Catalog: Antiques (5189)

A charming Japanese chawan or tea ceremony bowl, with satsuma yaki ware crackle underglaze painted in polychrome enamels with gold gilt touches, delicate imagery of flowers and gentle breezes with a single butterfly.

19th century Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 5 1/8" w x 2 1/4" h

Antique Tibetan Buddhist ritualistic bone flute, or kangling. The kangling produces a wailing sound, meant to create a mystical atmosphere during tantric rituals. It is played as a gesture of fearlessness and as a way of cutting off the ego. With silver mounts intricately decorated with floral motifs and dragons, inlaid with turquoise. Provenance Ashby Collection.

Dates from 19th century Dimensions: 8 1/2" l x 2 1/2" w

Japanese gusoku bitsu (carrying box for samurai armor). Made of kiri (paulownia) wood and lacquered red and black. Iron hardware and side handles for carrying. Top lifts off. Decorated with the mon (family crest) of the Asano Clan.

Dimensions: 15 1/2" w x 21" h

A large, heavy Japanese bronze temple bell or bonsho, with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu, protrusions called chi chi or nyu to improve resonance of sound, the tsuki-za striking panels, and the mei-bun inscription of the bell's history...

Nepalese stone carving of a four armed Lord Vishnu, standing atop a lotus pedestal, holding in his hands a conch shell, a discus, a lotus blossom, and a mace. From Newar, Kathmandu Valley.

Malla period 16th century

Dimensions: 3 1/4" w x 1 1/2" h x 5 1/4" h

Rare Antique bronze figure of a nude Harpocrates in walking pose, his pointer finger of his right hand resting up against his chin, with red and green patina and textured wear. The figure stands on custom base. Provenance is the Handley Estate.

Est. Circa: 1000BC

Dimensions: 2" w x 2 3/4" d x 7 1/4" h (figure only) 2 1/2" w x 3 1/2" d x 8 3/4" h (with base)

Egyptian bronze pair of cat figures with overall wear and green patina. Pierced holds through the mouths, heads, necks, and bases suggest they may have once been finials or other component to a large piece. On custom base. Possibly 12th century

Dimensions: 1" w x 1 1/2" d x 3 3/4" h (each cat), 5 1/4" w x 3 1/4" d x 4 3/4" h (entire stand)

Antique Indonesian fine wood carved kris handle. The red/brown hardwood carved as a long-haired seated mythical figure with hands on their knees, with scrolling Cirebon (Cloud) motifs throughout. This imagery is tied to tantric Bhairavist cults. Coiled around the neck looks to be a Naga or serpent. The base of the carving is covered by the metal hilt and stands on an iron base.

The kris or keris is an asymmetrical dagger most strongly associated with the culture of Indonesia...

Antique Indonesian fine wood carved kris handle. The red/brown hardwood carved in an abstract figure with a bird's beak, a mystical being, with scrolling Cirebon (Cloud) motifs throughout. This imagery is tied to tantric Bhairavist cults. The base of the carving is covered by the metal hilt and stands on an iron base.

The kris or keris is an asymmetrical dagger most strongly associated with the culture of Indonesia...

Japanese bronze usubata, used for ikebana flower arrangements. With tripod cabriole legs. The interior of the usubata shows verdigris patina from age. The casting is very heavy and shows simple elegance.

Dimensions: 9" w x 4 1/2" h

Japanese two section mizuya (kitchen tansu for storage). Constructed of Hinoki (cypress) wood frame with Sugi (cedar) wood, original dark finish. The top section holds a compartment behind pair of sliding panels with Keyaki (zelkova) wood details, open work carving and wire for ventilation. Next to this is a larger compartment with sliding panels with vertical iron studded slats and Keyaki hardwood insert...

Rare Japanese four drawer gyosho bako, or peddler's chest, constructed of Sugi (cedar) wood, with iron hardware and mounts, iron rings on the sides for carrying. The chest is trapezoidal in shape and tapers towards the top of the chest. Original finish and condition. With key included. Exhibited at the Palo Alto Cultural center

19th century Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 26" w x 12 1/2" d x 26 1/4" h

Unusual Japanese single section isho tansu from the Sendai region, made of solid Keyaki (zelkova) hardwood with burl front panels. The iron hardware and mounts have floral motifs throughout. The corner plates have scalloped edges, the drawer pulls are mokko (melon) shaped with chrysanthemums mounts, the round lock plates are incised with Kiri leaf mon and two are outlined with scrolling vine motifs. The safe door opens to reveal three inner drawers for small valuables...

Antique Korean low table, of a rounded form with raised, scalloped flower petal edges. The apron below is openwork carved with scrolling vine motifs and double happiness symbols. The table's top is highly decorative with fine inlay work of brass, shell, and shagreen, creating a depiction of a phoenix and a serpentine dragon. The edges of the table top are decorated with various scholar's objects, such as a gourd bottle, an endless knot, and a gunbai fan...

Antique Chinese framed hand-woven Kesi panel, made from silk with gold thread, depicting a scene of court women, attending to the central figure by offering her tea, a lotus, and other accoutrements. The surrounding area has large scholar rocks and plants with ruyi motifs, a platform with a picture of waves hung against the wall. The front and backside may be viewed through the framing, which has edges carved like bamboo with gold finish...

Antique Japanese 2-section isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing) from Yonezawa Area. Drawer fronts are made of kiri (paulownia) wood, frame is made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood. 4 large drawers and 2 small drawers. Iron hardware includes round lockplates with butterfly mon (family crests) of the Taira Clan.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 41 1/2" high x 35 1/2" wide x 15 3/4" deep.

A Japanese copper writing box used for paper and writing supplies. The lid is engraved with grape leaves and grape clusters. The border is nail studded. The interior is beige velvet.

Date: Taisho c1920

Dimensions: 11" X 9.25" X 2.75"

Antique Japanese rare plique-a-jour cloisonne vase. This is a very early plique and in perfect condition. Intricate enamel design of a blossoming tree and a blue bird flying through a light blue sky with little clouds. The design is made with fine silver wire and enamel. Plique-a-jour is made when the inside metal armature has been etched away until the enamel is held in place by the wires only. The effect is a beautiful jewel-like translucency...