Catalog: Antiques (414)

A very rare set of cowrie shell money from the neolithic period in China. Twenty two shells in all strung together as a necklace as they were originally.The Chinese character for money originated from the cowrie shell. Age: 2000 to 1500 BC. Size: L.44cm around, plus the pendent. Condition: Natural calcification but intact

A very unique jade carving of a bird's head with a tapered body. The black coloring is the result of a long burial period. Under certain lighting conditions the jade has a translucent appearance. I tried to capture some of it in the photos. Provenance: From Beijing many years ago from an old Chinese collector. Size: L. 6.4cm. W. 4cm. Condition: No cracks or repairs.

A very large jade disc carved with a hole in the center. Both sides of this central hole are lipped which is very rare in "bi's." Compared with flat bi's, lipped bi's require a lot more carving and are much more difficult to make. The bi is beautiful with its complex colors and patterns. The colors range from cream to greys, ochres, greens and blues.Period: Neolithic ( 3rd millennium B.C.)

Size: Diameter = 26.7 cm (10-1/2 inches)

Condition: Very good...

A rare beautiful ancient large glass bead necklace from Southeast Asia. Dates back to over 2000 years old. This is a complete necklace found as is. Size: Length 64cm - 25 inches

A rare Pyu carved calcedony tiger with its 4 paws, upper back, and tail in carnelian red (presence of iron oxides in the stone). The body of the tiger is elongated with a curled up tail. Tigers of this type and age are difficult to find, especially ones that are intact...

A very rare white porcelain Song qingpai ewer with a clear pale bluish glaze. The body and shoulder of the vase have skillfully executed free-flowing scraffiato designs of florals and leaves. The tall cylindrical neck is encircled at the base by two horned dragons whose heads meet at the spout. The grooved loop handle is further decorated with eight small balls. The glaze pools in some areas creating a beautiful light watery blue...

A very rare an unusual solid gold disc jewelry. It is unusual on how it was made with a gold bar inserted with two pins holding it in place. Can be made into a pendant. Nice collector's gold item. Weight: 1.68 grams Size: See last photo

A rare Southeast Asia ancient gold ring with a natural blue green glass bead. Color does not show up well in the photo. This ring is over 1,000 years old. Weight: 2.54 grams

A very large rare string of ceramic beads from the neolithic period. The necklace measures 106 centimeters from end to end. The condition is very fine considering the age.These beads date back to 500 to 1000 BC

A beautiful authentic Western Han pottery cocoon jar in the shape of a silkworm cocoon. The outer surface is embellished with the original painted abstract banding and scrolling designs in pigments of dark and light brick reds, grey blue, and white. Size: H. 28cm.L. 31cm. W. 28cm Condition: Minor chip on the rim and the base from age.See photos.

A nice assortment of ten Chinese Ancient beads. Size: See last photo.

A rare neolithic jade axe from China. Age: 2,000 BC. Size: L. 12.5cm. Condition: Some chips at the cutting edge and one small chip at the rear of the underside.

A long-necked original bronze vase with a rounded body. The top of the slender neck has a ring midway and swells out at the mouth in the shape of a garlic bulb, giving the vase its special name. It has a nice aging patina. It can be cleaned but I wouldn't recommend it.

Period: Western Han (206BC - 25AD)

Size: Height = 32 cm (12.6 inches) Condition: A small dent on one side. Very good condition for its age.

An unusual Tang pottery of a standing dwarf wearing a robe and panted in orange pigments. He has a stocky figure and a sweet countenance on his downward tilt head. He is full of character. Figures such as these are considered a symbol of good luck and are not easy to find. Age: 618 - 907 AD. Size: H. 10.5cm. W. 6cm.

A small striped Pyu carnelian bead with a hole for stringing. Size: See last photo.

A nicely shaped glass ewer from ancient Rome. The piece was made with sheets of molten glass placed one on top of each other. This process was used at an early period in Rome. Age: First century. Bought at antique shop on Ponte Vecchio in Florence Italy 25 years ago. Size: H. 10.5cm W. 9cm

A beautiful large Han court lady with original pigment, standing and dressed in full robe with long swaggered sleeves and wide train. The head and hands have slots for inserting ornaments.The head is removable. Size H. 66cm. W. 25cm. Condition: No repairs.

A very large authentic Tang tomb guardian wearing a typical warrior's uniform standing on an evil earth creature with remains of the original pigments. The guardian was there to protect the tomb from these evil creatures. The item was found with its parts separated.Large statues like this were made in several parts. See last photo. Age: Tang Dynasty 618 - 907 AD. Size: H.86cm. W.38cm Condition: Very good for its age.