Catalog (490)

Good Bhutan hand spun blanket. I bought this from a Bhutanese woman sitting at the bottom of the trail to original Tiger Nest, in 1995. Simple but stunning wool embroidered floral and foliate medallions. Made with soft wool (very warm), comprised of two panels, perfect condition. Width: 93cm/37.5in and Length: 158cm/62in.

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). A couple of worn “threadbare” patches and small tear noted in last enlargement, but overall excellent condition an...

Classic semi antique Laotian textile from the Tai Daeng ethnic group. This was acquired in 1991, just when Lao was opening itself for tourism and was about 30 years old at the time so this would date pre Vietnam War era. It is mounted onto a commercial Chinese chintz cloth border (looks original), made from all hand spun cotton and silk thread in the embroidery (except for the black pattern). There is one small repair noted in enlargements. L: 148/58.2in x W: 144cm/17.2in (without border...

Strand of Yuan to Ming Dynasty white “milk” glass trade beads excavated from the Tak Hilltop burial site along the Thai Burmese border. These can be dated to the14th to 16th CE because they were found the same strata as easily datable Chinese and Vietnamese ceramics. Please examine enlargements for condition. There are 82 beads with large holes and average diameter of 1.1cm per bead with total length of 48cm/18.8in. Free shipping via Hong Kong registered airmail included.

Woman's Blanket from the Chin, Mizo people of Assam or Western Burma. This type of “prestige cloth” would be worn only by women on ceremonial occasions. Some stains, splits at the ends but exceptionally rare and very fine weaving incorporating several techniques. Silk warp cotton weft. Approximately circa 50- 80 years old. W: 101cm/40in and L: 236cm/93in

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 ...

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.

Nice old red and black lacquered Cambodian Siri (betel) box container. This has the original small feet on the bottom, very difficult to find these days. There is wear in the tray from use but otherwise The art of Cambodian lacquer production has had a minor renaissance in recent years but this mainly done for the decorative art export market, items made for local village use this has pretty much died out after Khmer Rouge Era and advent of cheap Chinese plastic boxes. D: 25.7cm/910.5i...

Nice old Thai sticky rice “lunch box”, from the Karen ethnic group Northern Thailand. This is about 40 or 50 tears old with typical double wall construction. There are areas that have been lovingly repaired with some nylon cord. To the purist this may be seen as a distraction but I see time and an ethic where nothing was ever wasted- this was a valued very personal object. Next to it I have placed a contemporary one. Nowadays even this would be considered disposable; when you tra...

Ensemble of Qing Dynasty three matched lacquered panels depicting classic Chinese scenes. May be displayed individually or as a triptych. 1# Charming Qing Dynasty lacquered wood panel depicting a mother and child (we’re assuming a son) being presented to the father. Lifelike representation of people beneath clouds and willow trees. H: 27.5cm/10.8in and W: 20cm/7.9in…. 2# Nice Qing Dynasty lacquered wood panel depicting gentleman meeting on a bridge under a pine tree and willow-sig...

Rare grey pottery recumbent dog, circa Han Dynasty. Traces of original white pigments- very friendly looking “doggo”. Excellent condition. L: 25cm/9.8in and W: (midpoint) 8cm/3.1in.

Lovely pottery small lead glazed stove from the Eastern Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE). Minor fritting and a couple of chips on the upper corners, but overall, in very good condition for a two thousand year old piece. There are still random traces of the silver patina on the surface. I scraped off a small section the surface layer and a beautiful silver patina is revealed (see enlargement #5), up to the buyer of they want to clean the whole piece. See last enlargement for reference from...

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. I have traveled to Yunnan several times since and this is ...

Alabaster Shan Buddha circa 18th century. This has been left out in the sun and rain for the past 15years so the surface has begun to degrade (a good lesson in the Buddhist principle of Anicca ~ the impermanence of all things). The head has been reattached. The base is hollow- the only example I have ever seen with this. H: 27cm/10.6in and W: 11cm/4.2in.

Copper coin from the Byzantine Empire circa 1371-1378CE. Michael VII Doukas bust of Christ flanked by stars and crowned bust of king. Diameter 25mm. Free shipping.

Very rare “letter” purse woven from bamboo from the Karen ethnic group along the Thai/Burma border. Before the advent of plastic bags and Velcro items such as these were treasured labor intensive daily necessities. This is an antique- circa 70 to 90 years old made from all natural materials and is designed to make it as waterproof as possible. There are still traces of red lacquer in the crevices indicating that this was the original overcoat and the corners are reinforced with leather p...

Special Offer: Reduced from $250- now $150. Large Ming jar with blue underglaze chrysanthemum pattern and perfect condition. This was fired in Guangdong Province and locally this type is referred to as a “gunpowder” jar although, I don’t know if this was it what it was really used for. Included is a decent wood lid. H: 20cm/7.9in and W: 19cm7.5in.

Good silver coin circa 900-1000CE from the ancient Burmese, Pyu Kingdom of Bekthano. The dating of these old coins are all over the place on online resources. Please view last enlargement for a published reference (this is the closest thing I can find to it)~ The Early Coins of Myanmar (Burma), pg 114, 56a. This has a classic rising sun obverse pattern with Srivatsa symbol on reverse. Diameter: 30mm and weight : 10 grams.. Free shipping.

Four shades of Pyu glass beads excavated near the ancient Pyu city of Sri Kstera, (modern day Pyay), Burma, circa 200CE- 1100CE. Beads from Sri Ksetra are well documented in Early Landscapes of Burma- Elizabeth Moore & Early Cultures of Mainland Southeast Asia- Charles Higham. Please see enlargements for scale. The green beads are very rare, and their colors are sublime, I have seen black beads in mixed strands before but this only one I have ever seen that is completely black. Please en...

Strand of Khmer glass beads circa 11th to 12th century. Generically classified as Indo Pacific Trade Beads, these were sourced in Cambodia. These are the only complete strand I have found in this translucent color, possibly they were trying to emulate carnelian. L: 60cm/24.6in. See last enlargement for scale. 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.

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.

Classic green glazed Han Dynasty grain storage silo. This item has been repaired (by me), please examine enlargements for condition. This has an excellent lead glazed silver patina and well executed little bears for legs. H: 27cm/10.6in and D: 20cm/7.9in (at the roof).

Rare “sizhi” (four straight sides), inkstone circa Ming Dynasty. Good condition with one small chip noted in last enlargement. Please pay attention to the detail of the carving in enlargements (especially the footrim), the lines are graceful, and understated. A simple, elegant and still completely usable piece. L: 11.6cm/4.5in, H: 2cm/.8in and W: 7.8cm/3.1in.

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 strand of prewar WWII, glass Venetian trade beads from Africa, L: 58cm/23in. These are strung on a contemporary cotton green string with copper wire fastener. Included on this strand is large “faux” amber center bead attached on a secondary strand of African sand cast beads. The Venetians have ostrich shell spacer disc beads. Free shipping!

Fine example of Chin weaving from Myanmar, probably from the Khami subgroup. Complete front breast panel from the Chin State. All hand spun cotton circa 50/70 years old. One repair and frayed on the top minor repair (may be seen in image of the back). L: 67cm/26.3in and W: 36cm/14.1in. Free shipping. airmail.

Rare men’s loin cloth from the Northern Chin, Haka group Burma. Mantle of Merit: Barbara Fraser has a good write up on these, and has a couple of pieces dating to late 19th to early 20th century, she also writes these were rarely used after 1950 circa first half 20th century. The two end panels are different colors of which the lighter blue colored is original while the darker piece.. Made from hand spun cotton with silk patterns. A few small holes, the worst being noted in enlargeme...

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: ...

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.

Lovely vintage ge type glazed wine cup, circa mid 20th century (not new, but not too old), most likely from Fujian or Guangdong. D: 9.5cm/3.8in and H: 5cm/2in.

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.

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.

Quirky Cizhou type, heavy, completely black glazed, waisted beaker from circa Ming Dynasty. Possibly this was used in a Chinese Apothecary, but this is just a best guess to its function. The hole on the bottom was made prior to firing and is part of the original design. Lovely thick glaze and aside from a couple of chips on the outside of the foot, in very good condition. H: 13cm/5.1in- width at base : 8.7cm/3.8in and width at mouthrim : 11cm/4.3in.

Good Cizhou type high fired, well balanced, ovoid soy glazed with russet highlights jar from a northern kiln, circa- Five Dynasties to Northern Song. There is a possible chip on the outer mouthrim (see enlargement)- difficult to tell if this happened after firing or before. There are remnants of kiln supports on the concave foot. H: 9.6cm/3.8in and D: 10.3cm/4in.

Lovely Jin Dynasty circa 1115-1234CE, from a northern kiln, jar with near tea dust colored soy brown glaze, excellent original condition, heavily potted with two lugs. Please note tow subtle russet splashes in last enlargement. D: 10.5cm/4.1in and H: 8.1cm/3.2in.

Very fine old skirt from a Northern Chin ethnic group, Myanmar. The indigo dyed upper panel is woven with very soft handspun local cotton while lower embroidered panel is all silk. Please note enlargements to see the delicacy of the work. Circa: early to mid 20th century. Good condition. L: 138cm/54in and W: 80cm/31.5in. Free shipping.

Beautiful women’s apron style skirt from the Bahnar (Ba Na) ethnic group, Central Highlands of Vietnam. Woven from fine handspun cotton using all indigo and natural dyes. The weaving is very intricate and refined. This piece is has small tear at the corner (see last enlargement) and a couple of frays but otherwise excellent condition and dates to 1960 to 1970. Google Bahnar Bob Mc Kerrow to view photos of women wearing this kind of garment taken in the early 70s. Dimensions of belt without fri...

XF silver coin from Hungary under Ferdinand I - Holy Roman Emperor. 1537CE. Depicting Madonna and child and coat of arms. Diameter: 15mm and 0.6gram. Free shipping.

Zanzibar paisa, 1299 AH (1882 AD), bronze coin- diameter 25mm. Zanzibar was the center of the of the East African slave trade, until it became a signatory of the Moresby Treaty- abolishing it in 1822. The trade continued to a lesser degree up to 1873 when Captain John Kirk told, the at that time, Sultan Barghash, a total blockade of Zanzibar was imminent, unless this practice was abandoned. It should be noted although that Zanzibar never became a British colony it did become a p...

Medieval hammered silver penny, Henry the III, circa 1272-1272CE, “short cross” version. Diameter 19mm, weight 2 grams. Free shipping.

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.

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. Cowrie shells are probably the most ubiquitous ornament to have ever adorned a human being sin...

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.

Very fine ½ rupee silver coin from Bhutan circa 1790-1820. D: 20mm. Free registered shipping.

Fine old Burma lacquerware box. This piece is quite rare in that it is a complete set with three compartments on top and one shallow “hidden” compartment in the base. There is an old repair on the cracquelure on the lid as well as some traditional restoration on the undecorated portions. This is an early 20th century piece (possibly 19th century) from the Gadu-Ganan region, Shan State. D: 16.cm/6.2in and W: 16cm/6.2in.

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.

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. Good condition given its age- there are some patches on th...

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.

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.

Fine vintage, unused (as new) elegant hand loomed men’s longyi, classic checkered pattern (reverse image on the back). I bought this in Mae Sai around 1988, W: 1.74m and L: 1.09m. Has a few minor stains but otherwise condition excellent. Free shipping via Hong Registered Airmail.

Finely detailed carved bamboo bitong with five panels depicting classic three friends of winter and scholar themes. I bought this in Guangxi Zhuang, in 1995, late Republic period. There is a hole intentionally drilled at the bottom, otherwise excellent condition. H: 13.4cm/5.2in and D: 6.8cm/2.8in.

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. Dimensions- the larges...

Very rare man’s ceremonial tunic from the Chin ethnic group, probably Falam Township, Chin State Myanmar. I would consider this an antique heirloom blanket between 1910-1940 finely woven from hand spun cotton thread and natural dyes. This incorporates the classic Chin diamond twill weft pattern as well as double side embroidery. W: 128cm/50.5in and L; 189cm/74.5in. This only one from this Chin group I have ever managed to collect. Please note last enlargement for some guys wearing this type of...

Ensemble of 6 breast panels from the Khami or Mro subgroup of the Chin ethnic group, Arrakan State Burma. Antique 1950s or older. Sizes- L: 66cm26in and W: 34cm/13.4in (more or less). Condition as pictured.

Hardwood vintage sculpture of an African ancestor image, from the Songye ethnic group, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Old piece, circa 1960s or 1970s a couple of cracks and repairs.. H: 45 cm/17.8in.

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.

1) Beautiful medieval silver coin from Bulgaria, Ivan Alexander 1337-1371. Coin reverse: Ivan Alexander with one of his sons, co-emperor Michael Asen IV, obverse: Christ standing with outstretched arms.. D: 17mm. 1 gram. 2) Serbian coin Stefan Dushan 1331-1355. Obverse Christ enthroned, reverse Stefan and Helen holding a patriarchal cross between them. Diameter; 19mm, 1 gram. Free shipping.

Two circa 13th/14th CE century Annamese wares. Please cut and paste following links to view full descriptions, conditions and more photos etc. Annamese Porcelain Jar: https://www.abhayaasianantiques.com/items/1436474/Annamese-Porcelain-Jar Annamese Stoneware Box https://www.abhayaasianantiques.com/items/1436473/Annamese-Pale-Stoneware-Jar

1# Good buff pottery jar from the QIjia Neolitic Culture (circa 2200 BCE – 1600 BCE,) Gansu Province. I old chip on the rim, noted, otherwise very good condition. H: 15.1cm/6in and D: 9.7cm/3.8in. 2# Lovely two handled pottery jar from the Northern China circa (2200 BCE – 1600 BCE) in near perfect condition with just a couple of minor chips on one handle. H: 12.9cm/5.1in and W: 11.8cm/4.7in.