Catalog: Antiques (376)

Old embroidered jacket panel from the Miao/Dong ethnic group Southwest China, with abstract phoenix and floral pattern. See image for condition and size, floral scroll. Free Shipping

6187 250.00 Very rare old Cambodian woven bamboo lacquered scroll box with a partial mother of pearl inlay design, circa early 20th CE. This is an unusually large piece in good original condition, some surface loss to the lacquer but no breakage on the woven walls. The body is still pliable, the lid is a bit scuffed- to be expected from an old item. H: 42cm/16.5in and D: 13cm/5.1.

Unusual Miao embroidered central panel, of a wedding apron costume. There is a coiled dragon in the center with two phoenixes above- surrounded with longevity characters, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures. It has a tattered calendered silk black border silk weft embroidered all the threads are handspun. The orange dye has bled into the white field some, so please see enlargements. H: 61.5cm/24.2in x D: 33cm/13in. Circa early-mid 20th century

Lovely old Burmese lacquer box with a finely woven lattice work, insert lid (I assume to keep the flies off your “tiffin”) or used to sieve. Circa 60-90 years old, it is very thin and lightweight and the body is constructed of bamboo., I acquired this in a Pagan, lacquer shop about 20 years ago. Excellent original condition with minor lacquer loss at the bottom’s edge as to be expected from a genuinely old piece. D: 30.5cm/12in and H: 16cm/6.2in.

Unusual collection of 6 old “prayer cloths” from a Taoist Master’s ceremonial robe (see last enlargement). For generic purpose’s these should be considered to be from the Mien group as they came from Vietnam and are circa 50 to 60 years old- woven from handspun cotton. They all have the same basic pattern indicating they are probably from the same priest’s outfit. These used to be quite easy to get about 20 years ago but now almost impossible to find...

Two lidded jars with Qingbai and Jizhou glazes and terra cotta playing pieces. Not Song Dynasty but all hand made. The brown jar Jizhou jar has some discoloration. This white “stones” are 180 and there are 176 of the darker ones. D: 12cm/4.8in and H: 8cm/3.1in.

Maginficent, antique basket from the Naxi/Nakhi ethnic group in Yunnan province. I purchased this in 2001 at local market in Lijiang (now a UNESCO heritage site). Constructed of bamboo with much of lacquer intact, this piece is circa 50 to 80 years old, most interesting is an auspicious coin symbol woven into the top. This kind of thing always reminds of the labor intensiveness that is put in to decorating such a humble object...

Nice old storage basket from the Lahu ethic group, Northern Thailand. This has a tough double layered weave with the outer wall made from rattan and the inner wall of bamboo strips. Lahu baskets are held in high regard by the other tribes in the area and were sold or traded to them. This is a genuine old tribal piece and not a tourist piece made for the home décor market. Acquired in 1990, and has been in storage since them a reasonable estimate on age would be 40 to 50 years old...

Wholesale lot of 100 pieces Jade Bi, vintage to antique Burmese jadeite. Diameters: 23mm to 17mm, hole diameter 6-7mm. These are untreated stones i.e., not dyed with original natural color. Total weight: 269 grams. These “stand alone” pieces and may be worn individually. Excellent for a “bricks and mortar” shop or jewelry designer.

Good white nephrite reproduction of Western Zhou to Han Dynasty of an oval shaped Jade Bi with Chilong mythical beasts. Considering that an original would be over $100,000 USD, this the next best thing. L: 12cm/4.8in and W: 9cm/3.5in.L: 12cm/4.8in and W: 9cm/3.5in. Free shipping.

Vintage wooden stand made from boxwood .This was made circa 1950/1970. I acquired it from an expat estate in 1987. It was previously owned by an American executive who worked in Hong Kong from 1950s to 1970s. There is small bit of the tip missing- noted in 2nd enlargement, and the the upper part is a bit discolored due to being left in the sun for many years. L: 18cm/7in and H: 9cm/3.5in

Matched pair of late Qing Dynasty Beijing Milk Glass Bangles emulating Burmese Jade. These have an opalescent glow, with each having a tiny Jade green splash on the side. Made for the “poor folks” these are hand pulled- made from a straight piece, wound and quickly fused together. The glass has a lot of tiny bubbles (like a glass of champagne) and they are both in excellent condition. No chips, scratches or breaks. Outer diameter: 73mm, inner diameter: 55mm...

Rare early 20th century Yi minority lacquered box constructed from leather. I purchased this piece in a Bai minority, weekly market in Yunnan near Dali around 2002. I assume this is now an extinct craft no longer being done because of the availability of cheap plastic items as well as the migration of artisans to better paying jobs in the city. Very minor lacquer losses on the edge. Excellent condition. H: 5cm/2in

Very fine, signed, men’s blanket from the Biboki, Feotle'u area West Timor, Indonesia. The the name of the weaver’s family, were woven into this. W: 114cm/44.8in and L: 186cm/73in, except for the yellow and blue lines this is woven from all naturally dyed handspun thread. Dating circa 1950 to 1960.

Rare complete lacquer tobacco box with trays from the Karen hilltribe ethnic group Northern Thailand. Next to nothing has written about this craft amongst the Karen people although they are known for their water tight baskets using lacquer to seal the weave. H: 9.5cm/3.8in and D: 8.6cm/3.3in.

Old embroidered jacket panel from the Miao/Dong ethnic group Southwest China, with abstract floral pattern. Avery lovely piece- the pattern seems to shimmer as if floating on a pond of water. See image for condition and size. Free Shipping

Well made old storage basket, circa 1950s, acquired in Lombok, Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia in the 1980s this has been in storage since then. This has a slight trapezoidal shape to the lid and body. Excellent condition- no damage. Top- W: 24cm/9.5in x 21.5cm/8.4in and H: 9.5cm/3.8in.

Good Qing Dynasty nephrite archer’s ring. This is a small size and may be worn on the finger as a normal ring. Excellent condition, no chips or cracks- one naturally occurring inclusion. Outer D: 2.8cm, inner D: 2cm, and H: 2.2cm. Free shipping.

Magnificent lacquered basket with domed lid from the Karen ethnic group Northeast Thailand. The walls are constructed of strips of bamboo with rattan bindings and wooden base. The lid has one layer of woven bamboo with a tihck layer of natural lacquer while the lower half has a classic double layered wall with another coating of lacquer inside, which would have made this piece virtually water proof. Minor layers of lacquer loss in the interior, otherwise super fine condition...

Special Offer: 6 Antique/vintage Miao (possibly Dong) minority embroidered clothing panels. These are listed individually on my site at $50-$80 each. Search Miao Panel on my site for close ups of individual pieces. L: 54cm/21in x W: 17cmcm/6.5in (more or less). Free shipping.

Fine old, three paneled, supplementary weft embroidered wedding blanket from the Zhuang ethnic group Guizhou Province China. Handspun and handwoven cotton thread foundation and silk for the embroidery. The central area is dominated by the “well” “#” pattern, while the border is a combination of the “well” pattern inside a “wanzi” swastika meander. There are few small faded areas but no holes or tears. W: 104cm/40in and L: 140cm/56in.

Fine and rare old rattan “tali” basket with a contracted mouth from the Idu Mishmi ethnic group of Arunachal Pradesh, India. In India they are primarily animist but in China where they are known as the Lhoba they have a strong spiritual affiliations with Tibetan Buddhism. Google “Bamboo and Cane Culture of Arunchal Pradesh” and you will get a good description of this regional craft...

Intricate carved wall panel circa late 19th/early 20th century, with peach blossom and chrysanthemum floral medallions carved into hexagonal and cruciform shaped lattice work. See second enlargement to see crack and loss to corner- if framed properly these will not show. W: 46cm/18in and W: 24cm/9.5in

Fine and rare two paneled silk embroidered “wedding blanket” from the small Maonan minority people of northern Guangxi Zhuang Province. This piece is 60 to 90 years old with a hand spun cotton foundation and hand spun silk. The frontal surface of the blanket is decorated with embroidered floral and phoenix symbols and key fret pattern highlighted by “floating weft” threads...

Lovely Iban woman’s skirt from the Kapit region in Sarawak, circa 1940-1950. The broad center field is woven from handspun cotton and natural dyes. The red use in this is particularly rich. The narrow bands on the side are made of commercial thread and dye. This has a Bangit fruit pattern, which signifies “abundance”. There are a few minor frays and inevitable “pinholes”, but IMO the condition is good. L: 102cm/40in and W: 52cm/20.5in...

Fine cowrie shell necklace from northwest Burma, probably Naga on a hand woven macramé cotton cord. This is an old set, circa 80 years with an excellent worn natural patina and almost porcelain like surface these need to be handled to be appreciated. Please note that each bead is hand carved to nest into the other so when strung together and worn the necklace hangs in a circular fashion...

Rare coconut grater from Kandy, carved from a single piece of Jack Fruit wood, in a quirky zoomorphic style circa 19th century. L: 82cm/32in x W: 10.5cm/4.1in and x H: 30cm/11/8in.

Rare late 19th/early 20th century Thai tobacco/betel box, with original inner tray. Minor losses to lacquer and the footrim repaired and replaced. Stunning delicate deep dark red and black floral scroll pattern. D: 19.5cm/7.8in and H: 7.4/2.9in.

19th century colonial glass trade beads from Venice, red “white hearts”. Lovely color, the images don’t do it justice. Originally sourced from Papua New Guinea. Note enlargements, for scale and condition.Total Length: 62cm/24.4in. Free shipping.

Nice old Yao (also known as Mien) Taoist shaman “yen” chop, used to send messages to the Gods. Reference “The Yao” by Jess Pourret pgs 206 & 207. These came from the Sino/Lao Fansipan Mountains border area and date circa 80 to 90 years old. 3.6cm/1.4in x 3.6cm/1.4in x 3.6cm/1.4in. Free shipping.

Very rare lacquer box with geometrical pattern and convex shaped lid and bottom...

Mid 20th century textile from the Mulao ethnic group Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Province. This is a two paneled blanket with original border and supplementary weft silk embroidered pattern phoenix and flowers on a cotton field “key fret” pattern- all handspun threads. Good condition - no holes or missing embroidery threads. L: 110cm/43in and W: 66cm/cm/26in- with blue cotton border L: 153cm/59in and W: 110cm/43on.

Fine old Yao embroidery with Chinese characters, from the Kin Mun Lantien subgroup Yunnan/Vietnam. This piece is in excellent condition with no damage, but the indigo has “bled” and is circa early 20th century. It is made from all handspun cotton with an intense indigo dye. These are documented in the Jess Pourret book “The Yao”. Embroidered patch W: 14cm/5.5in and L: 20cm/7.9- with fringe 139cm/54in. Free shipping.

Wholesale lot of 50 vintage jadeite crosses (plus a few odd leftover bits). These were carved in the 60s through the 80s, and each cross consists of three pieces, meaning they will have to be remounted in would or metal. The jade is fairly good quality and is not dyed, some have small splashes of apple green. May be incorporated into secular jewelry, ideal for a jewelry maker. Lengths vary between 2.2cm and 5.cm

Rare woman’s pictorial shoulder cloth from a Chin subgroup (Khami, Khumi or Mro) living in the Rakhine and Chin states, west Myanmar. Please note that the pattern is hand embroidered on one side only and not woven in, also most of the geometric woven patterns are unique with only a couple of repetitions. The dimensions are L: 123cm/63in x W: 34cm/13.5in. I have three books and Burmese textiles and there are no depicted examples of pictorial weaves. Circa 50 to 60 years old.

Two rare Burmese/Shan small betel containers, 60 to 100 years old with “ku-nan kan byat” patterns and original inner trays. Genuine antique Burmese lacquer is almost impossible to find these days; I picked the larger one up in a small shop Luang Prabang, Laos in 1998. H: 8.7cm/3.4in and W: 10.2cm/4in, and the smaller one, H: 6.7cm/2.7in and D: 7.7cm/3in, in Chiang Mai this year. These have some old repairs, as well as a pleasing craclature typical of antique Burmese lacquer.

Quirky glass ring emulating agate. This piece came from China but possibly is a trade object. I acquired this in a lot of other ancient pieces. A conservative dating to this is Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and guarantees it to this period. There is one crack as well as some bubble burst pitting on the surface. Outer D: 2.8cm and inner D: 1.9cm.

Lovely spherical Ge type crackleware glazed Qing jar with very light celadon tone. There are some chips and cracks so please view enlargements. Authentic antique Ge wares have become very rare in the past 20 years, I was lucky to find this one. H: 7.5cm/2.9in and D: 9cm/3.5in.

Ruby red Beijing glass, Qing Dynasty snuff bottle. The neck has an old silver repair. H: 7.8cm/3in and W: 6cm/2.3in.Free shipping.

Twin lotus pods on one stalk signify permanent and single minded love in old Chinese culture. This is Qing Dynasty natural Burmese Jadeite, the green color will not fade. Please note scale is metric. Free shipping.

Chinese ceramic Buddha, circa 1900-1930 (Qing – Early Republic). The iconography is quite unusual there is a seated Buddha image on the chest, standing Buddha image on the back, and another image of the Buddha in Parinirvana reclining pose. Overall a very intriguing piece, possibly meant for export to another Asian nation. Excellent original condition- no cracks, chips or frits. H: 15cm/6in and W: 9cm/3.5in.

Beautiful small Qing Dynasty Ding censer with glaze emulating bronze, ideal for the scholar’s desk Perfect original condition, there are couple of small areas on a side handle where the glaze did not take- just minor firing imperfection. H: 5cm/2in and D: 5.7cm.

Simply elegant wood panel depicting a bird perched on a rock beneath plum blossom in the background there are mountains and trees. The carving is in perfect condition with traces of original blue pigment- please note the delicacy in which the bird’s legs were carved as well as the bare trees beneath the mountains and bracken ferns at the bottom of the foothill (if you use your imagination they look like high rise apartments). W: 27cm/6.8in and H: 21cm/8.6in

Qing Dynasty, rare (no one I know has seen one before), silver amulet with a rat (definitely not a mouse). 2020 was the Chinese Lunar Calendar for the Metal Rat so this being a silver piece represents a full 60 year lunar cyclical completion this year. In Chinese society the Rat is considered clever, cultured, shrewd and intelligent although a bit manipulative (Mark Zuckerberg is a Rat). The reverse side wishes the owner “May you live 100 years”. In Hinduism the, the Rat aka Anindya is the v...

Hetian nephrite jade pendant with illegible archaic script incised on the surface. Cut from the edge of a jade boulder, this piece has a natural shape and “organic” feel. The russet highlights are attractive but artificially induced. H: 5.4cm/2.2in and W: 3.3cm/1.3in- 33 grams.

Clay “tsa tsa” of a Lama, with traces of red pigment. Over 100 years old. H: 5.5cm/2.2in and W: 5cm/2in. Free shipping.

Nice circa 18t/19th century high fired terra cotta Akshobhya Buddha in bhumiparsa mudra and holding a vajra in his lap with traces of original blue, white and gold pigments. This piece appears to have been excavated and the head has been reattached. H: 11cm/4.2in and W: 7.5cm/3in.

Genuine antique Shan lacquer box circa late 19thCE. Most Burmese lacquer being offered on the internet purported to be antique are vintage at best and new at worst. I acquired this in Yunnan, China along the Burmese border but of Shan (nationality in China). Although there is some damage the craftsmanship is exquisite which is why I put a grain of sand in a couple of the images to put the work into perspective. Personally I prefer Shan lacquer more than Burmese because the designs tend to...

Unique clear glass Sino Tibetan image of a Dakini, most likely cast from a mold. Basically even with the usual clay images it is problematic dating them as the molds may be old but the item recently made, this piece has traces of compacted soil, surface pitting and wear, as well as small Ming Dynasty Buddhist and Taoist clear glass charms having been documented, I feel a circa 100 year plus is a conservative dating. Having circumambulated the Jokhang on many occasions mainly to check out the B...

Good Tamil, carved wood temple panel of the Hindu God Shiva manifested as Virabhadra, he is brandishing a sword and holds a shield. This was acquired in the late 1990s from a well-known Sri Lanka dealer and collector, from Kandy. This is a heavy (1.7kg), possibly Jack Fruit woodcarving. Very good condition, carved from a single piece of wood, the front of this piece has been lacquered but the back is untreated and has some bug damage and decomposition, but having said this it is stable...

Qing Dynasty Jadeite fastener, stung on a macramé cord. L:4.6c7/1.8in, W: 2.8cm/1.2in, and thickness .5cm/.2in. Nice simple old piece, probably dyed (of the period) to emulate an earlier Nephrite piece. Some “flea bites”. Free registered airmail shipping.

Clay “tsa tsa”, over 100 years old, with six tantric deities- there is one repair, noted in enlargements. H: 5.8cm/2.2in and W: 5.3cm/2.1in. Free shipping.

Exquisite antique silver necklace, circa 19th century. Each tiny bead is hand folded into a geometrical shape, some of them still have traces of gold wash I doubt if this kind of craftsmanship can be done today. The hexagonal pendant opens up into a “secret” lime box, and the clam shell bead is actually a bell. Included is an ancient excavated garnet bead. Total Length: 87cm/34.3in. Small bead diameters are: 1mm-2mm/.04in-.08in. Total weight 60 grams. Free shipping.

Mixed collection of old beads… as follows the silver beads are old Sri Lanka beads as are the two cut cobalt blue crystal glass, two Khotan nephrite natural pebbles, one bowenite bead and two old banded agates. Scale is metric in enlargements. Free shipping.

Good Joseon Dynasty, 19th century stoneware cup/bowl with high footrim and pale greenish gray glaze and gray stoneware , this is a simple regional folk ware but has a pleasing almost celadon feel to it that needs to be held to be appreciated. There is some kiln grit in the cavetto as well as three minor hairline stress cracks. H: 8.7cm/3.5in and D: 13.1cm//5.2in.

Late Qing Dynasty, most likely Guangxu Period porcelain vase with wonderful mountain and garden scene and two scholars playing weiqi. The mouth rim is cracked and is noted in close-ups. 23cm/9in height and 15cm/5.9 diameter.

Impressive large standing wood sculpture of He Xiangu何仙姑- the only women in the pantheon of the Eight Chinese Immortals. This is at least Qing dynasty possibly earlier originally she would be holding a lotus in her hands. Once source describes her as being “the Patron Saint of Housewives”. Height: 97cm/38in and has a lovely benevolent expression. Condition as pictured, there is a dedication niche on back but the contents have been removed.

Fine and rare, large copper repousse and chased copper plate depicting a religious scene or narrative. This was acquired in Sri Lanka in the 1990s, the vendor said this was showing the life of Buddha, but the iconography suggests it is most likely Hindu as the central image is shown facing the left, sitting on a tiger pelt, set against a foliate scroll background. This could be representing Shiva with his consort Parvati and son Ganesh. Superb workmanship, circa 19th century. Diame...

Good Mandalay period Nat circa last half 19th century, carved from alabaster with traces of original pigment, this ha very expressive face. Nats are spirits were historic characters that became deified or associated with places and elements of nature. Their veneration predates the acceptance of Buddhism but eventually was absorbed into mainstream Burmese Theravada Buddhism. H: 22cm. there are few shallow scuffs but otherwise good condition. Please note last image is for reference: Myanma...

Excellent opium pipe stem cleaner, fine condition and all original parts. Bamboo sheath, iron cleaning rod and copper opium poppy pod shaped finial handle. Circa late Qing Dynasty. Total length 54cm/21.2in.