Catalog: Antiques (368)

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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