Catalog (1238)

19th century Japanese cherry bark tobakoire (tobacco box, and a form of 1-compartment inro) overlaid with lacquered wood netsuke in a shape of giboshi (a bridge post finial) and a natural fruit pit carved with 2 scenes of scholars. Wonderful object with clean lines made in traditional kabazaiku technique developed in Akita Prefecture 250 years ago and emphasizing cherry bark either silk texture or metal-like luster and its rich variety of brown colors. Great quality work with beautiful bark text...

19th century netsuke made out of natural Manchurian nut shell carved in the round with relief depiction of 18 figures of arhat - the initial disciples of the historical Buddha - with their specific identifying attributes that include a tiger and a dragon. Fabulous clever crisp carving utilizing natural structure of the nut, superbly detailed, great faces, himotoshi (cord openings) neatly located among arhat figures . Richly textured surface, superb warm patina from more than 100 years of handlin...

19th century Chinese fingering piece in a form of a natural walnut. Excellent piece to use for meditation practice, richly textured surface, superb warm patina from more than 100 years of handling, very pleasant to hold. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk or a pocket. Height 1.69 inches.

Late 18th to early 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape with blue body and decoration of blue in white elongated reserves. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.8 Inches.

Very unusual late 18th to early 19th century Chinese pewter plaque depicting The Seven Sages of The Bamboo grove engaged in discussions. They were well-known scholars and artists who lived in the 3rd century AD and advocated freedom of individual expression and escape from the restrictions of the corrupt court politics. They gathered in a bamboo grove near the house of one of them where they enjoyed, the simple rustic life and greatly enjoyed wine, personal freedom, spontaneity and a celebratio...

19th century Chinese cloisonne belt buckle in a shape of a Manchurian crane in flight flanked by 2 bats with their wings spread wide. Somehow the crane resembles the ones on Korean rank badges, and I wonder if the buckle may be Korean. Wonderful design, fittings for attaching cloth belt on the back have been removed a long time ago, very well made, beautiful patina. Size 2.62 x 1.6 inches.

Rather unusual vintage set of 12 Japanese bamboo chashaku - tea scoops used for powdered tea during tea ceremony. Each scoop has differently shaped tip, and is inscribed in lacquer with the name of the great tea master who supposedly preferred that shape in their ceremonies. To the best of my knowledge, names of the masters (in random order) are: Rikyu, Shoan, Sotan, Senso, Hukyusai, Rokkansai, Jikuso, Fukensai, Jintokusai, Yumyosai, Tantansai and an unknown. Come in original chazutsu (bamboo ca...

Rather unusual late 19th century miniature Chinese Shoushan soapstone carving of a snarling chimera seated on a base. Superb carving, rare excellent quality butterscotch color stone, great patina. Neat hole in the base for hanging. Wonderful object for a scholar’s desk. Height 0.68 inches (17.5 mm).

Vintage Chinese jade carving of a resting one-horned chimera with bifurcated tail. Beautiful true nephrite jade of white to light celadon color, excellent carving, great face, highly polished finish to the surface, very pleasant to hold. Length 1.95 inches, weight 51.3 grams

Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) Japanese copper and brass temple decoration in a shape of a lotus seedpod and petals. Was used as a temple wall or pedestal decoration. Beautifully made, in excellent condition with great patina. Length 4.62 inches. 19c Japanese copper / brassLOTUS TEMPLE DECORATION

Unusual 19th century Chinese bracelet consisting of fifteen fruit pits, two agate beads and a jadeite one with a “vase”. Each pit is skillfully carved all around with scenes of Chinese scholars involved in various activities: reading scrolls, studying fungus of immortality, or engaged in discussions. Carved in deep relief with precise undercutting and scrolling designs, excellent mellow brown patina. Agate beads are carved with SHOW (long life) characters. Purple silk cord, must have been re...

Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) small Japanese bronze vase with gold, silver and copper inlays depiction a long-tailed rooster on a flowering cherry branch. Excellent crisp work, perfectly captured posture of the creature, beautifully carved and inlaid, a few darker spots, overall in great condition. Signed KOSHU (alternative reading is Mitsufune) on the back. Height 4 5/8 inches.

Late Qing Dynasty (1890s to 1911) embroidered Chinese textile rank badge (also called mandarin square) denoting the fifth civil rank symbolized by the bird on the badge - the Silver Pheasant. Designs on background include lotus flowers, fish, butterfly and bats in flight among stylized clouds and above the waves. Flower borders, colors slightly faded, original backing. Size 11x11.5 inches.

Unusual late Meiji (1890s - 1912) altar set of five small Japanese wooden sculptures of different bodhisattvas in different attitudes. Bodhisattvas are advanced individuals or beings who can achieve buddhahood, but choose not to in order to help others on their road to awakening. Very nicely carved, all faces bear different expressions, some have wire implements in their hands. Obvious losses as seen on photos, remnants of glue on the bottoms (easy enough to remove). Have very good presence. Hei...

Late 18th century Chines jade carving of two fish with a tied knot - the image is one of the Eight Buddhist Emblems, as well as an allusion to the marital bliss. Nicely carved, translucent true nephrite jade, pleasant finish. Height 2.33 inches, weight 17.2 grams.

18th century off-gray Chinese translucent jade plaque to be sawn onto clothes with pierced and carved design of the Three Friends of Winter - pine, prunus and bamboo - celebrated for the fact that they do not wither as the cold days deepen into the winter season unlike many other plants. Very good work, in great condition. Diameter 1.58 inches, weight 8.1 grams.

18th century off-gray Chinese translucent jade plaque with pierced and carved abbreviated design of a dragon in flight, was used to be sawn onto clothes. Nice work, in good condition. Length 2.03 inches, weight 5.2 grams.

Late 19th century small Chinese jadeite carved pendant in a shape of Guanyin - the Boddhisattva of compassion. Nice natural untreated jadeite with shades of green, in great condition. Height 1.3 inches, weight 3.2 grams.