Catalog (39)

A Chinese calligraphy brush with a small antler handle having a bit of hair remaining at the ferrule. Ferrule is made of dark horn with dark natural hair bristles. Total Length 9.75"

A completely hand formed and detailed fresh water coup in the form of a highly stylized archaic duck. This sancai water pot dates late Qing, circa 1880, and is pattern after the porcelains of the Song dynasty. A great item for the collector of scholar items. Measures 3" long x 2.5" high at head.

A lovely Chinese translucent natural gray agate calligraphy brush with a bone ferrule and end cap. Brush is natural hair. The beads are slightly smaller than most, each measuring only .75" diameter (across) x 1" long. It is just beautiful. Brush measures 11.75 inches long.

A pair of rare 19th C Chinese hand carved hardwood, possibly Hong Mu wood, Scholars desk trays in a large lily pad leaf design with flower heads. Each being slightly different, one has a bird’s head and the other a nice protruding stem between the flower heads, they were made to be displayed together. These were finished with a mix of beeswax and a few other natural concoctions the Chinese used to seal the finish and give it a great mellow sheen. The beauty of the surfaces is that wheneve...

Early 19c Chinese scholar’s carved rosewood double dragon brush rest. The dragons have wonderful facial features with turned up snouts. There is a round knob on the top between the two facing dragons to turn it easily. The bodies, feet and curling tails are wonderful. Workmanship and quality is superb, showing early original patina to the surfaces. The color is a rich reddish brown with all the shiny areas right where they should be from handling. We can always find double dragon brush...

Superb little agate lotus design brush washer. Hand carved and polished natural color stone, it has russet/orange skin in the areas carved with curling edges and the design is complete with an incised center area and fully worked underside showing stems, pods, leaves and flowers. The surface polish is first rate and this is a very desirable piece. Includes original fitted hardwood stand. Dates late Qing to early Republic. Brusher measures 3.75" x 3". Height 1.5", On Stand Height 2.25"

Very hard to find Chinese scholar's desk plank. Made of huanghuali wood, the plank has aged beautifully having a wonderful warm golden patina with a beautiful sheen. There are 3 minor age cracks at 3 of the 4 corners. These cracks do not compromise the integrity of this incredible scholar's item, but instead attests to its age. Planks were used to set objects on that a Scholar was using. He could have also used it to display an item or items. Measures 15" x 6.5" x .5"

Old Chinese soapstone carving of a Confucius or a Confucian Scholar on a fitted lotus form wooden stand. Measures 4" high including base. Base measures 3.5" long, 2" wide.

Circa 1920-30, Chinese gem quality six color banded agate of a scholar with dragon. Colors are grey, black, white, carnelian, blue and rare yellow hair. Just a fabulous and superbly worked piece. Carving measures just under 2.5" high, on stand measures 3" high.

19th century Chinese carved green fluorite scholar's table libation cup/brush washer with nice purple highlights on the superbly done top rim. It is carved in high relief with birds, flowers and rockery with the bottom part having a twisting stem type riser. In excellent condition, it measures without stand 3" high x 3" long (at the very top rim) x 2.25" wide as the top rim flairs out more across the length.

A finely carved Chinese boxwood statue of the Tang poet Li Bai. Dressed in official attire with a scroll in his right hand, Li Bai appears to be deep in thought as he strokes his beard. Attached to a wooden base, it measures 9.5 inches high as pictured. Base measures 3.5” square. Condition is excellent. Dates circa 1900.

Pair of antique art nouveau bookends depicting a scholar reading in a library. Cast iron with a bronze finish by Judd Co., it is great set of bookends for your office or library. Measures 5.5" high, 7" long, 2.75" wide. Dates circa 1920

This finely detailed Chinese porcelain plate would make a fine addition to any Rose Mandarin or Rose Medallion collection. It is unusual in that the central medallion features a group of scholars. The rough and somewhat gritty bottom of the plate without any factory markings suggest a factory production circa 1850-1891. In very good antique condition, there is some wear to the enameling in one spot. See photos. Measures 9.5 inches diameter.

Umber glazed porcelain Chinese scholar's brush rest. Measures 2 3/4 inches high, 2 5/8" across. Condition very good with just 2 old chips on base. Circa 1900 or earlier.

Blue glazed porcelain Chinese scholar's brush rest. In excellent condition, it measures 2 7/8 inches high, 2.5" across.

A blue glazed porcelain scholar's brush rest in the shape of a five peaked mountain. In good antique condition showing wear to the highest peak. Height 2 3/8", length 3 5/8 inches. Circa 1900 or earlier.

A pair of small bronze foo dogs or foo lions created by the lost-wax casting process, showing traces from the mold. Both have a wonderful warm patina and would make excellent brush rests for a calligrapher's or artist's detail brushes. In excellent condition, they measure about 2" long x 1.5 inches high.

A charming little blue and white Chinese water dropper in excellent condition without hairlines or restoration. Circa 1900-10, it measures 2 inches high.