Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese (79)

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...

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 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, 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...

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 significant Chinese sculpture featuring a Scholar with his boy attendant, carved from a large slab of burl hardwood. The undulations and knobs of the slightly curving burl slab have been beautifully incorporated into the carving, forming the scholar’s garment and top of his curled hat. The bearded scholar looks slightly upward with a pleasing expression and holds a scroll in his hands. At his side is his young attendant gazing upward with a charming smile...

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...

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: 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...

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: 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...

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 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 colorfully painted Tibetan chest with four side drawers having leather strap pulls (two drawers on each side). The chest is painted with green floral panels having red floral borders and is supported by short legs. A carved key fret pattern decorates the neck just below the top. Dating from the 19th C, this chest is in good condition with very minor scuffs to paint. DIMENSIONS: 33” high x 28.5” wide x 18”deep.

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: 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: Silver needle cases first appeared in China in the 1700's. Elaborate embroidery has a long tradition in China, and young girls began intensive training in needlework skills by age seven. Given the importance of embroidery in her life, a silver needle case was often presented to a girl as part of her dowry.

This particular case is an extraordinary example. Most silver needle cases held only one container for needles, while this elaborate case has a total of five large silv...

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 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 captivating pair of lacquered figural candle pricks, each in the form of a smiling attendant with hand on hip, wearing a banded hat and holding aloft a candle dish. The figures themselves are hand crafted of solid brown lacquer around a wire frame, while the flared bases are wood blocks covered in brown lacquer. This unusual, rare pair date from approximately 1750 – 1850, and are in remarkable condition with the expected age wear to the lacquered surface. DIMENSIONS: Each app...

DESCRIPTION: A Qing Dynasty Chinese scroll depicting a plethora of Chinese deities, each in colorful robes of blue, green, yellow and red, and each with an aurora around his head. The deities display different symbols or attributes that identify them to the knowledgeable follower. The artist’s inscription can be found between the two lower left figures.

Chinese mythology has a rich, long history and is a collection of folktales, cultures and religions that have been passed down in ora...

DESCRIPTION: A Qing Dynasty Chinese scroll painting depicting a seated Chinese deity with a large blue foo dog mask in his lap and two attendants at his feet. All figures have ornate colorful robes and auroras around their heads. An inscription can be found at the lower middle between the two attendants. CONDITION: “Waves” in paper from being rolled; colors and images are bright; painting has been remounted on white paper-backed silk. DIMENSIONS: Image is 47 3/4” high (1.21 m) X 20 1/...

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. DIMENSIONS: Interior circumference is 7 3/4" (19.7 cm); adult large...

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: 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 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 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. DIMENSIONS: 22 3/4" ...

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 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 very old Chinese wooden incense holder, crafted in the form of a partially unrolled scroll that bends and folds to form the container. On the edges of the “scroll” is a relief carved key pattern border with traces of gilt; the worn lacquer surface still shows the original designs of a bird, flower, bamboo and Chinese characters. The top of the flat back plate has a shaped and carved design with a center hole for hanging. On its reverse can be seen the old, hand forged iron ...

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 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: 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 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 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 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).