Catalog (322)

These interesting pottery tiles with the subjects depicted in high relief were made during the Jin Dynasty (AD 1115 - 1234). They are made from quite a high-fired grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in various coloured pigments. Each tile depicts a scene from a story of the paragons of filial piety. Together they depict a total of thirty-four human figures (men, women and children)...

These interesting pottery tiles with the subjects depicted in high relief with very good detail were made during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368) or possibly the early part of the following Ming Dynasty (AD 1368 - 1644). They are made from a high-fired grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in various coloured pigments. Each tile depicts a scene from a story of the paragons of filial piet...

This fine-quality pair of highly decorative pottery tiles was made during the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368 - 1644). They are made from a grey pottery and the decoration in relief features a pair of deer in a landscape. Note the detail to the deer, the carved and incised decoration as well as the impressed flower blossoms to the deers' bodies. The relief decoration has been cold-painted in various coloured pigments, good traces o...

This iron axe head or chisel dates to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). Surviving iron objects of this age are very rare. This example does of course have rust and corrosion, and a small chip to the edge of the open end. It is free from restoration or repair. Length 15.5 cm (6 inches).  Please note that this object has not been treated in any way and should be handled carefully.

This is one of two almost ide...

This iron axe head or chisel dates to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). Surviving iron objects of this age are very rare. This example does of course have rust and corrosion, there is a small part missing at the open end together with some cracks, but it is free from restoration or repair. Length 15.5 cm (6 inches). Please note that this object has not been treated in any way and should be handled carefully - a s...

This bronze axe head dates approximately to the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC). It has a relatively wide cutting edge and on one side are timber marks within the surface corrosion. Inside are remains of its wooden shaft. Length 15 cm (6 inches). A lovely example in very good condition.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QUOTING OUR STOCK NUMBER (see above) - WE SHALL THEN EMAIL YOU BACK WITH POSTAGE COSTS AND PAYMENT IN...

This fine and rare pottery model of a foreigner was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a red pottery that has been cold-painted in a thick white pigment with the facial details picked out in red and black pigments. This elegant figure, a groom, stands with his shoulders raised, head raised and turned to his right, one hand outstretched. Note the detail of the clothing, the headgear and especiall...

This tall pottery figure was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220) and has been excavated from Sichuan province. It is made from a reddish pottery and is highly detailed. Such figures are usually referred to as farmers, although during this period Sichuan farmers were also called upon by their masters to become soldiers when required. As well as holding a spade in one hand and a winnowing tray in the other, he ...

This tall pottery figure was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220) and has been excavated from Sichuan province. It is made from a reddish pottery and is highly detailed. Such figures are usually referred to as farmers, although during this period Sichuan farmers were also called upon by their masters to become soldiers when required. As well as holding a long-handled spade in one hand and a winnowing tray in t...

This pottery model of a saddled horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is "heavily-potted" and made from a reddish pottery that is relatively highly-fired. The horse stands alert with its head head up and turned to its left. Its legs are spaced as though in the act of walking, as opposed to standing upright and still, as are the majority of Tang Dynasty pottery horses. The surface has been "cold painted" in a cream...

This rare and interesting pottery model of a pack horse, or pony, was made during the Northern Wei Dynasty (AD 386 - 534). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" with a base coat of white pigment on top of which has been applied black pigment. Note the detail of the pack on its back that includes two water containers and a rabbit.

Height 25.5 cm, length 29.5 cm. It is in good condition. There is s...

This attractive pottery model of a saddled horse, or pony, was made during the early part of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is one of a group of four we acquired several years ago, all clearly from the same location. It is quite "heavily-potted" and made from a reddish pottery. It has been "cold-painted" in a base coat of a creamy-white pigment with various other coloured pigments applied on top. Note especially the attention to de...

This attractive pottery model of a cloaked and hooded rider was made in the 6th Century during either the Eastern Wei Dynasty (AD 534 - 550) or the following Northern Qi Dynasty (AD 550 - 577). Pottery horses from this period have a distinct style different to the more common and later Tang Dynasty equivalents.

It has been made from a fine-grained grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in a creamy-white pigment with details pic...

This attractive pottery model of a cloaked and hooded rider was made in the 6th Century during either the Eastern Wei Dynasty (AD 534 - 550) or the following Northern Qi Dynasty (AD 550 - 577). Pottery horses from this period have a distinct style different to the more common and later Tang Dynasty equivalents.

It has been made from a fine-grained grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in a creamy-white pigment with details pic...

This attractive pottery model of a cloaked and hooded rider was made in the 6th Century during either the Eastern Wei Dynasty (AD 534 - 550) or the following Northern Qi Dynasty (AD 550 - 577). Pottery horses from this period have a distinct style different to the more common and later Tang Dynasty equivalents.

It has been made from a fine-grained grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in a creamy-white pigment with details pic...

This interesting pottery tile was made during the Jin Dynasty (AD 1115 - 1234) and most likely comes from Shanxi province. It depicts a scene from the story of the Liu Yin, one of the stories of the twenty-four paragons of filial piety:  

Liu Yin lived in the Western Jin period. One winter when he was nine, his mother lost her appetite because she longed to eat jin, which was impossible to obtain in winter...

This interesting pottery tile was made during the Jin Dynasty (AD 1115 - 1234) and most likely comes from Shanxi province. It depicts a scene from the story of the Tian Brothers, one of the stories of the twenty-four paragons of filial piety:

In the Eastern Han dynasty, there were three brothers in the Tian family. After their father passed away, they turned against each other and split the assets, inc...

This stone panel, sometimes described as a "prayer tablet", was excavated from a Buddhist site in Yunnan province in the South-West of China and dates to the 13th to 14th century, i.e. the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279), Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368) or possibly the early Ming Dynasty. It is one of several that we bought nearly twenty years ago to compliment our collection of Yunnan Buddhist pottery, that has since been in stor...

This fossilised dinosaur egg is from the Hadrosaur species, dating to the late Cretaceous Period (c. 85 - 65 millions years ago). Fossilised hadrosaur eggs and remains have been found in China, Europe, South America and North America. This example was excavated from the north of China and is one of several we bought back in the mid 1990s - it has been with us in the UK since then and has not previously been offered for sale.

The vast majority of ...

This stone panel, sometimes described as a "prayer tablet", was excavated from a Buddhist site in Yunnan province in the South-West of China and dates to the 13th to 14th century, i.e. the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279), Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368) or possibly the early Ming Dynasty. It is one of several that we bought nearly twenty years ago to compliment our collection of Yunnan Buddhist pottery, that has since been in stor...

This small pottery model of a recumbent horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in a white pigment. Note the detail of the horse's mane and its legs tucked under its body. Length 14 cm. A chip to its front left knee. No obvious sign of any repair.

Our last images above show other Tang Dynasty horses we are selling separately.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM P...

This small pottery model of a recumbent horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in a white pigment. Note the detail of the horse's mane and its legs tucked under its body. Length 14 cm. No obvious sign of any repair - good condition.

Our last images above show other Tang Dynasty horses we are selling separately.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US Q...

Arguably the most desirable pottery sculpture from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 – 906) is the female courtier, or "fat lady". This relatively small example is particularly elegant. It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been elaborately decorated in various coloured cold-painted pigments. The lady stands demurely with her hands clasped together under her flowing robe. Note also the detail of the facial features, th...

Arguably the most desirable pottery sculpture from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 – 906) is the female courtier, or "fat lady". This relatively small example is particularly elegant. It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been elaborately decorated in various coloured cold-painted pigments. The lady stands demurely with her hands clasped together under her flowing robe. Note also the detail of the facial features, th...

Arguably the most desirable pottery sculpture from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 – 906) is the female courtier, or "fat lady". This relatively small example is particularly elegant. It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been elaborately decorated in various coloured cold-painted pigments. The lady stands demurely with her hands clasped together under her flowing robe. Note also the detail of the facial features, th...

This extremely rare and impressive pottery model of a cooking stove was made during either the Qin Dynasty (221 – 206 BC) or possibly earlier, during the latter part of the preceding Warring States period (475 – 221 BC). It is made from quite a high-fired grey pottery that has a distinct ring to it when tapped. Its main upper surface is wonderfully decorated with finely-detail...

This fine and rare pair of painted pottery jars, representing granaries, was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). They are made from a fairly high-fired grey pottery. They have cylindrical bodies, domed tops with fairly small circular openings. The ridges to the shoulder of each jar represent roof tiles. Each jar stands on three feet moulded into the form of a bear.

Many examples of...

This rare and impressive stoneware jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 -1279). It is quite "heavily-potted" with the outer body and inner mouth coated in an iron glaze, the colour of which varies from a "silvery" brown to black. The applied decoration around the shoulder features a dragon chasing a flaming pearl. The pearl represents wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality and the moon, and is also used...

This extremely rare and imposing pottery jar dates to the around the 1st millennium BC, the late Chinese Neolithic / Bronze Age period. It is, without doubt, the largest and most substantial pottery jar we have ever encountered from this period. It has a rounded base and the whole of the outer surface has been decorated with repeated coarsely-woven cord impressions. Interestingly the inner surface be...

This very attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in a creamy-white pigment. This horse is well-modelled and stands upright and alert with its head turned a little to its left.

Height 22 cm (8.5 inches). A fine example in very good condition.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QUOTING OUR STOCK NUMBER (see...

This impressive and attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368). Such figures from the Yuan Dynasty are very distinctive and are particularly rare and desirable. The surface of these figures is typically fired to grey, or almost black, and sometimes, as in this case, burnished to a smooth finish.

The horse is laden with a pack on its back, on top of which is tied a tiger skin. N...

These impressive and attractive pottery models of a horse and groom were made during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368). Such figures from the Yuan Dynasty are very distinctive and are particularly rare and desirable. The surface of these figures is typically fired to grey, or almost black, and sometimes, as in this case, burnished to a smooth finish.

The horse is laden with a pack on its back, on t...

This fine, impressive and very rare pair of pottery vases was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8) or possibly a little earlier. They are of a particularly pleasing and elegant form, the wide bodies rising up from the flat bases, then constricting into long slender necks and finally opening up into fairly wide mouths. They are quite "heavily-potted" and made from a dense fine-grained dark grey pottery, the surface o...

This attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in white and reddish-brown pigments. This horse is well-modelled and stands upright and alert.

Height 22 cm (8.5 inches). A nice example in good condition with any possible repair having been performed to a professional standard.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QU...

This attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in white and reddish-brown pigments. This horse is well-modelled and stands upright and alert.

Height 22.25 cm (8.75 inches). A nice example in good condition with any possible repair having been performed to a professional standard.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL U...

This attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in white and reddish-brown pigments. This horse is well-modelled and stands upright and alert.

Height 23 cm (9 inches). A nice example in good condition with any possible repair having been performed to a professional standard.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QUOT...

This pottery model of an official figure was made during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). It is quite highly-fired and made from a pale pinkish-brown pottery and includes an integral hexagonal plinth on which the figure stands. The head has been made separately and slots into the hole at the neck. The figure has been coated in green and amber glazes that have, over much of their surfaces, acquired a silvery iridescence, a result of long burial i...

This porcelain bowl with flared rim was made during the 12th - 13th Century (Late Song - Yuan Dynasty). It is fairly "heavily-potted" and coated in quite a dark greenish qingbai glaze that is finely-crackled. The rim edge remains unglazed and in places has fired to a deep reddish-brown. The inner surface is simply decorated with an abstract incised pattern whereas the underside is more elaborately decorated wi...

This saucer-dish was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279). Its inner surface and outer wall are coated in a very finely-crackled pale qingbai glaze that has just a hint of green. The inner surface is decorated with what appears to be an impressed floral decoration although the impression is quite faint. The rim remains purposely unglazed as does the flat concave base. Interestingly around the outer wall can be seen...

This saucer-dish was made in the 13th - 14th century during the Yuan (AD 1279 - 1368) or early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). It is "heavily-potted" and coated in a thick lightly-crackled celadon glaze save for the foot that has fired to a deep reddish-brown. The glaze has a very pleasant "silky-smooth" feel to it. This high-fired type of ware is variously described as stoneware or porcelain and it certainly has quite a high-pitched sound when tap...

This attractive small porcelain jar was made in the 12th - 14th century during the Song (AD 960 - 1279) or the Yuan Dynasty (1279 - 1368). It is quite "heavily-potted" and coated in a thick pale olive-green glaze. The body, when soft, was indented with five wide vertical impressions to give it a lobed appearance. The foot remains unglazed revealing the pale grey body. There is a small kiln scar to the body.

Height 6.5 cm...

This tall pottery figure was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220) and has been excavated from Sichuan province. It is made from a reddish pottery and is highly detailed. Such figures are usually referred to as farmers, although during this period Sichuan farmers were also called upon by their masters to become soldiers when required. As well as holding a long-handled spade in one hand and a winnowing tray in th...

This tall pottery figure was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220) and has been excavated from Sichuan province. Such figures are usually referred to as farmers, although during this period Sichuan farmers were also called upon by their masters to become soldiers when required. This figure holds in his left hand a long sword, and in his right hand a shield. There is also a short knife attached to his belt. He wea...

This unusual object, a pottery model of a bucket, was made during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368). Black, or dark grey, pottery objects dating to the Yuan Dynasty are not widely known. They are found in the northern provinces, particularly Gansu province in the north-west.

This item is quite heavily-potted and fairly highly-fired with a smooth burnished surface. Adhering to the inner surface are the remains of ancient root/plant growths f...

This unusually large and impressive pottery model of a Bactrian camel was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is heavily-potted and made from a fairly high-fired buff-coloured pottery. In places on the surface are firing cracks, likely due to the thickness of the pottery. The surface has been cold-painted in a yellow-ochre coloured pigment on top of which have been painted reddish-brown and black pigments for th...

This undeniably impressive pottery figure of a guardian was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a fairly high-fired creamy-white pottery with traces of yellow, red and black "cold painted" pigments to the surface. He stands upon a rock, head turned slightly, with his hands out. Note the clothing and head gear: an armoured jacket secured with straps over his shoulder and a belt at he ...

This fine and impressive matching pair of pottery lokapala figures was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). They are "heavily-potted" and made from a reddish pottery that have been "cold painted" in various coloured pigments. On the surface in places there still remain traces of gold leaf. Note the exquisite detail of their clothing and hairstyle. They have clenched fists with ferocious facia...

This interesting pottery jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279), or possibly the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368) and has been been excavated from a Buddhist site in Yunnan province. It is made from a fairly high-fired pale grey pottery. Decoration is fairly simple with strips of clay applied to the upper body to form four lotus leaf panels. Between the top of each leaf are incised lines and small circles.

...

This interesting pottery jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279), or possibly the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368) and has been been excavated from a Buddhist site in Yunnan province. It is made from a pale grey pottery. Decoration is fairly simple with strips of clay applied to the upper body to form five lotus leaf panels.

Height 24.75 cm (9.75 inches). Although it has not been properly cleaned since exc...

This interesting pottery jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279), or possibly the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368) and has been been excavated from a Buddhist site in Yunnan province. It is made from a relatively high-fired grey pottery.

The jar has a flat base with marks showing it was removed from the potter's wheel by a piece of string or wire. Strips of clay have been applied to the outer wall of the body to fo...

This large and impressive stoneware jar was made by Malcolm Pepper (1937 - 1980) during the 1970s. It is "heavily-potted" and attractively decorated. Looking inside shows it was thrown in two sections, luted together at the widest part of the body. The outer surface coated in a finely-crackled transparent glaze that has a hint of green. The inner surface coated in a dark iron glaze.

Height 46 cm (18 inches). In fine conditio...

This pottery bowl, or jar, was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is made from a pale yellowish-brown pottery and is more highly-fired than most known examples. It has a wide body with a flared rim. There are two small loop handles on opposing sides. The upper body and inner mouth have ...

This pottery jar of a very rare form was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It has an unusually tall neck for its general type that is not quite centred to the wide body. At its mouth is a flared rim with two loop handles on opposing sides. It is quite thinly-potted and highly-fired, made fro...

This book, "Dragon Sea", by Frank Pope is essentially the story of a 15th century shipwreck that came to be known as the "Hoi An Hoard". Frank Pope was the archaeological manager of the salvage operation. 

This book is NOT an illustrated catalogue of the Hoi An wreck, but is a very good read, not only revealing what really goes on in the world of underwater archaeology, but also reading as an exciting adventure story, al...

This unusual blue & white porcelain bowl was made during the mid to late 16th century c.1560-1580. The outer surface remains undecorated whereas the inner surface is particularly elaborately decorated. In the centre is a standing bird, most likely a crane (a symbol of longevity), together with various plants and blossoms. The surrounding wall is decorated with a pattern featuring lotus leaf panels and tassels.

This is...

This large and imposing pottery jar, of "hu" form, was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is made from a fairly high-fired grey pottery. It has a particularly wide body with a relatively short neck that flares out into a wide mouth. There are three raised decorative bands surrounding its wide body. On opposite sides at the shoulder are moulded "taotie" mask handles. The outer surface has been cold-painted in creamy...

This large and imposing pottery jar, of "hu" form, was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is made from grey pottery and has a particularly wide body, the neck flaring out into a wide mouth. Unusually, it comes complete with its original cover.

The surface has been thickly cold-painted with a creamy-white pigment on top of which are swirls and geometric patterns in yellow-ochr...

This impressive pottery model of a Bactrian camel was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a pale buff-coloured pottery, has good detail and has been "cold painted" in a base coat of a creamy-white pigment with details picked out in brown, red and black pigments. The camel stands upright and alert with its head held high and turned a little to its left. Its two humps are particularly prominent.

...

This large and impressive pottery jar was made by peoples of the Caiyuan Culture (c. 2600 - 2200 BC) and has been excavated from the Ningxia Autonomous Region in the north of China. It is quite "heavily-potted" and has been fired to a very pleasing pale yellowish-brown with the surface colour becoming more red in places. The upper surface has been burnished and is very smooth to the touch. The lower surface has been simply yet ...

This rare and impressive stoneware jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 -1279). It is quite "heavily-potted" with the outer body and inner mouth coated in an attractive chocolate-brown glaze, that has an almost "silvery" sheen to it. The applied decoration around the shoulder features a dragon chasing a pearl. The pearl represents wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality and the moon, and is also used as ...