Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (116)

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...

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: 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 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...

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: 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: 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: 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: A lovely white jade toggle (or pendant) with scattered light brown to grayish inclusions, strung with an orange amber bead on a cord. This toggle dates from the Qing Dynasty and is in very good condition; the jade surface is quite smooth to the touch and there are no chips to the jade or amber bead. DIMENSIONS: Jade toggle: 1 1/4" long (3.2 cm) x 1" wide (2.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: An attractive oval brass box, the hinged lid decorated with a carved carnelian stone at the center with raised brass leaves on either side. Signed at the interior lid, such a box might have been used for snuff, jewelry, cosmetics or medicines. This attractive little box is in excellent condition and dates from the first quarter of the 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 2 ¼” long (5.7 cm) x 1 1/8” wide (2.9 cm) x 1” high (2.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A lovely, large cuff bracelet crafted from a fine silver filigree mesh with a large center turquoise stone and six smaller stones of turquoise and coral. Around these are raised silver bamboo sprigs decorating the front and two hinged sides. This bracelet is closed with a silver clasp and secured with silver chain. Stamped "SILVER, MADE IN CHINA" on opposing plaques at the clasp. Very good condition; c. 1920's...

DESCRIPTION: A beautiful antique Chinese tobacco pipe, elegantly crafted from a long bamboo stem lacquered in red and black. The tip (bit) is carved from a pure white nephrite jade stone that is tapered and then flared to form the lip. The bowl and shank are crafted from silver metal, and bands of brass rings decorate each end. This pipe is in excellent condition and dates from the latter Qing Dynasty. DIMENSIONS: 17 ¼” long (44 cm).

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 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: 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...

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...

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).

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 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 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 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. DIMENSIONS: 2” long (5 cm) x 1 ¼” high ...

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 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).

DESCRIPTION: A beautiful antique Chinese necklace strung with pink coral, turquoise and silver beads. Three silver figural pendants hang from the necklace, including a foo dog, a horse with saddle and bridal, and a child holding a large flower, each with agate beads. Qing Dynasty, excellent condition. DIMENSIONS: 28.5” end to end (72.5 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 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 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: An attractive scholar’s brush, the cloisonné handle having colorful vine and floral designs on a black ground. The ferrule and tip are both crafted from turned wood while natural bristles form the full brush. In excellent condition, this is a handsome, well made brush dating from the early 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 13.5" long (34.2 cm).

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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: 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 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. DIMENSIONS: ...

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 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. An outstanding seal in very good co...

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: One of the necessary calligraphy tools on the Chinese scholar’s table was a small container to hold water and drip it onto the inkstone for the purpose of mixing the ground ink. These small but important objects were crafted so that one measured drop at a time could be poured to ensure the proper ratio of ink to water while mixing. This bulbous blue and white ceramic dripper would have been submerged in water to fill, and then held between the thumb and forefinger with the thumb...

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 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 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 Chinese scholar’s calligraphy brush, the brush crafted with natural bristles encased in a horn ferrule. These are secured with a silver band to a pitted green jade handle inscribed with archaic characters and terminating in a round knob. A quality, well made brush in excellent condition, most likely dating to the latter Qing Dynasty to early republic Period. DIMENSIONS: 9 ¼” long (23.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: It's extremely rare to find a complete suite of matching antique Chinese jewelry; it's even more rare to find them in their original box. This beautiful set consists of a matching silver filigree bracelet, a pair of earrings, a pin and a ring, all having natural turquoise and coral stones set between delicate scrolling silver wire work. The inside lid of the box is stamped, "The Old Friend, 18 Brass Street, Peiping." Dating from the 1920's, the whole suite is in excellent conditi...

DESCRIPTION: An early Southwestern Native American trade bead necklace with rare orange glass trade beads strung in pairs then separated by hand worked silver beads, some round with alternating pierced beads, and some with twisted silver wire set within square frames. Also included are a total of six Republica de Guatemala silver coins (two 1/2 Reals and four 1 Reals), all dated between 1900 and 1912, and one large Republica Mexicana 8 Reales with the liberty cap and starburst pattern, dated 18...

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: 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 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. Worth noting is the attractive coloring of the stone, best described as a plumb or eggplant color mixed with dashes of scattered sea-green inclusions, often called “eyes.” CONDITION: One tiny chip on raised lip at...

DESCRIPTION: A pair of polychrome figures engaged in joyful dance, one male and one female, mounted on display stands. These colorful hand carved figures, called "Nats" or nature spirits, are dressed in traditional Thai costumes with the male figure wearing a tiger head cap. Prior to the advent of Buddhism, the Thai people were animists who worshipped a series of nature spirits called Nats. Later these were incorporated into Buddhism and often Nat statues will be found in Buddhist temples. ...

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: 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 wine jar with four looped handles and spout is an excellent example with its incised decorations in two-toned br...

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: 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. DIMENSIONS: Each chair...

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. An outstanding ex...

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: This outstanding and rare antique Japanese Tonkotsu, or tobacco box, has been crafted from boxwood in the form of the Three Wise Monkeys, with a beautifully carved Iwazaru, or “Speak no Evil” monkey, serving as the main tobacco container. Mizaru, or “See No Evil”, forms the ojime and Kikazaru, or “Hear No Evil”, forms the netsuke to complete the set. Each of these has been meticulously carved with inlaid eyes and finely delineated fur. The large monkey wears a decora...

DESCRIPTION: From our Southeast Asia Collection, a large and classic 19th century Burmese Hsun-ok constructed of wood that was first lacquered in black, and then covered in successive layers of cinnabar colored lacquer called hinthabada. Over time, through use and handling, the cinnabar lacquer has worn off in some areas to reveal the black lacquer base coat underneath, resulting in an attractive negoro effect. This particular vessel has graceful, stepped shoulders, a tall spire with large ce...