Catalog (6143)

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...

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...

A dramatic cross section of agatized fossil coral, Florida. The after-coral pseudomorph was created when sediment covered a coral reef. Over time the calcium carbonate skeleton of the coral was replaced by chalcedony, creating the bubbly appearing crystal growth (botryoidal formation). The orange hues on the edges are carnelian agate.

Age: Miocene (25-32 million years)

Dimensions: 9 3/4" long x 5 1/2" wide x 2 3/4" deep

Antique Chinese large porcelain umbrella stand. Tall and with six sides. Glazed white with blue designs of various flowers.

Age: Early 20th century

Dimensions: 20 1/2" high x 13 1/2" wide

Antique Chinese Peking glass vase. Baluster form with a low, rounded foot. Made of layers of rich yellow color glass.

Age: Early 20th century

Dimensions: 9 1/2" high x 5 3/4" wide

Antique Chinese Peking glass vase. Oval form made of white glass with red glass overlay carved with a pair of dragons. The dragons fly over waves of water in a sky with wisps of flame and cloud.
Among Chinese symbols, the dragon represents the most powerful symbol of good fortune, the symbol of cosmic Chi (energy).

Age: early 20th century

Dimensions: 9" high x 5 1/2" wide

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

Antique Japanese jingasa (samurai war hat). Carved of wood and lacquered black with many raised plates and upturned rim. This shape of bajo-jingasa was developed to be worn by warriors on horseback. The underside is lacquered black and his metal eyelets intended for cord. Age Edo Age - 19th century

Dimensions: 6 1/2" high x 16 1/4" long x 12 3/8" wide

Antique Japanese ikebana basket (for flower arrangement). Light color bamboo with oblong form. A round mouth and sides that flatten slightly as they taper down to the bottom where they are bound together with a strip of wood. The upper portion of the basket has a band of tightly woven split bamboo and the lower portion has a bolder weave. A thin belt of dark bamboo divides the upper and lower patterns. Attaches to the wall with a thin rope in the back of the basket. Intended for dry flowers ...

Antique Japanese uma-jirushi, flag standard for battle. This uma-jirushi is in the shape of a large war sensu (folding war fan). Made of gold and black lacquered paper and lacquered wood. The front and back with round circle motif in alternating gold on black on one side and black on gold on the other. Mounted on a metal stand.

Age: Edo Period (18th century)

Dimensions: 51" high x 25" wide

This antique Japanese large flying dragon shrine corbel is a stunning piece of art that is sure to impress. The sculpture is made from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood depicting a dragon that appears to abruptly change course in mid-air. The body has dramatic features that visually flow with this sculpture, making it a true masterpiece. The custom iron stand cradles the carving giving the appearance of floating in the air, adding to its allure.

Being a rare find, it would make a...

This Antique Japanese Buddhist large temple bell set is a rare and exquisite piece of art that will add a touch of serenity to your home. The set comes complete with a stand, cushion, and striker, all made of Hinoki wood and finished in a beautiful red Urushi lacquer that has acquired a warm patina over its life. The stand features gold gilt accents that add to its elegance. The Tokugawa seal is repeated 35 times over the bell and stand, adding to its historical significance.

When struc...

An antique Japanese small Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware with hardened wooden nail construction. Two sliding doors open to a spacious storage area where the merchant stored the books and records. Three drawers of varying sizes for additional storage.

Age: Meiji Period: 1880-1890)

Dimensions: 26 1/4" Wide by 23" High by 15" Deep

An antique Japanese 1 section Nihon Matsu Tansu made of lacquered Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Gumbai style handles and the Peony with Leaves lock plate. 2 large drawers provides abundant linen or textile storage. Originally used in Japan to store silk kimonos.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 42 1/2" Wide by 22" High by 17 5/8" Deep

Antique Indian Kangra School miniature painting of Annapoorani Amman. A scene where Annapurna (the goddess of Nourishment and a manifestation of Parvati) seated on a throne, gives food to her consort, Shiva. The story goes that Shiva challenged the need for all materialistic things including food. Parvati, in order to prove to Shiva that food was essential (especially to his followers) disappeared, creating a state of famine. Humans and gods suffered. Shiva went in search of Parvati and f...

Antique Chinese Peking glass bowl in a brilliant yellow color. Foliate form with six sides. Each lobed section is carved with a different type of flower ranging from lotus to narcissus.

Dimensions: 3" high x 7 1/4" wide

Antique Japanese gosho ningyo doll. Called a "palace doll" as these were once given as gifts from the Emperor and Empress to young princes and princesses. These young baby dolls represent a hope for happiness and prosperity. Made of ceramic and painted with gofun (a paste made from fine itabo oyster shell powder). The gofun was applied in many layers before carving, shaping, polishing and finally painting the details on. This doll is painted with royal gold and purple robes. It's face and h...

Antique Japanese scroll painting of two tigers. One looks back as it climbs up a rocky hill while the other looks out from it's shelter under an outcropping. Beautifully painted with details of every stripe and whisker. Ink and colors on silk. Signed by the artist.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: Size of scroll: 78 1/2" high x 21 5/8" wide (24" wide including rollers). Painting: 44 3/4" high x 16 1/4" wide

Japanese antique 15 ken (plates) jingasa hat for a ashigaru foot soldier. Made of iron with large rivets and edged with oxidized silver. Comes with a custom metal stand. The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 23" high (including stand) x 15 1/4" wide

Antique Japanese root wood hibachi. Natural form with lovely burl and curling rim. The bottom has Japanese sumi ink writing, most likely a dedication.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 5 1/4" high x 10 3/4" long x 8" wide

An antique Indian miniature panting of a noble man and woman in a courtyard. Two beauties wait on them. The woman is seated on a cushion on the porch of a pavilion. On the other side of the courtyard wall, birds fly over a lush garden. Other buildings can be seen on a hillside in the distance. In the foreground, a camel rests by a flowing fountain. The edges of the paper are decorated with sprays of various flowers.
Wealthy residences had a protected area where all the women of the ho...

An antique Japanese Ikebana bamboo basket in a long gourd inspired wall pocket design. Vertical ribbed herringbone weave that ends in a star crossed base. Side opening has a metal receptacle where water was kept and flowers were displayed. Upper opening allowed for long stem flowers to be showcased.

Age: Meiji Era (1880-1900)

Dimensions: 24 1/2" Long by 6" Diameter.

An antique Indian miniature panting of a noble man with his harem. Five beauties vie for his attention. Two musicians play music in the foreground. In the background is the architecture of elaborate archways and doors which lead to the inner courtyard. The edges of the paper are decorated with sprays of flowers.
Wealthy residences had a protected area where all the women of the house lived. This scene takes place just inside the antahpur (inner courtyard) of such an area. Richly painted ...

Antique Japanese carved wooden panel depicting a pair of pheasants. The male is seated on a blossoming cherry branch while the female looks up at him from near a spray of bamboo. Beautifully carved and painted with intricate details. The frame is lacquered.

Age: Edo Period (early 1800's)

Dimensions: 22" high x 16" wide x 1" deep

Antique Japanese ikebana basket. Wild and natural appearance with gnarled wisteria branches making up the frame of the basket including a tall arching handle. The small, neatly woven body of the basket is made of split bamboo and is nestled between the knotted wisteria branches.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 14" high x 15" long x 9" wide

Antique Chinese small zitan wood stand. Rectangular shape with low feet and apron carved with a scrolling cloud motif. Nice grain and patina.

Dimensions: 4" high x 13" long x 7" deep

An antique Japanese Ko Tansu made of Kuwa (Mulberry) and Kuri (Chestnut) woods. All original bronze Warabite drawer pulls and fittings on the doors. 6 drawers of varying sizes with sliding upper doors and lift out side door. Gilded door panels.

Age: Meiji Period (1890-1910)

Dimensions: 22 1/2" Wide by 23 3/4" High by 10 1/4" Deep

An antique Japanese 2 section Cha Tansu (tea display chest) made of Kaki (Persimmon), Tochi (Horse Chestnut) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. Upper section features sliding doors, shelves and a drawer where utensils and accessories for tea service were stored away. The glass doors and shelves were used to showcase seasonal and holiday decorations the owner wished to display.

The lower section features 5 drawers and 2 hinged doors for additional storage. Fine details include the bookmatched d...

Antique Chinese carved bamboo bitong (brushpot). Carved with scenes of mountain landscapes and bamboo groves with figures engaged in various rural activities. The rim is carved with a scrolling key motif.

Dimensions: 6 5/8" high x 5" wide x 4" wide

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)

Miniature Korean antique bandaji (trunk) for storing small personal items. Made of elm wood with beautiful hardware. The upper portion has door that opens from the front to reveal two small interior drawers. The bottom portion has two small doors which open to a single compartment. The chest stands on curved feet. Comes with a traditional Korean fish lock and key.

Age: early 20th century

Dimensions: 13 1/2" high x 13 1/2" wide x 7 1/2" deep

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 (...

Antique Japanese fireman's hood. Made of layers of indigo cotton sashiko and decorated on the inside with a scene of a tiger and lightening storm.
Fires were common in Japanese urban areas due to the dense population as well as construction material (primarily wood and paper). Fire brigades were made up of samurai class (buke hikeshi) as well as common class (machi hikeshi). Their primary goal in containing a fire was to tear down the surrounding buildings so the fire had no more fuel. S...

Antique Chinese blue and white Peking glass vase. Made with carved blue glass overlay of blossoming lotus and butterflies on a white glass ground. Carved cartouche on the bottom.

Age: Early 20th century

Dimensions: 10" high x 4 1/4" wide

Antique Japanese carved wooden figure of a fu-dog (fu-lion) guardian. Traces of paint and gold guilt remain. The underside has writing in ink and a translation which reads: "This pair of Foo-lions was donated to the gate of Myoken Nichiren Shrine in Noma village of the province of Sesshu (near Osaka) on the date of 9th May, 7th year of Genroku ra. (1694 AD) by Gendo Ujihiro Inoue for his memory of accomplishment of repeating "Nichiren" prayer 300 times."

Dimensions: 10" high x 9" ...

A beautiful Japanese studio pottery vase in a mossy green hue with stylized Chrysanthemums scattered about in artistic form. Studio stamped seal at the base.

Age: Mid Century

Dimensions: 12 1/2" High by 15 1/4" Diameter.

Antique Japanese pair of Kutani ware porcelain fu-dogs. Each figure is glazed brown with green curling mane and tail. They stand on a yellow and brown glazed rectangular platforms. One has an open mouth while the other has a small horn. Fu-dogs or Foo-lions are fierce protectors but are also playful and energetic.

Age: Early 20th century

Dimensions: 6 1/2" high x 4" long x 2 3/4" wide each

Antique Chinese pottery figure of a frog. Glazed a rich green color with nice drips and crackle. Sitting on a rectangular slab with face turned upward. Frogs have long been symbols of good fortune and prosperity.

Age: Republic Period (1912-1949)

Dimensions: 4 1/2" high x 4 1/2" long x 3" 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...

Antique Chinese porcelain vase. Baluster form with flared neck. Pink glaze with gold painted rim and foot. Nice hand painted gold and red 4 character mark on the bottom.

Age: Republic Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 7 3/8" high x 5" wide

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

Antique Chinese Jun Ware (Chun Yao) chawan (tea bowl) with grey-blue glaze. Outside with drips of dark and light blue glaze mingling to create greens and browns. Evaluation done in the 1930's by TZ Shiota when the family was inheriting the collection from their great grandfather, Federic Torrey. The collection was stored in a trunk since his death in 1935.

Age: Yuan Dynasty 13th century

Dimensions: 2 1/4" high x 5 7/8" wide

Provenance: From the personal collection...

Antique Japanese Raku ware chawan (tea bowl) with crackle glaze, repaired with red lacquer. Red glaze with light green splash. Kyoto. Evaluation done in the 1930's by TZ Shiota when the family was inheriting the collection from their great grandfather, Federic Torrey. The collection was stored in a trunk since his death in 1935.

Age: 18th century

Dimensions: 3" high x 5" wide

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frederic Cheever Torrey (1864-1935), partner...

Antique Japanese Raku ware chawan (tea bowl) with crackle glaze and finely applied kintsugi. Red glaze with dark greenish-black spots. Seal impression on the bottom. Kyoto. Evaluation done in the 1930's by TZ Shiota when the family was inheriting the collection from their great grandfather, Federic Torrey. The collection was stored in a trunk since his death in 1935.

Age: 17th century

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

Provenance: From the personal collection ...

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 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

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware with replaced drawer pulls. Two hinged doors open to a storage space for books and documents with removable shelves and small drawers below. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Late Meiji Era (1890-1910)

Dimensions: 24 3/4" Wide by 18 3/4" High by 12 1/2" Deep

An antique Chinese Coromandel screen in 3 parts made of hardwood with lacquer and hardstones. Depicts a pair of nursemaids watching over the Imperial children at play.

Made for export for the European market possibly for use as a fireplace screen.

Age: Early Republic Period (1910-1920)

Dimensions: Overall 38 3/4" Wide by 34 3/4" High

An antique Hindu/Buddhist temple bell cast of bronze. Exquisite detailing with 4 surrounding dieties and a 4 prong Vajra finial. Striking nodes on four sides with a beautiful clear resonating sound when struck.

Age: 1920's-1930

Dimensions: 36" High by 18" Diameter

An antique Japanese Buddhist family altar called Butsudan in 2 sections. All lacquer finish with gilt lacquer interior. Exterior doors open to inner sanctum doors. Upper transom was hand carved with religious figures meditating in a wooded forest. The altar features a centerpiece dragon with 3 flying Phoenix birds above each compartment. Hanging ornaments on each side. With front slide out tray, sliding doors hiding a storage compartment and 2 drawers where Buddhist accoutrements were kept...

Antique Chinese cabinet made of jumu (elm) wood with natural finish. The two doors open to a large compartment with a shelf. The interior has traces of original deep red lacquer finish. Nice patina and beautiful wood grain over all.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 44 1/2" high x 38" wide x 18" deep

Antique Japanese Butsudan, Buddhist shrine for a home. This butsudan is in two sections. The top section has four folding doors that open to a shrine interior: An multilevel altar with carved details, gold leafed silk and columns. There is a small storage compartment closed by carved sliding panels. The bottom section has two storage drawers. The doors of the butsudan are carved with a round pierced filigree design of chrysanthemums.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimens...

Antique Japanese tansu with original deep-red lacquer finish. The top portion of the chest has three full-width drawers and locking bar. The lower portion of the chest has two medium sized drawers with a locking bar on the left hand side, a safe box on the right. The safe box door has heavy iron work and opens to reveal 3 small interior drawers. Other iron hardware includes warabite drawer pulls, extensive corner bracing and handles for carrying. The sides and back of the tansu are reinforc...

Antique Japanese finely woven ikebana basket with tall handle. Tightly woven with very thin strips of split bamboo and intricate knot work. Formal, even shape. Signed by the artist.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 19 3/4" high x 10" wide x 9" deep

Antique Japanese ikebana (flower arranging) basket made of split bamboo. Bold pattern with root wood handle wrapped in strips of bamboo. Subtle variegated coloring and patina.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 17" high x 11" wide

Antique Japanese extra large bronze vase. Dramatic baluster form with foliate rim, fluted neck and chimera handles. Archaic motifs around the neck and shoulders. The body of the vase is decorated with highly raised scenes of birds including songbirds and a peacock. The flared foot of the vase has a dragon and crashing waves.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 32 3/4" high x 13" wide

Antique Japanese bronze Buddhist temple lantern. The finial is a flaming jewel and the corners of the roof are hung with bells. A dragon is coiled around the lower portion of the lantern stand. Many areas are decorated with colorful cloisonné clouds, flowers and cranes. Electrified.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 25 1/2" high x 13" wide

Antique Japanese bronze vase with Chinese archaic motifs. The shape is a traditional ancient Chinese form with flared rim and incised scrolling archaic designs. Fudog handles. Dark patina with areas of deep red. On a carved wooden stand.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 13 1/8" high x 9 1/2" wide

Antique Japanese bronze vase with raised design of irises. Round body and long neck with flared mouth. Dark patina.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 12 7/8" high x 4 1/2" wide

Antique Japanese copper censer with handles. The pierced copper lid has a repousse design of a dragon in swirling storm clouds with lightening. The body of the censer is hammered copper and has two warabite shaped handles on either side.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 7" high x 11" wide (including handles)