floral borders. Collector's stickers on back indicate the number of the piece and the date the USA collector originally purchased it (April 14 of 1977). Excellent condition with no chips, cracks or repairs; small original firing flaws. DIMENSIONS: 9 7/8" squar...

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: A fine, large Chinese boxwood toggle in the shape of a Chinese coin with four script characters on each side surrounding the square hole. Around the edge, various plant and animal forms are carved in high relief, including a flower, bird, squirrel and bat. The suspension cord, connecting it to an object such as a tobacco pouch, would have been strung through the openings under the bat's wings. Wonderful patina, excellent condition, and dating from the 1800's or earlier. DIMENSI...

DESCRIPTION: A handsome Chinese scholar's brush pot crafted from burl root and hollowed well to hold a number of brushes (pictured here with three quality brushes we also have listed). Its undulating form, texture and patina are striking to view, and its natural shape would have had great appeal to the Chinese scholar in his studio. Dating from the Qing dynasty, mid 19th C., this pot is in very good condition with a few inconsequential rim cracks; very solid and sturdy. DIMENSIONS: 7 3/4" high...

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: 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: This Chinese scholar’s brush is a simple brush crafted from a mottled bamboo handle, very thick bristles, and a shaped, dark horn ferrule. The brush, dating from the early 20th Century, is in very good condition and would be perfect for display in a medium to smaller sized brush pot. DIMENSIONS: 9 5/8” long (24.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A tall Japanese Sumida Gawa (Sumida River) vase featuring two hand molded children in high relief. The rim and neck of the vase are covered in a rich, dark flambé glaze that runs down the shoulders onto the ribbed body. Each of the children are perched on a ledge above and below a large, flat vase. The child at the top puts something in, while at the bottom of their vase we see a crack where water pours out. Signed "Ryosai" on small blue & white cartouche; excellent condition wi...

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...

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 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: 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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 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: 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 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: This large and impressive Chinese porcelain goose, painted in a famille rose pallet, is seated on folded legs with upturned tail and rests on a raised, fitted wood stand. Modeled with a slightly turned head and erect wings that touch at the tips, the body is enameled in a yellow ground with a pink bat and green scrolling vine motif, the lightly molded and naturalistically marked feathers in shades of blue and green. Unmarked base but judged to be late Qianlong to Jiaqing Periods ...

DESCRIPTION: A large and delightful carved wood figure of one of the seven Japanese gods of good fortune, Daikoku, the deity of prosperity. Here he is seen in his traditional pose, standing on two bales of rice with his wish-granting mallet in his right hand, and a bag of riches slung over his left shoulder. Daikoku is also venerated as the deity of the kitchen where such carvings were traditionally displayed, sometimes in the ceiling rafters for good luck. A wonderful mingei piece, his happ...

DESCRIPTION: A large and quite fantastic Sumida Gawa vase with ribbed body, four large figures in high relief, and wide flared mouth. A thick, traditional flambe' glaze in dark brown and white covers the mouth and neck, and flows down the shoulders. Fine attention to detail has been paid to the four large handmade figures, all characters from Japanese lore, standing on ledges against the ribbed body. Inoue (Ryosai) maker's mark in oval-shaped appliqué toward the base, representing a family ...

DESCRIPTION: A good Chinese scholar’s brushpot, carved in deep relief with a continuous mountain landscape scene framed by gnarled pine trees and depicting two groups of scholars, some examining a scroll and others in a boat. The base and rim are encased in hardwood and the pot is engraved with a two line inscription. Very good condition, latter Qing Dynasty, 19th to early 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 6 ½” high (16.5 cm) x 6” diameter (15.2 cm).