Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (116)

DESCRIPTION: A large and masterfully carved Chinese shou shan stone (soapstone) seal in tall rectangular form, the knob carved with a crouching dragon having both wings tucked back covering its sides, and whose mouth is poised to grasp the sacred pearl. On each flat surface of the base are engraved inscriptions and characters among idyllic scenes of rivers with boats, hills, houses and pavilions. The bottom seal characters leave a positive (red) impression...

DESCRIPTION: A fine and very sculptural Chinese Duan ink stone in the form of a bell with a deeply carved water well on one end, and a flaring flat surface on the other for mixing ink. The stone is raised on two elongated prong feet, between which is a five character inscription...

DESCRIPTION: A large, non-damper opium pipe, consisting of a long bamboo tube terminating at one end with a bowl of brass and copper overlay acting as the saddle, socket and damper. A tapering brass tip finishes the other end. Around the bowl is a double flower design in copper and brass, and on each side is a decorative brass fish with scales. Attached along the bamboo stem are lengths of braded yarn, one of which terminates in a brass ring for hanging...

DESCRIPTION: A fine Chinese boxwood water-well basket toggle, intricately carved in an acorn shape with a realistic and detailed basket weave pattern with carved wood rim. The arched overhead handle has a free-carved wood ring attached; the interior is hollowed out. Excellent condition, a beautiful toggle, 19th C. For a similar example see: Schuyler Cammann, Substance and Symbol in Chinese Toggles, #188, p.228. DIMENSIONS: 1-3/4” high.

DESCRIPTION: An attractive antique Chinese stoneware jar with wide body and outward turning rim, hand crafted with a pleasing celadon glaze over a raised border of circular designs. In original firing condition and dating from the early 20th C. Though the origin is Chinese, this crock would lend a nice touch of "country" in a cottage or farmhouse setting. DIMENSIONS: 7.5” high (19 cm) x 8” diameter (20.3 cm).

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: A rare and beautiful Chinese daybed or opium bed (also referred to as a lady's couch bed, lohan, or "ta" bed), the black lacquered wood back and side panels shaped as an unfurled scroll with elaborate decorations including figural scenes, animals, flowers and birds, Chinese poetry and pierced gilt carvings. These surround a rectangular support frame topped with a woven mat seat. Below the seat an elaborately carved skirt stretches between thick, boldly carved legs...

DESCRIPTION: A large, carved wood figure of the Chinese deity Guanyin (also Quanyin, or Kwan-yin), seated on a throne with right leg folded and right hand extended in the abhaya mudra position, a gesture of reassurance, blessing and protection (or “do not fear”). Her hair is worn pulled up in a chignon inside her crown, and around her shoulders is draped a short shawl with flowing ribbons. In good, solid condition with minor age wear; early 20th C...

DESCRIPTION: An antique Chinese boxwood toggle (Guajian) carved as a pair of men’s shoes resting side by side, a symbol of marital harmony and the wish for many sons. The shoes are elaborately carved with hollowed interior, relief banding, and incised designs on all sides including the soles. A hole running through the inner sides of each shoe forms the track used for threading cords from which this toggle would have been suspended as a counterweight to some other object...

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...

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...

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...

DESCRIPTION: A Qing dynasty bamboo pipe, possibly used for either opium or tobacco, with a bulbous body crafted from a large segment of giant bamboo. Mounted onto this segment are heavy brass fittings, one for the tubular tobacco bowl with its long brass shaft descending into the body. The other brass tube holds the long, bent bamboo stem that is used to draw the smoke out. Very good condition with a nice patina. DIMENSIONS: 16” high assembled (40.5 cm)...

DESCRIPTION: A heavily cast, six-sided Chinese pewter teapot, the domed lid mounted with a foo dog and the base raised on six feet. Latter Qing Dynasty (19th C.) and in good condition with light usage wear. DIMENSIONS: 8 ¼” high (21 cm) x 7 ½” wide (19 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A fierce pair of Chinese pottery foo dogs, early Qing, 18th/19th C., covered with a heavy green glaze and seated on pedestals. Each bares its teeth ferociously while holding a ball between their front paws as well as in their mouths. Good detail with finely ribbed backs and curled manes. Very good condition. DIMENSIONS: Each approximately 9 ½” high (24 cm) x 5” wide (12.7 cm).

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: A pair of substantial, deeply carved Chinese doors originating from Zhejiang province and dating from the early 1800’s, Qing dynasty. These handsome, heavy solid elm doors still have all of their original pegs attached, which would have been set into round sockets at the top and bottom, allowing the doors to be opened and closed.

The top panels are carved with flowers and a repeating swastika pattern, the Chinese character meaning good fortune or longevity...

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese minority tribe antique silver bracelet, handcrafted from two sturdy silver coils, each twisted and joined to form a braided pattern, with each end terminating in a silver, four-horned dragon head...