Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese (254)

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 miniature figure of Avalokitesvara (Buddha) (God of Compassion) on a plinth. The head is surrounded by a halo. The figure was originally gilded and traces of the gold still remain. The features have been worn from age. Has a nice patina. Period: Han. 206BC - 220AD Size: Height = 7.5 cm

A pair of nicely formed hollow glazed pottery birds. Both have round plump figures and lots of character. The darker bird has two glazes - a brown splash of glaze that runs over a straw glaze. The lighter bird has a celadon colored glaze. The glaze on both birds have a very fine crackle.

Period: Tang (7th-10th Century)

Size: Both birds approximately 4.7 cm high.

Condition: Good. normal wear from age...

A rare Mother and child Han Oil Lamp.The Mother is sitting and holding the hand of the child. The head piece was used for the oil holding the oil. Size: H. 26.8cm. W. 11cm. Condition: Most of the green glaze is gone and there is an old repair break around the head. See photos.

Three unusual large ancient beads from China. Size: See last photo.

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...

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

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 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.

Boldly incised with blossoms and leaves, under a cream and bright leaf green and amber glaze. Comes with a certificate from Chinese Government Auction House. Size 16.5cm.Diam.Age: Liao(907-1125AD) Condition: Good. Small repair on part of the rim.(See Photos)

An unusual Tang pottery of a standing dwarf wearing a robe and hat painted in original 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.

Period: Tang (618-907 AD)

Size: Height = 16 cm. (6-1/4 inches)

Condition: Very good. Component separations near neck and side seam of robe...

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 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.

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.