Catalog (491)

Fine Cizhou image of boy carrying a lotus, this symbolizes the continued succession of sons. This piece is in pristine original condtion. High fired stoneware with very stable heavy glaze. H: 17.5cm/6.9in and W: 9cm/3.5in. Guaranteed to be at least Qing Dynasty but possibly Ming.

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

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.

Very finely crafted repoussé and pierced silver gold washed medallions depicting the He He Erxian Twins. This was most likely sewn onto a garment- possibly part of wedding outfit. Good condition no damage; some gold has rubbed off as typical with old gold washed jewelry. (6.5cm x 3.5cm, 4 grams). Late Qing Dynasty circa 1890-1910. Free shipping.

Very finely crafted repoussé and pierced silver gold washed medallion, depicting a laughing Immortal riding a Qilin, he carries a lingzhi stem in one hand a lotus pod in the other. Late Qing Dynasty circa 1890-1910. This was probably sewn onto a garment or hat likely a part of a wedding outfit- (6.5cm x 5.5 cm, 6 grams). There is a small tear at the bottom- easy to fix or hide- noted in enlargement. Free shipping.

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.

Small Burmese natural jade hairpin circa Qing Dynasty in good condition with nice green splashes, which are original colors and will not fade. L: 7.9cm/3.1in and W: 1.4cm/.5in. 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.

Ensemble of seven small antique natural Burma Jade, circa Qing Dynasty “lucky charms", the green colors are original and will not fade. Scale is metric, see descriptions under enlargements. Free shipping.

Good Qing Dynasty, Chinese nephrite jade carving of a lotus seed pod. In Chinese culture this symbolizes fertility and a desire to have many children on another level the lotus reflects purity, strength and rebirth- as it rises from the mud and blooms into something beautiful. H: 3.5cm/1.4in and W: 4.2cm/1.6in x 3.1cm/1.3in. Good condition- no chips or cracks. 61grams.

Pair of matched naturally stressed wooden plaques with “couplet”, encouraging harmony and peace. Traditionally Chinese write to right to left so the meaning of the board on the right encourages one to “admit your mistakes to avoid trouble in the world” while the one on the left, encourages one to “be tolerant, to live in peace”. It has been suggested to me that these may be have been hung in an old Kung Fu studio as this would express the spirit of martial arts. The calligr...

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.

Qing light colored celadon, crackle glaze plate circa 18th century. This has a filled chip with gold leaf. Nice cracquelure. The original owner had incised their name on the glaze, which I have highlighted with a bit of baby powder. D: 22.7cm/8.9in and H: 4.3cm/1.7in.

Qing light celadon Ge type ware plate, circa 18th century. This has filled chip with gold leaf on the rim. #1 D: 22.5cm/8.8in and H: 4cm/1.5in.

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.

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.

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.

Good Shiwan censer with beautiful and subtle white flambé moon white glaze circa late 19th or early 20th century - there is one hairline on the rim noted in enlargements. D: 15cm/5.8in and H: 9cm/3.5i

Nice little wood carved architectural element in the shape of a foo dog circa late Qing Dynasty. This is in excellent condition with original lacquer. L: 14.5cm/5.8in.

Nice little wood carved architectural element in the shape of a foo dog circa late Qing Dynasty. The tip of the left ear is missing, otherwise good condition with well-preserved original gold and red lacquer 14.cm/5.5in.

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.

Sarawak, one cent coin 1896, H (Birmingham mint). D: 28mm, weight 9 grams.

Very rare, large lidded rattan basket from the Nung Rawang ethnic group of Northern Burma, Kachin State. The Rawang are a subgroup of the Kachin people and live in some of the last great wilderness forests left in Burma. Also it is interesting to note that the men do the weaving and with advent of plastic bags this pretty much an extinct craft. This is the oldest basket from this group I have ever found- conservatively at least 50 years plus. HL 42cm/16.5in and D: 27cm/10.6in. I hole...

Rare and quirky Rawang/Nung small storage basket from the Rawang enthnic group, Kachin State, Northern Burma. Rough plaiting but quite charming, the top of the lid has worn through- only the second of this style of plaiting, I have encountered over many years. H: 28cm/10.2in and W: (at base) 16.2cm/6.5in. Very old.

Special Offer: Reduced from $500 to $300. Rare and unusual 3 paneled piled blanket from the Rawang ethnic group in the Kachin State, Burma. The ground is woven from hemp, the reddish head ends are dog hair .There are a few areas that have a bright colored commercial yarn but other than that, all natural dyes. In the red field there are some bits of missing weft noted in enlargements. This piece is circa 1950 (plus or minus), definitely old an old piece. The Rawang are an upland living ...

Three historical coins from the old Russian Empire. 1) Ivan the Terrible- silver kopek, 1553-1589, Moscow mint, W: 15mm. 2) Boris Godunov- silver kopek, 1598-1605, Moscow mint, W: 13mm. 3) Peter the Great silver kopek, 1689-1725, W: 12mm. Free shipping.

Rare 4.9cm/1.9in Thai stoneware bowl from the Sankampaeng kiln circa 15th/16th CE with two fish in the center and scalloped cavetto, there is well done repaired chip on the inner rim noted last enlargement. This is a classic and definitive piece for the Sankampaeng kiln as the incised/impressed fish motif is only found on ceramics from this Thai kiln. There are some blue flambé highlights in the center, probably accidental but quite attractive. D: 21.5cm/8.2in and H: 5cm/2in.

Rare 4.9cm/1.9in Thai green glazed stoneware bowl from the Sankampaeng kiln circa 15th/16th CE with two fish in the center and scalloped cavetto, there is well done repaired chip on the inner rim noted last enlargement. This is a classic and definitive piece for the Sankampaeng kiln as the incised/impressed fish motif is only found on ceramics from this Thai kiln. There are some blue flambé highlights in the center, probably accidental but quite attractive. D: 21.5cm/8.2in and H: ...

Beautiful traditional Chinese brush painting of the Buddha mounted on a beige silk scroll, excellent condition. He is sitting on a lotus throne with his right hand raised in the Shuni mudra symbolizing patience and discipline. There is an apocryphal dating of 1845 Buddha’s Birthday, Daoguang reign and signature of Reqin. Mounted size is L: 203cm/80in and W: 78cm/31in- actual painting size is L:131cm/51in and W: 66cm/26in. Circa last quarter of 20th century.

Two bone “knives” from the Golden Triangle. I acquired these in Chiang Mai Thailand about 20 years ago and was told that were used by a “hill tribe”, for ritual ceremonies that involved the symbolic letting of blood to heal the patient. Using bones in spiritual practices is a syncretic tradition in this region as the boundaries between Buddhism and the earlier Animist practices are blurred and seem to work in harmony with one another. These are old genuine old Shaman’s artif...

Nice old carved hardwood box from the Shan State, Myanmar with traces of original lacquer. This was collected around 1988 in Northern Thailand, and originally dates to early the 20th century. Please note this is not a tourist piece artificially stressed to look old. The Shan have a strong shamanistic tradition which seems to blend well the local Buddhist religion, possibly this was used to house shaman paraphernalia. The box is carved from a single piece of wood and the sliding lid has...

Complete set of five Shan esoteric Buddhist images. These consist of a Buddha, three monks and a chedi. These are covered with traditional gold and back lacquer and the bodies are made from compressed powdered herbs or temple incense ash. They have a quirky abstract quality to them, their facelessness represents that the individual is inconsequential but has the potential for becoming a Buddha, on the bottom are the eight Burmese zodiac symbols based on the days of the week. For some r...

Charming and unusually small black and red lacquer vessel from Kenteng, Shan State, Burma. A very cute piece and genuinely old- circa 80 years. This piece is uncommon in that it has six feet instead of the usual four. The entire piece is covered in red lacquer with a black lacquer overcoat on the outside. There is surface craqueleur as to be expected from authentic old lacquer but no breakage in the body. D: 13.5cm/5.3in and H: 8.2cm/3.2in.

Very rare antique lacquer box from the Southern Shan States circa late 19th CE to early 20th CE. This a complete set (which is rare in itself these days). The pattern though simple is exquisitely detailed. Some craquelure on the surface, as is expected and few minor chips at the bottom of the lid. H 13.7cm/5.4in and D: 15.5cm/6.1in.

Very rare lacquer box with geometrical pattern and convex shaped lid and bottom. The lacquer is quite thick on this piece with an unusual motif. I have only seen two boxes in this style which came out of Yunnan, China, so these may have been made as trade items to Yi minority who seem to make similar, though less sophisticated, patterned lacquer pieces. This was made in the first half of the 20th century, and except for a chip on the lid surface it is in excellent condition. D: 14....

Quirky strands of bronze beads and Kushan charm in the shape of a Hindu Trishula (trident). I acquired these with a group of Kanishka coins that were found in the same place, circa 100CE. Large strand 25cm/9.8in and small strand 9.5cm/3.8in (the holes were too small to fit on the same cord as the larger one). Weight total: 40 grams. See last enlargement for scale. .Free shipping Hong Kong Registered Airmail.

Nice old well worn Qing Dynasty Shekwan green and blue flambé glazed pillow. 19th century- very nice impressed floral scroll and coin pattern unglazed ends. L: 34cm/13.5in and W: 10cm/4in. Here is an “amusing” Youtube video on opium pillows and their history from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for your edification https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zOVd9LEabo&t=182s

Lovely old Afghan Turkmen chuval/torba (door or floor cushion section) wool on wool weaving, all natural dyes circa 80 years old. Minor restoration around the edges but over all very good condition with an intricate pattern. Dimensions 120cm x 39cm.

Rare soy brown glazed stoneware vessel made in the shape of a grain silo. This basic style are well documented in Qingbai wares but this is the first I have seen in a brown glaze, also it has a fence going around the base which is quite unusual. It is in excellent condition with no repairs, cracks or fritting of the glaze and it is unusually large. H: 24cm/9.5in and D: 18cm/7in. It reminds me a lot of a Jizhou glaze but this seems heavier and more stable.

Small wide mouth grey pottery jar with “soy” brown glaze from an unknown Southern Kiln. The glaze resembles Jizhou ware. Circa Song Dynasty or earlier, the body is quite thinly potted with delicate lugs near the mouth. There is fritting on the mouth and handle but no cracks or chips. H: 9cm/3.5in and D: 6cm/2.3in.

Song Qingbai bowl with high foot rim and thick classic aquamarine Qingbai glaze, there is a 1cm hairline off the mouthrim (noted in last enlargement) otherwise good condition. The glaze is absolutely fabulous. D: 14cm/5.5in and H: 7cm/2.8in

Rare image of a Qilin Chinese "unicorn" with stunning deep aquamarine Qingbai glaze. This is a fragment of a much larger piece, possibly a finial off a censer. H: 9.5cm/3.9in, W: 7cm/2.8in x 4.5cm/1.8in. The sculpture is in excellent condition, there is a film of hardpacked soil in the crevices which can be (see enlargements), this can be removed with a small blade with a bit of effort, soaking it in water for a week or so will help. I am leaving it on as it speaks to the age of this piece....

Rare scholar’s item, Yue type glazed brushwasher in the shape of an alms bowl, circa 500-600CE from a southern kiln. This has two hairline cracks running off the rim (please see enlargements). Fired with a dense dark gray clay. D: 6.8cm/3.4in and H: 4.3cm/1.6in. Free shipping.

Traditional brush and ink Chinese painting of birds done in the style of Jin Cheng 金城. This homage was done in the 20th century and is very attractively mounted a silk scroll. Jin Cheng travelled internationally and was a founding member of the influential Chinese Painting Research Society (Zhongguo huaxue yanjiuhui) that became later known as the Hu Society (Hu she). The writing at the top right is an apocryphal dedication- gifted to Yu Po 1907. H: 116cm/45 and W: 56cm/22in, mounted di...

Good large Ming sancai ceramic wedding bed. These were interred in tombs of wealthy individuals to serve them in the afterlife. Nowadays they burn paper replicas instead. This piece has ornate eves in green and amber glaze, no cracks but some minor fritting. It is a large and heavy piece so free international shipping is offered via surface mail, if you would like a faster service than the buyer will pay the additional costs. Personally I have always thought these were ancestor shrines. ...

Huge Pyu silver coin from Sri Ksetra, circa 6th/7th CE. There is some pitting on “bhadrapitha” side. Will clean up! D: 3.4cm/1.3in, approximately 11 grams. Free shipping via Hong Kong Registered Airmail.

Group of three vintage household woven cane baskets acquired in Kandy, Sri Lanka in the 1990s. These were old at the time of acquisition so I would date them to around 50 years of age. Very sturdy and good condition. Dimensions: 1# 19in/48cm x 15/40cm, 2# 15in/38cm x 8in/20cm, 11in/28cm x 5.5in/14cm. Two have wood bases and tops while the the midsize one is covered in skin (I am guessing goat).

Unusual Jackwood paan (betel) tray with well carved Kandy style floral medallion in the center, this motif also emulates carvings on pillars in some ancient temple. The WHO advised the Sri Lankan government against the chewing of betel and it is now illegal- that is not to say that this really stops people from still doing it though. This an antique piece with one crack. W: 29.5cm/11.5in x W: 29.5cm/11.5in x H: 6cm/2.2in

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.

Three pretty silver dollar sized 1957 5 Rupee coin, commemorating 2500 years of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The obverse side has elephants, horses and lions (oh my), surrounded by Hamsa (Sacred Geese), this motif is an adaptation from the Anuradhapura Moonstone, the other has the denomination in Pali and English. These were minted Condition circulated. Diameter: 39 mm, silver content: .925. weight: 28 grams. Prices on these seem to be all over the place $70 ea to $260 ea. The one in the card ...

Unsorted ungraded lot of 14 Dutch East India copper VOC coins. The coins pictured are the coins you will get. See 2nd enlargement for scale. Free shipping

230.00 Unusual gray stoneware jar found of the West Coast of Sri Lanka. Impossible to accurately identify it’s origin, I am assuming it is from East or Southeast Asia possibly even Japanese. This was acquired in Kandy, Sri Lanka over 20 years ago. I would date this to about 10th to 12th century. The mouthrim is unique, stopper would be inserted and covered than it tied down with a cord. H: 22cm/8.6in x D 17cm/6.8in. Very attractive piece, just a shallow chip on the mouth rim.

Quirky jack wood kitchen vegetable cutting board. I acquired this in Sri Lanka but it could also be Tamil. Beautiful patina naturally smooth surface. . L: 46.5cm/17.9in and W: 29.5cm/11.6in, and H: 4.5cm/1.8in.

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...

Ensemble of vintage silver and ancient banded agate beads from Sri Lanka. These were acquired in Kandy in 1998 or 1989, the banded agates are all hand carved and are at least 1000 years old (conservatively). The silver beads are high content silver and intricately crafted with a 24K Asian style fastener. L: 52cm/20.5in. Combined eight 34 grams. See last enragement for scale. Free shipping.

"Stairway to Heaven #2" by Lau Yan Tsun. Mixed media; acrylic paint, Chinese paper mounted on canvas. 1.1 meter x 1.1 meter. Artist's Brief: Lau Yan Tsun is a self-taught painter. His interest in fine arts emerged while studing visual Arts in Toronto, Canada during 1970's. Returning to Hong Kong in 1983, he worked in various types of visual media. He took up calligraphy in 1989 and this led him more exclusively into painting. Lau has tra...

Semi antique, large woman’s sarong from the Stieng/Xtiêng ethic group Vietnam. Over 60 years old, this is woven from all handspun cotton threads. There is a patch, 7cm x 2cm fray on one edge and small 1cm hole. L: 203cm/79on39.8in and W: 94cm/37in.

Colorful Stieng woman’s wrap around skirt from the Xtiêng (Stieng), estimated population of 7000, minority Binh Duong Province and Dong Nai Province of southeastern Vietnam. Hand woven with handspun cotton field and patterns of combination synthetic and cotton commercial yarns, this piece dates to circa 1970 to 1980 (i.e. post Vietnam War era). The Keith Harring (ish) anthropomorphic images are quite unusual. Provenance- Rob C. Clark Ethnobotanist PhD. Excellent condition, no dama...

Semi antique blanket or sarong from the Stieng/Xtiêng ethnic group Vietnam. Over 60 years. Woven from all handspun cotton threads and is unusually large for a single panel. There is one ink stain and a small hole (see cover image- there is a stain on the right and further down and small hole). W: 100cm/39.8in and L: 185cm72in.

Beautiful pre Viet Nam War woman’s sarong from the Stieng/Xtiêng ethnic group Vietnam. Semi antique/vintage over 50 years old, all hand spun and woven. The center red and black panel is quite striking. Some minor old repairs on the selvedge and the stitches holding the panels together have unraveled in a couple of places, but otherwise no tears, holes or stains. L 135cm/53in and W: 66cm/26in.