Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese (228)

Lovely Chinese basket most likely woven by the Zhuang or another of the many ethnic minorities in Guangxi Zhuang, China where I bought this over 20 years ago. This woven from split reed stalks and has a nice soft feel to it. This piece is quite old, 50 to 100 years (best guess). It has an unusual trapezoidal/oval shape and I like it for its sturdy simplicity. Minor unraveling of some of the weaves here and there but in very good condition given it age...

Qing dynasty Burmese Jadeite cylinder shaped toggles/beads. I am unsure as to the their original use, possibly seals. One is a little bigger than the other. 2cmx 1.6cm and 2.1cm x 1.8cm, 27 grams. Free shipping.

Old wooden stand acquired from a US expat estate in 1987, this was made between 1950 and 1980. The legs are inserted. Minor natural “check” in the top, and this piece is sort of shaped like Australia (no extra charge). 14cm/5.5in x 10cm/4cm and 4cm/1.6in.

Delightful Qing Dynasty café au lait glazed water dropper in the shape of a fish in a basket, it is quite heavy for its size and the brown glaze has a strong metallic patina possibly emulating bronze. Most likely from a Southern Kiln, in perfect condition! D: 5.7cm/2.2in and H: 7.2cm/2.8in.

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

A timely and quirky soy brown glazed Korean War era chopstick holder with political slogans. The left hand column translates as “support your family and the Chinese military”, the right hand “oppose America, support Korea” and the top characters “increase productivity”. Possibly used in a factory canteen this is the only ceramic I have ever seen from this brief period...

Very long strand of made in Boshan, Shandong Province, Chinese wound glass trade beads 114cm/48in. Average D: 7mm/.25in. These were acquired in Northern Thailand in the 1980s, these should date to 1950 or earlier, the opaque white beads in the strand are Qing Dynasty. This type of bead was widely traded throughout Southeast Asia for centuries and amongst the Akha people considered to be heirlooms. Free shipping via Hong registered airmail. Great for bead designers.

Gorgeous old silk brocade supplementary weft embroidered on cotton backing from the Mulao ethnic group, circa first half 20th CE. The foundation is woven with handspun blue cotton threads and silk weft embroidered, phoenix, butterfly and floral images against a “key fret” background. L: 109cm/42in and W: 68cm/26in (with cotton border L: 128cm/50in and W: 83cm/32in)...

Beautiful old Zhuang minority textile from Guangxi Zhuang/Guizhou province, China. Woven in two panels with silk embroidered “diamond and star” patterned border, "wanzi" swastika key fret and well symbols...

Early People’s Republic of China molded, green glass vase (emulating celadon jade) and in the style of a Han Dynasty Hu, circa 1960 to 1970. Although millions of decorative items were produced during this period very little has survived to this day, especially anything made of glass. This piece is “as new” condition, with the original label, no damage whatsoever. Today it is easier to find original Han Hu then one of these. H: 28cm/11in and D: 20cm/7.9in.

Old hand carved wooden ink pad box circa first half 20th century. I think this is probably a Yao item, but as I purchased it in a Bai ethnic minority market in Yunnan, over 20 years ago, we’ll assume it is Bai. This has a floral pattern carved on the lid. The ink has long ago dried up. Nice natural patina. L: 7.2cm/2.9in x W: 5.8cm/2.3in x H: 3.2cm/1.3in.

Lovely Qing Dynasty pendant of a monkey on a leaf, “staring at the moon”, carved from carnelian. An unusually fat piece with a rich dark color rarely seen in Chinese carnelian. L: 4.7cm/1.8in and W: 3.5cm/1.4in. There is one small chip on the back of the hole noted in 2nd enlargement. Included is an adjustable macramé cord, and free shipping via Hong Registered Airmail.

Rare, very rugged leather tobacco box from the Bai ethnic group in Yunnan, China. This was purchased in rural Yunnan at a Bai market, near Dali over 20 years ago. One can assume this craft is no longer being done with the availability of cheap plastic items as well as the migration of artisans to better paying jobs in the city. There are some tiny lacquer losses to the surface. I W: 9.8cm/4.9in x H:5.5cm/2.2in & 8cm/3.1in x 6cm/2.4in. Free shipping.

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: 7.7cm/3in and W: 3.8 /1.5in- 29 grams.

Traditional scroll painting of what I am assuming is the Chinese ideal of a courtesan putting her make up on in morning. This was painted in the year of the Fire Rat- 1936 or 1996. I would tend put this at the earlier date because the paper shows some age and this has been newly remounted, as well as the style is evoking feeling of a French boudoir. W: 33cm /13in x H: 72cm/28.5in- mounted W: 56cm/22in x H: 138cm/54.5in.

Classic long sleeved silk brocade cheongsam aka qipao. This is all hand tailored and hand sewn, definitely not off the rack. Beautiful floral pattern (lotus, chrysanthemum, and pomegranate blossoms) with foliate scrolls, this pattern can be traced back to Ming Dynasty blue and white porcelain. The zipper has come off the track other than that perfect condition. See enlargements for dimensions. Clean but could use a steam press. More dimensions can be provided for a serious buyer.

Hand carved Chinese Boxwood (Buxus L.), dorje/vajra “thunderbolt”. Nice patina with a wonderfully smooth surface. In tandem with a bell, these are used in Tantric rituals. L: 15cm/5.9in. 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.

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...

Exceptionally rare baby blanket from the Tujia weavers of Longshan County, Hunan Province, China. I have been looking for one of these for years and this is the first complete blanket I have ever found, albeit the lower two border panels come from a different piece. This incorporates the unique white tiger motif (see enlargement #3) which is believed to give the baby protection. For the Tujia the white Tiger is a totemic ancestor deity...

Rare “spirit calling” bell from the Yao Mien ethnic group of Guangxi, Vietnam, Laos. This would be used in Daoist ceremonies by Dao Guang priests and an example may be seen in Jess Pourret’s book: The Yao, plate 570, pg 207. The bell is attached to a bear’s tooth and has a "sweet" tone. This a genuinely old piece, circa late 19to early 20 the century. Please see last enlargement for scale. Free shipping.

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 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.

Ensemble of three vintage carved horn seals in Kaishu script. The larger ones are made from buffalo horn while the smaller one is made from antelope horn and quite rare. See enlargements for scale. Free shipping.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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...

Set of Qing Dynasty silver repoussé Chinese child’s hat ornaments. Very sweet little collection of 5 Budai and a lions face. Budai H: 2.9cm/1.1in and W: 2cm/o.8in and lion face D: 4.4cm/1.7in. The lion face has missing enamel on one ear. Free shipping via Hong Kong Registered Airmail.

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

Eight mysterious skull beads, these came out of China, and have a powdery white coating (I assume to give them the look of excavated items). These are individually made of glass and were purchased in Hong Kong about 20 years ago. Each bead is 15mm x 11mm. Free shipping.

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.

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

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

Lovely pair of exquisite, miniature porcelain vases with Ge type glaze circa mid-20th century (possibly older). On the bottom there are two characters “ya wan”, meaning elegant entertainment. These might have been made for a private collection, this is a specialist craft that requires a high level of skill. Would make classic doll’s house furniture. H: 5cm/2in and D: 2.4cm/1in. Free shipping.

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.

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...

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 carved nephrite pendant with classic “cat on a leaf” motif. This piece has been re-carved to appear as the cat is sitting on a peapod (peapods being one of the myriad of Chinese symbols wishing one to have many children), but was really done to hide the damage on the sides of a larger leaf. This sill retains it’s essence of “kittyness” as she reposes languidly on the leaf. L: 7cm/2.8in. Free shipping.

Intriguing gold and black lacquered depiction of an Taoist immortal brewing the elixir of immortality in a gourd-(possibly Japanese). Condition: some lacquer losses, please examine enlargements. L: 35cm/13.8in x W: 17.5cm/6.9in.

Charming antique delicate and intricately carved gold lacquered panel depicting the opulent setting inside a rich person’s house at night. Please, note the three rats, the Rat in the Chinese Zodiac represents ”wisdom, wealth and prosperity”. L: 37cm/14/5in x W: 13.5cm/13.5in. Excellent condition- one minor flaw note in enlargements.

Very rare early 20th century textile from the Mulao ethnic group Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Province. Little is known about these textiles other than they show a close affinity with Maonan weavings and are no longer being woven by this people. This is a two paneled blanket with original border and supplementary weft silk and cotton embroidered pattern of birds, mythical animals and flowers on a cotton field “key fret” pattern...

Pair of Tiele (Chinese Ironwood) Weiqi boxes, carved from solid wood. Weiqi was the forerunner of the Japanese board game of Go, and one of the Four Arts, that someone from the "gentleman class" were supposed to know. These boxes are used to put the stone pieces in. There is cyclical date which probably doesn’t go further back than 1972 therefore they could be 1984, 1996, 2008, 2000, 2012...

Glass charm emulating white nephrite Jade inscribed with delicate Arabic verses from the Koran on both sides. This set is in silver with a copper loop to hold on a chord. I bought this in Hong Kong so original provenance is unknown- possibly from the Xinjiang, Turkic Uyghur speaking area. Jade was very popular during the Mughal period in India and I would date this piece circa 19th century. Excellent condition- no chips or cracks. L 5.3cm/2.1in and W: 3.4cm/1.3in. Free shipping.

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.

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.

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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.