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

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: 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 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: 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 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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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: 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 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 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 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 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: 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 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, ten pronged tortoise shell comb made for the European market (Victorian era, circa 1880-1890). The fashion of the day included large elaborate combs placed in upswept hair, and this one is a real beauty! The curved prongs and scalloped crown are from a single piece of shell which is mounted with three large round beads and two carved triangular designs. Very good condition with only a couple of tiny nits that are difficult to even see. DIMENSIONS: 6 ½” long (16.5 cm...

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: 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: 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 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. Naturalistic burl c...

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: 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: 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: Before the availability of electricity and modern irons, this simple but useful implement was produced to iron clothes. The long wood handle is attached to a large cast iron bowl designed to hold hot coals. The bowl has been cast with designs on its outer surface and is shaped with one side flared to protect the worker’s hand. After the bowl absorbed sufficient heat from the coals, it was pressed onto the garment using the flat bottom surface to smooth out wrinkles. Dating fro...

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: 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 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: 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...

An attractive pair of antique Chinese porcelain plates, each hand painted with a large, leaping blue carp with russet colored cross-hatched scales. The carp was an auspicious fish in China and a symbol of perseverance and success, often applied to success in business enterprises and state examinations. In excellent condition (no cracks, chips or hairlines), this pair of deep-dish plates would have served as large shallow bowls as well. Dating from the Yongzheng to Qianlong Periods (AD 1723 - ...

DESCRIPTION: An appealing Chinese toggle (guajian), carved from Huanghuali wood (a hardwood similar to Rosewood) in the form of a Buddhist lion seated on a plinth with one paw placed on top of a ball. With raised tail, textured fur on his back, and brass studs decorating the eyes and each limb, this foo dog would have been used as a counterweight for a tobacco pouch or other object suspended from a belt. Displaying a luscious patina from use and handling, this little grinning lion is a real ch...

DESCRIPTION: An antique Chinese toggle (guajian), carved from boxwood in the form of a Buddha's hand fruit (or fingered citron), a symbol of happiness, longevity and good fortune in China. The fingered citron is unusually shaped with bright yellow fruit segmented into finger-like sections, resembling a human hand. Highly fragrant, it is used predominantly in China for perfuming rooms and personal items such as clothing. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha prefers the "fingers" of the ...

An attractive antique Chinese porcelain plate, hand painted with a large, leaping blue carp with russet colored cross-hatched scales. The carp was an auspicious fish in China and a symbol of perseverance and success, often applied to success in business enterprises and state examinations. In excellent condition (no cracks, chips or hairlines), this deep-dish plate would have served as a large shallow bowl as well. Dating from the Yongzheng to Qianlong Periods (AD 1723 - 1795), this plate is o...

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 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 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 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. Purchased from the collection of Jean-P...

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).