Catalog (6154)

Antique Japanese makie lacquer suzuri bako (writing box) and matching large stationary box signed with bold signatures on the bottom reading: 光琳　青々Kо̄rin Seisei, an artist name used by Ogata Kōrin (1658 – 1716).
Both boxes have domed lids and are decorated entirely in gold lacquer with highly raised designs of flowers and silver pine branches. The flowers are further embellished with inlaid shell. Inside the boxes are motifs of swirling water.
The larger box was u...

Antique Japanese lacquer suzuri bako (writing box) and matching large stationary box inspired by Korin Ogata of the Rinpa School tradition. The larger box was used for writing paper while the smaller box was used for writing implements. Inside the suzuri bako is an ink stone and a metal water dropper. Both boxes are decorated entirely with a highly raised design of blossoming cherry branches on a gold lacquer ground. Each flower is made of inlaid shell. The interiors of both boxes are lacquere...

A rare antique Iwayado Kuruma Choba Tansu (wheeled merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and Kijiro Urushi lacquer. Featured metalwork includes motifs of Chrysanthemums and Pine trees symbolizing the Takasago Immortal couple. Unusual pod shaped designs on the recessed drawers.

Age: Meiji period (1870-1880). Exhibited in the Palo Alto Cultureal Museum 1995.

Providence:Zentner Private Family Collection

Large antique Flemish tapestry from the Aubusson area located in the upper valley of the Creuse in central France. Bits of blue sky and a rural village with a stream can be seen through lush trees. In the foreground is a family of turkeys and a stand of poppies.
Provenance: The Bacon Estate in Hillsborough, CA

Dimensions: approx 10ft x 10ft

Antique Japanese full six panel painted screen depicting a flock of cranes resting a gold leaf backdrop. Bordered with silk and simple black lacquer wood frame. Touches a red pigment adorns each of the cranes crown, black wing tips feathers fade to white. Some are seen resting as are grooming and enjoying the social rest. Across the six panels are 100 Japanese cranes.

In Japan the crane is viewed as a national treasure. The Japanese refer to the crane as the “bird of happiness�...

An antique Japanese two panel screen painting (byobu) of the battle between the two historical figures Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Benkei.
Minamoto no Yoshitsune (born Ushiwakamaru c.1159) was raised in a monastery near in Kyoto. His incredible skill as a warrior emerged when he was very young. In the scene depicted here, he famously defeats the great warrior-monk, Benkei (Saito Musashibo Benkei). The young Ushiwakamaru easily leaps over the larger warrior. According to legend, Benk...

"Figure with Guarded Vision", wood fired clay sculpture by William Schwob. Life size female figure with shifting shoulders and distant gaze. A cityscape with Roman columns and windowed buildings merges with mountainous layers, a landscape within the familiarity of a human form.

Artist's statement:
My most recent work involves wood fired clay, one of the most basic of all materials, combined with a process that matches the medium perfectly and resonates with the subject mate...

Antique Chinese large rug with two blue, five-clawed dragons on a light yellow ground. Surrounded by auspicious symbols and clouds. The two dragons face each other over a mountain rising from waves. All in shades of blue and yellow with details in white.

Dimensions: 62" wide x 126" long

Chinese/Tibetan antique rectangular pillar rug with blue five-clawed dragon. The elongated middle section of the dragon exits the plane of the rug on either side. The dragon has five claws and is woven in shade of blue on a yellow ground with wisps of clouds and auspicious symbols. Details like it's teeth are woven in white and it's nose, tongue and flames are a coral color. A design of long tassels hangs from the top and the bottom is woven with mountains rising from striations of waves a...

Antique Chinese jade water coupe in the form of a duck. Carved of pale green jade with detailed feathers and scrolling archaic motifs. On a small wooden base.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 2 1/8" high x 3 1/4" long x 1 7/8" wide

Henrietta Berk (1919-1990) was an American artist who specialized in expressive oil paintings of landscape and figures in vibrant colors using bold brush strokes. She graduated from California College of Arts and Crafts in 1959 where she studied with Richard Diebenkorn and became a part of the Bay Area Figurative Movement. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout California including the San Francisco Museum of Art, Oakland Art Museum, and de Young Museum.
This p...

Japanese antique large Buddhist shinto shrine, made of hinoki wood. Constructed like a life size shrine complete with slanting copper roof. A small stair case leads to a pair of doors. The railing has copper post tops. The underside of the roof is made of many beams and columns, some with corbels carved in the form of fudogs and baku. Beautiful age and patina. Comes with contemporary custom metal stand.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: including stand: 91" high (...

African antique mbulu ngulu reliquary guardian figure carved of wood and plated with textured copper. This figure is made by the Bakota (or Kota) people, a Bantu ethnic group from Gabon and Congo. Bakota people are known for these reliquary figures which were part of a powerful mystical order known as Bwete. This figure stands on a custom metal base.

Dimensions: 29 1/2" high x 13 1/4" wide x 6" deep (on stand)

Antique Japanese tall bronze vase in the form of a section of a cherry tree trunk. The tree has been pruned and it's new growth is just starting to blossom. 5 bats flit around the trunk. Details like the texture of the cherry tree bark, the faces and fur of the little bats add a life-like feel to the scene. Made for use with dry branches or an insert for water (not included).

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 13 3/4" high x 6" wide

Large round ceramic wall sculpture by artist, Peter Voulkos (1924-2002). Wheel thrown with tears, incisions and imbedded chunks of material. The back has drips of blue glaze and is signed by Voulkos. The base is wrapped with the original wire installed by the artist in order to hang the piece on a wall. Dated 1973.

Peter Voulkos was inspired by the American painters of the New York School, focusing on infusing the spontaneous energy of Abstract Expressionism into his work. He wa...

Large round ceramic wall sculpture by artist, Peter Voulkos (1924-2002). Wheel thrown with splashes of glaze. The back is signed by Voulkos. The base is wrapped with the original wire installed by the artist in order to hang the piece on a wall. Dated 1983.

Peter Voulkos was inspired by the American painters of the New York School, focusing on infusing the spontaneous energy of Abstract Expressionism into his work. He was born in Bozeman, Montana where he received a Bachelor of...

Bronze abstract sculpture titled "Ribar" by artist Peter Voulkos (1924-2002). In the early 1970's and in addition to his ceramic pieces, Voulkos was well known for his large bronze sculptures like "Hall of Justice" in San Francisco, "Hiro II" outside of the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House in Civic Center, "Mr Ishi" at the Oakland Museum of California, and "Sirius" in Shannon Park, Dublin, California. This sculpture is signed on the rectangular section by Voulkos. Date: 1970.
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An antique Burmese Buddha dry lacquer statue. Black lacquer with gold gilt and traces of red lacquer on the Ushnisha. Wearing a flowing Kasaya venerated with wear. A consecrated Buddha that has a headband with micro glass inlay.

Age: 19th Century

Dimensions: 31" Wide by 37 3/4" High by 16" Deep

Late 6th Century Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577) buddha carved of limestone. The three dimensional standing form is mounted in a custom weighted base for display. Right arm creates negative space between the torso as well between each feet. Textile is comfortably hangs with pleaded folds fans out around lower body. Tightly culded hair neatly formed. Losses to right shoulder and right hand at wrist. Partial loss of fingers on left hand.
Calm resting buddha with smooth planes and disti...

Collage in paper by Wallace Berman. Constellations and Hebrew characters on green paper with wooden frame. "For Desiree Sept 23.72" and "Love, W" in pencil.

Wallace Berman (American 1926-1976) was born in Staten Island, NY. He moved to Los Angeles and then to San Francisco where he started his magazine "Semina" which he filled with his poetry, photographs, writing and drawing. He was influenced by Jazz and Rock n Roll, becoming associated with the Beat movement.

Dimen...

Verifax (Kodak) collage by Wallace Berman. Series of four hands on paper mounted on wooden panel with wooden frame.
Dedication on reverse "For Marie 12.25.70" and signed "Wallace B".

Wallace Berman (American 1926-1976) was born in Staten Island, NY. He moved to Los Angeles and then to San Francisco where he started his magazine "Semina" which he filled with his poetry, photographs, writing and drawing. He was influenced by Jazz and Rock n Roll, becoming associated with the ...

This is a rare and exquisite antique Japanese Baku corbel carving from the Edo period (early 19th century). The Baku is a mythical spiritual creature that resides in the Buddhist realm and is known for devouring evil spirits and nightmares. This architectural sculpture is carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood and has stood the test of time. It is a large example of an antique Japanese Baku corbel used in a temple or shrine. This piece is a beautiful representation of Japanese and ...

This pair of antique Chinese scholar book cabinets is a rare find. They are made of beautiful Jichimu wood and they are adorned with original bronze hardware, which adds to their charm and authenticity.

The cabinets are in excellent condition and have been well-preserved over the years. They are perfect for storing books, documents, or other precious items. Interior bottom floor doubles as a cover for a secret storage area below. The cabinets are a testament to the rich cultural heritag...

Signed, titled, and dated. Neatly gold framed late work of California Native, John Saccaro (1913-1981) attract oil painting. Signed Saccaro/1980. BayArea native John Saccaro was a major contributor to the San Francisco school of Abstract Expressionism. After studying at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco in 1954, he began a teaching career at UCLA where he further developed his signature style. Saccaro’s utilization of slashing, angular brush work and high contrast color p...

This exquisite piece of art is a one-of-a-kind architectural fragment that is sure to captivate anyone who lays their eyes on it. The Bodhisattva is carved from limestone and stands tall with a heavenly crown atop its head. The intricate details of the gold gilt and mandala with a swirling flame background and halo are truly breathtaking. The flying dragon protecting the deity adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the piece.

The Bodhisattva is depicted standing on a floating cloud, ...

Incredible large glazed stoneware glazed ceramic biomorphic sculpture by R. Arenson (1930 - 1992) with blue, brown, and cream glazeing.

born Benicia, CA 1930-died Benicia, CA 1992
Signed Arneson

Dimensions: 34" x 14" x 12"

As a child, Robert Arneson aspired to become a sports cartoonist, and when he was seventeen, contributed a weekly cartoon to the local newspaper. Arneson studied to become an art teacher and worked in watercolor until he discovered t...

Framed Etching on paper with figures and whelms coming colliding. Black and white flowing imagery with shadowing and white space
Edition 8/23 Signed

Dimensions: 46 1/2" x 58"

Over the span of five decades, Oliver Lee Jackson has developed a singular body of work, creating complex and layered paintings in which figural forms meld with abstract fields of vivid color. While tightly composed, Jackson’s paintings feel improvisational in approach, as gestural mar...

Bronze figure of a nude male with mask and wings.  Signed by Jorge Marín Antifaz (mask), outstretched arms and wings bound between two rings. Sitting atop a pyramid shaped base.

Dimensions: 19" Wide x 17" Deep x 27 1/2" High

Jorge Marín (born September 22, 1963) is a Mexican sculptor and painter. He has been an active figure in the contemporary art world for the last 25 years. He began to sculpt ceramic in the early 1980s. Bronze has been his preferred material for t...

An original pair of rare Edo period heavenly Tennyu temple beings. Each has a gold gilt finish with condition consistent with age. Both are complete and ready to be installed.
Left tennyo is depicted with drum suspended from her waist and holding a pair of sticks. The righ is holding a bell and holds Shuni mudra with right hand, symbolizing patience and discipline.
These Tennyo (天女 "Heavely 天使 Woman/Women"), are a divine kind of spiritual beings found in through Japanese...

Large horizontal Ink on paper depicting a family of Cormorans on edge of waters edge perched upon a rock. Three swallows are seen in flying through. River reed is seen throughout the water with blooming pink reddish blooming blossoms.
Signed / Sealed Pan Tianshou Born 1897. Died 1971.

Dimensions: 14' long x 65" high

Chinese artist Pan Tianshou took charge of preserving and reestablishing traditional Chinese painting and arts education in the 20th century. He...

Contemporary organic suspended woven wire sculpture.
Period:2000-2021

Dimensions: 82" high x 18" wide

For more than ten years, Ulrikk Dufossé has been experimenting abstract sculptures in galvanized wire, mainly exhibited suspended like mobiles. In the tradition of the Japanese-American artist Ruth Asawa who taught her technique for many years, Ulrikk first worked on drawing, a personal writing inspired by the female body, before devoting himself to the realization of...

A Philip & Kelvin Laverne Etruscan round dining or center table in patinated bronze and pewter.

Philip Laverne (1908-1988) and his son Kelvin (b. 1936) sought to create pieces that were both functional furniture and expressions of fine art. This table is one fine example of their creative achievement.

Age: Mid Century Modern 1960's

Dimensions: 47" Diameter by 26 1/2".

Antique Japanese suiseki on base. Suiseki (sui=water, seki=stone). This natural stone formation resembles a mountain and has pleasing fine quartz striations. It sits on a low wooden base.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: 11 1/8" high x 17" long x 7 1/2" wide

Antique Japanese bronze koro (censer) in the form of the trickster, Tanuki. In this depiction, Tanuki takes the form of a monk with a wide hat on. Fine details of his fur and vines of grape leaves wraps around him (fittingly as Tanuki is fond of wine). The leaves on the vine and on his hat are made of cloisonné in various fall colors. There is a raised cartouche on the bottom. The hat can be removed to put incense inside the Tanuki container. When the hat is replaced and the incense lit, ...

Pair of office lounge chairs from Liceu de Artes e Oficios (School of Arts and Crafts) Sao Paulo, Brazil. The school which opened in 1873, has produced many famous artisans, designers and architects as well as well known large monuments and buildings.
These chairs are made of Brazilian rosewood and black leather.

Age: 1960's

Dimensions: 30" high x 26" wide x 33" deep. (seat: 20 1/2" wide x 21" deep)

Los Primos (The Cousins) by Mexican artist Rafael Coronel (1932-2019). Painting in oil on paper. Deep purple and blue tones.
Rafael Coronel is one of the leading artist of the New Expressionism movement in Mexican Art. He studied in Mexico City and in Europe. His wife, Ruth was the daughter of Diego Rivera and Lupe Marin. Coronel has exhibited throughout Mexico as well as internationally, receiving awards in Japan, Brazil and Mexico. The Rafael Coronel Museum in the province of Zacatec...

El Veterano (The Veteran) by Mexican artist Rafael Coronel (1932-2019). Painting in oil on paper.
Rafael Coronel is one of the leading artist of the New Expressionism movement in Mexican Art. He studied in Mexico City and in Europe. His wife, Ruth was the daughter of Diego Rivera and Lupe Marin. Coronel has exhibited throughout Mexico as well as internationally, receiving awards in Japan, Brazil and Mexico. The Rafael Coronel Museum in the province of Zacatecas, Mexico houses his works...

Antique pair of small Chinese porcelain vases. Intricate and colorful enamel painting of children with peaches. Calligraphy on the back. Bottom with Yongzheng mark.

Age: early 20th century

Dimensions: 4 3/4" high x 2 1/8" wide

Antique Chinese small porcelain water coupe. Painted with intricate and colorful scenes of a mountain landscape. Figures look out the windows of waterside huts while men fish from boats. Pines and blossoming trees grow on blue-geen mountains and rocks. There is calligraphy near the mouth of the coupe and a studio mark on the bottom.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 2 3/4" high x 3 3/8" wide

Antique Chinese porcelain brush pot. Grisaille over-painting with a landscape scene of huts in a rocky landscape. Trees and lakes with tiny details. Qinglong mark on bottom.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 3 5/8" high x 3 1/8" wide

A pair of meditation chairs made of Huonghuali wood. Seat back has a center key fret design with carved borders that match the arm rests on both front and back. The surrounding skirt has a pair of dragons protecting a Shishi Dog repeating on all sides.

Age: Early 20th Century

Dimensions of each chair: 30" Wide by 38 1/4" High by 23" Deep

Exceptional Pair of Monumental 17th C. Japanese Bronze Temple Lanterns A pair of exceptional and extremely rare bronze antique 17th century Japanese lanterns from a prominent Tokugawa temple courtyard. Each lantern is made of 10 individual cast bronze sections. Heavenly creatures and symbology are abundant and include: fu-dogs, apsaras (Heavenly People & Celestial Beings), scholars objects and swirling clouds seen throughout.
Apsaras a symbol of beauty, good fortune, fertility, heaven....

Pair of antique Japanese Inari foxes hand carved out of granite. Each has traces of the original mineral pigment. Also called zenko, these good spirit kitsune (foxes) are specifically associated with the goddess, Inari.
Believed to be both messengers and guardians, kitsune served Inari in her role as goddess of agriculture, specifically rice. Part of the folklore surrounding the fox is it’s ability to shape shift into human form. It is believed that Inari Okami herself sometimes took ...

A Chinese scroll painting of a dramatic scholar's rock surrounded by mist by the artist Li Yong (b. 1966). Painted in ink on paper. Large painting with signature and two seals. Age: Dated 2014

Dimensions: Size of scroll: 72" high x 39" wide (42 1/2" including rollers). Size of art: 37 1/2" high x 37 1/2" wide

A set of 6 mid century modern (MCM) double cane back dining chairs with overstuffed seats. Made by Rachid Ismael Assan through his company Fabrica de Moveis Brasil, a large school that started a modern furniture movement in Brazil and lasted for 54 years until 1981. The beautiful carved side supports for the seats combined with the perfectly arched backs to these very comfortable chairs will elevate any dining experience.

Age: Mid Century

Dimensions each: 17" Wide by 37 1/2" H...

A vintage Chinese coffer altar cabinet in the Ming style made entirely of Huanghuali wood including the back and the interior shelves. All original brass square plate and loop handles with a pair of double hinged doors and 3 side by side drawers above. With classic spandrels and apron for the feet. The maker spared no expense using the finest quality materials and joinery craftsmanship in producing this piece.

Age: 1970-1980

Dimensions: 82" Wide by 35 1/2" High by 20 1/4" Deep

Antique French Art Deco pedestal desk. Made of hardwood with dramatically striated grain. The desk top has a large, white rectangular writing surface and two drawers. Each pedestal side has four drawers. Beautifully made for drama and comfort. Provadence Lee Caplan Estate- famous movie producer and director.

Age: Art Deco Era (c. 1920's-1930's)

Dimensions: 29 3/4" high x 54 1/2" long x 27" deep

Korean antique screen painting in four panels. Painted with scenes of various types of birds and plants. The birds include parrots, doves and sparrows. And the plants include citron, peony, peach and cherry. Rock formations sprout lingzhi mushrooms. Painted in mineral colors on paper.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 36 3/4" high x 59" wide

An antique Japanese Tansu chest in 2 sections from the Mikuni region of Japan. Functioned as a merchant chest (Choba Tansu) for store record keeping and inventory storage. Constructed of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware with Hikute style handles.

Upper section has 2 sliding drawers with a split level removable shelf and three drawers. Bottom section has four large drawers. Side slates provide structural strength and visual design.

A Chinese painting of a dramatic lingbi scholar's rock surrounded in mist by the artist Li Yong (b. 1966). Painted in ink on paper. Large painting in round format. Signed.

Dimensions: Size of paper: 53 3/4" high x 54" wide. Size of art: 43 1/4" diameter

Antique Korean porcelain moon vase (dalhangari). Round form with wide mouth and narrow foot. White glaze with drips.
Korean white porcelain was prized by members of the royal court during the Joseon Period. Special kilns were established by the court to exclusively produced these beautiful white porcelain vessels.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 14" high x 15 1/2" wide

A rare pair of original Japanese six panel screens depicting the four seasons of Ginza. The panels are painted in the traditional Kano school. Using exceptional technique, the images are hand painted with natural rimpa paint and ink and gold leaf ground on gofun paper. The six panels depict the seasonal landscape of a Ginza garden. Excellent overall condition.

Date: Edo Period (Early 19th Century)

Dimensions:41 1/2” high X 110 1/2” wide (Each screen)

A truly stunning Japanese six panel screen hand painted with raised rimpa paint on gold ground leaf gofun paper. The subject matter is a view of a natural overgrowth of hollyhock, sweat peas, and morning glories cascading and creeping over the bamboo fence.

The Hollyhock flower in Japan represents is fertility and fruitfulness. During the end of its life cycle when the leaves and stem begins to droop, the hollyhock produces a round disk that encompasses many different seeds so th...

An unusual Japanese six panel screen of Ducks, Egrets, and Pheasants. Painted with rimpa paint on an unique mix of gold and silver leaf gofun paper, which gives the screen an incredible look and balance of cold and warm tones, depending on lighting. The painting composition shows influences of natural history and the importance of empty space.

Date: Meiji Period (early 19th Century)

Dimensions: 67” high X 147 1/2” wide

Japanese antique Funa Tansu (merchant's safe), all made of very heavy quarter sawn Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. The door opens to 3 interior drawers also with Keyaki wood fronts (interior of each drawer made with Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood, wooden bracing on the bottom, heavy iron hardware including double locks on the outer doors and each of the three interior drawers has a large lock as well, two handles on top of safe, 2 iron reinforced holes at the bottom of each side to allow the safe to be...

A rare Jain Indian sandstone Stele with carved image of the 11 Jain disciples from the Gujarat or Rajasthan regions. Seated figures of Jain teachers are always sculpted with hands folded in meditation. Thie central Mahavira Swami has an auspicious diamond-shaped mark on his chest. The Swami is seated on a lotus with a halo above his head. Underneath the Swami are two mythological lions. Provenance: Purchased from Spink Brothers, London by Handley Estate.

Date: 11th-12th C

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An antique Japanese 4-panel screen painting. Each of the flowers shown has a meaning known as the Language of Flowers, depicting Love, Loyalty and Family. Painted with mineral pigments and raised gofun on gold leafed paper.

Date: Taisho Period

Dimensions: 67 1/2” high X 96” wide

Exceptional thinly carved pair of Nephrite jade of opaque and translucent chromophore composed of a dark green and mottled matrix indicative of spinach jade. The Gu shaped vase is a rectangular form (viewed from the top) with its splaying profile delineated on all terminating four corners with a flaring trumpet neck and mouth opening. The central polygon body contours down to a flared base fitted on a carved wooden stand.

Provenance: Estate of Reynold Tom of Oakland, California.

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A Japanese gold lacquer Inro with five compartments. A relief of a pair of silver horses dominates the landscape scene of a seaside village with drying racks of fish and pines and clouds in the background. The horses are galloping over a creek with foliage. The reverse side shows a lone horse under a fruit tree and thatched cottage. The inside compartments are covered with dense nashiji lacquer (fine gold flecks). The cord has an agate ojime. Inro (seal basket) are small decorative containers ...

Antique Chinese pair of porcelain cups finely painted with detailed scenes of rural landscapes. A fishing village and people near the water's edge with birds flying overhead. All delicately painted with great detail. 6-character Yongzheng (1723-1735) mark on the bottom. Provenance: Prominent Marin County Collection

Dimensions: 1 1/2" high x 3" wide