Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Southeast Asian (95)

Ensemble of three blue and white bowls circa 14CE. These are shipwreck recovery pieces that have been cleaned possibly from the Hoi An hoarde. The larger bowl is Annamese, D: 15cm/6in and H: 9cm/3.5, no cracks or chips but the rim glaze has fritted off. The two smaller bowls are a near matched pair- D: 11cm/4.2in and both have rim repairs highlighted in enlargements.

Sublime early Ayutthaya Bronze circa 15th CE. H: 33cm/13in x W: 22cm/8.7in. Provenance- David Jones Gallery, London, c 1970, Shapiro Auction, Sidney, Australia June 29, 2021.

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. I have not seen this pattern documented anywhere and I have a few of this type all acquired in China in Yunnan, so I am wondering if it is possible it was made by the ethnic Shan (Daizu) living there...

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...

Unusual, late Ayutthaya or Early Rattanakosin Period Thailand Buddha head. The bronze has been cast with quite light bronze and the ears are made from copper strips and lacquered over. The face is quite atypical with Chinese characterisics, possibly a regional style. Please examine enlargements for condition. H: 22cm/8.7in (with stand 31cm).

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, note the use of narrow warp ikat bands throughout this piece. 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...

Collection of Thai Bronze Age aventurine jewelry pieces, from the Lopburi Culture, circa 500BCE, Central Thailand. 1#: Long rectangular bead, good transparency, damaged on one end and the lengthwise hole only goes from the undamaged end to the second hole. L: 6.6cm/2.6in and W: 7mm/.3in x 5mm/.2in. 2#: Fine small aventurine bangle from early Thai Bronze Age Culture circa 500 BCE . This item is slightly flattened at the bottom but in perfect original condition...

A pair of circa 20th century, good Indonesian keris knives. Both blades are hand forged iron with very sharp edges and tropical wood handles and hilt cups. The sheaths are copper alloy with intricate patterns. The blade with the gold dragon motif is referred to as the Nogo style and is quite thin, and the second one has a beautiful “pamor”- the striations are called “blarak sineret” style- like someone dragged a palm leaf across the surface...

Beautiful woman’s shawl from Java circa 1950 with floral (buketan) design, from the Pekolongan or Lasem area North Java. There are a couple of 5mm holes and a minor tear noted in last enlargements. Ex Dr John Yu, collection Australia. L: 190cm/75in and W: 85cm/33.5in.

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 damage...

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...

Rare cream colored glazed Myanmar bowl with incised lotus and flared rim design circa 13th/14th CE, found at the Tak Hilltop Burial Site along the border of Burma and Thailand. I bought this about 20 years ago, now you cannot find these anymore. There are 3 repairs on the rim. Of these white wares from Burma, I have only seen one unrestored piece. D: 17.7cm/7in and H: 7.5cm/2.9in.

Good antique storage basket from the Bidayuh people of Sarawak. The lid is made from the skin of a sambar deer while the basket plaiting is rattan and the inside is lined with bark. I purchased this Kuching, Sarawak in 1988, and it was old at the time, so it's 38 years older now. There is a hole in the lid as well as some loss to the bark lining- please examine enlargements. H: 5ocm/19in and D: 35.5cm/14in.

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.

200.00 Large pale green glazed plate with incised decoration, most likely fired at the Thantwe kiln near present day Rangoon, Burma. Excavated from the Tak Burial site near, Mae Sot along the Thai/Burmese border. This can be reliably dated to least 14th/16th centuries due to other known and datable ceramics from China and Thailand that were found in the same strata...

Good circa early 20th CE pair of miniature Lanna Northern Thai Buddhas. The small one on left is amulet sized (H: 5.2cm/2in) with traces of gold and black lacquer and the larger one is a small votive image (H: 7.2cm/2.8in). I believe these to be cast in zinc. Free shipping international shipping via Hong Kong Registered Airmail.

Good bamboo handled knife with hand forged blade from the Karen ethnic group Northern Thai/Burma border. Total length 31cm/12in with good sharp edge- small nick at the tip off the blade which could be honed out, about 60 years old.

Thai gold and silver foil repousséd Buddha, circa 14th-16thCE late Sukhothai or early Ayutthaya. Some restoration- please view enlargements. H: 7cm/2.8in x W: (base) 4.3m/1.6in. Provenance: Bonham’s, Sidney Australia, Dec 7, 2022, lot 136, previously Soo Tze Orientique, Melbourne, Sept. 6, 1991. Free shipping.

Lao or Lanna Thai, gold and silver foil repousséd Buddha, circa 14th-18thCE. No unisha some restoration- please view enlargements. H: 10cm/4in x W: (base) 7cm/2.8in. Provenance: Bonham’s Australia, Dec 7, 2022, lot 136, previously BC Galleries, Melbourne, Nov 18, 2013

Three antique Timorese wooden statues commemorating a departed loved one. These were kept in the “attic” of a home and were not meant to be free standing. I bought this from an old Australian collection which was collected in the 1980s in West Timor, so these date circa 1950’s to 1960s. Carved from hard wood in good condition with minor checks in the wood, please examine enlargements for condition and scale.

Lovely old Burma betel/siri/pandan box-a rare find with complete and original trays circa 1940 to 1950, and no restoration. The lid is semi domed with 8 planets pattern and central peacock medallion, the side has dancers and an assortment of abstract mythical beasts. Minor losses to lacquer on the lid (please see enlargements). Signed in Burmese script Saya(Sir)Kyi ~Myingabar Quarter,Pagan. Please see last enlargement for reference. D: 19cm/7.5in and H: 17cm/6.8in.

Good vintage Burmese baby boy puppet with articulated arms and legs, carved circa 1980s/1990s, head to toe H: 22cm/8.6cm. Free Shipping

Magnificent large Northern Thailand red and black lacquer box with foliate and floral scroll pattern, circa late 19th to early 20th century, most likely produced at a Chiang Mai workshop. Very light weight original top and bottom, best example I’ve seen in over 20 years. There is craquelure as is typical from antique Southeast Lacquer and very small color and lacquer loss due to use, please examine close ups. D: 26cm/10.1in and H: 10cm/4in.

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...

Vintage teak Buddha, carved around 1980/90, traces of pigment and signed at the bottom in Burmese script, in the classical Pagan style. H: 14cm/5.5in and base W: 9.5cm/3.9in. Sculpturally very well proportioned. Free shipping

Good bronze bell from the Vietnamese Bronze Age, late Dongson Culture- Dong Khoi phase, circa 600 BCE-200CE. No breakage or repair comes with simple perspex stand. H: 9.6mm/3.8in and base W: 7.3cm/2.8in. Free shipping

Fine, old and rare Chang Naga, three paneled body “prestige” cloth with anthropomorphic cowry shell design. Made from very fine hand spun cotton weft and silk warp, the cowry shells have a fine toned aged patina. This is a genuinely old cloth circa 50 to 70 years old (not for the tourist market). This kind of cloth signifies the owner has given a series of feasts or in the past taken a head. There is one 3cm hole, and two frays on selvedge as well as what appears to be an ink s...

Exceptionally rare small lacquered box from the Karen people of Burma. This is an antique piece circa early 20th century (possibly earlier). I have yet to find any other examples of pieces with the carved design on the bottom (either in the field or any published literature). There is some minor loss to lacquer to at the edge of the top. D: 9cm/3.6in and H: 8.8cm/3.5in. Free shipping.

Beautiful, unopened, three paneled, semi antique, woman’s sarong from Flores Island (probably Ende), Indonesia. Circa 1950 +/-. All hand spun and woven cotton and natural dyes. Very soft and in perfect condition. The incorporation of indigo dyes is quite subtle giving it the depth. L: 142cm/56in and W: 158cm/60in. Free Shipping

Ten pieces of old natural coral, acquired individually (piece by piece), over 20 years ago in Northern Thailand originating from various hill tribe ethnic groups. Excellent color and may be worn singly or as a group. 31 grams total. Scale noted in enlargements in metric. Free shipping.

Old song bird catcher from the Minang people of Central Sumatra. I bought this in Padang in 1988 and it was already old at the time, so I can date this to about 1950. A classic honey trap, right out of the KGB spy book. A hot and seductive female bird is placed in the back of the cage and when a dumb male bird comes along and lands on the perch in front this will trip a peg that will cause the net in the front to come down and now he is caught. See last two enlargements. L: 27cm/10.6i...

Pair of Terra cotta antique, roof “end tile” depicting apsara from a Wat (Thai Buddhist Temple). 14cm/5.5in height, Ayutthaya Period (1351 to 1767), very decorative. Condition as pictured.

Pair of teak wood carvings from an abbot’s chair in a Lanna Thai Buddhist Temple. 50 years old or more, possibly late Rattanakosin period. In the center of each piece is a Buddha image- one standing and one sitting. Very decorative. Both mounted on a black steel stands with felt bottoms. H: 21cm/8.2in.

Rare and unique (one of a kind), antique large Thai “parang” or “machete”, general purpose bush knife which was used in cutting and splitting rattan and bamboo. The handle is made of old, and nowadays rare, Thai Rosewood: Dalbergia cochinchinensis which has a nice chatoyance to the grain (sort of looks like Huanghuali to me 降香黄檀). The cutting edge is still sharp and usable; there are a couple of splits which is secured by a metal band. L: 64cm/25.2in.

Very fine, complete (both original inner trays included) betel box in excellent condition circa first half 20 the century. Composed of red, black and green lacquer depicting monkeys against an abstract foliate background. Some surface craquelure as to be expected on old lacquerware. D: 18.5cm/7.2in and H: 10.5cm/4.1in.

Exceptional semi antique, over 70 years old, two paneled Tai Daeng (Red Tai) blanket from Northern Laos with supplementary weft silk Chinese Shou longevity character medallions and key fret design. The last time I was in Vientiane (13 years ago) textiles of this quality are no longer to be found. There are two repairs noted in enlargements 2 & 3 as well as some minor weft design loss. The Tai Daeng are generally acknowledged to be the best weavers in Laos and their contemporary piec...

Pair of old hand carved spoons from the Island of Timor. 1#Classic intricately carved heirloom buffalo horn spoon. Length: 23.5cm/9.2in. 2# Anthropomorphic spoon carved from a coconut shell. L: 15.4cm/6in and W: 6.2cm2.5in. Both are circa mid-20th century and in very good condition.

Quirky pair of fishing bobs from the Mentawai Islanders off the coast of West Sumatera. These are probably multifunctional as I have seen them described variously as turtle net buoys, fishing bobs as well as net weavers. The larger one has a fishing hook fashioned from a nail as well as old stone bead. L: 49.5/19.5in and 53cm/20.8in.

A collection of four well carved lime or tobacco containers with incised designs. H; 16.5cm/6.5in- 12.3cm/4.8in.

A pair of small “utility” knives made by Iban people of Sarawak, East Malaysia. These were frequently carried in the sheaths of their larger brothers, the Dayak mandau. The blades are hand forged, possibly scavenged steel from the leaf springs form an old car. Circa last half of the 20th century. The longer thinner knife has carved deer horn at one end (repaired see enlargement) . See enlargements to see details of the carvings. Both blades are sharp and serviceable. Lengths: 53c...

Collection of four hardwood “tun tun” pig trap markers made by the Iban people of Sarawak, East Malaysia, circa last half of 20th century. All in good condition. The longest one is L: 59cm/23.2in

Good bronze small “lost wax cast” image of the Buddha being sheltered by Nagas. This piece was created in the 1980s emulating a Khmer style. Good quality craftsmanship and has not been treated with an acid bath as they often are. H: 9.3cm/3.6in and W: 4.9cm/2in. Free shipping via Hong Kong Airmail.

Ikat sarong from the upland Karen (Pwo or Sgaw) ethnic group in Northern Thailand. This is woven from all handspun cotton thread and natural dyes. Acquired in the 1980s, it has never been used and as such may be described as being in pristine original condtion. The cloth coming these people nowadays, are nowhere near this quality. W: 87cm/34in and L: 152cm/61in.

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.

Lovely Cambodian lacquer betel box with decorative herring bone woven bamboo wall. Good condition, wear as to be expected with an old piece, but no damage. This was made Pre Khmer Rouge (before 1975). Although lacquer craft has been resurrected for decorative export pieces, artisanal made for domestic use are no longer produced due to its time consumption and the availability of cheap plastic. D: 23.5cm/9.2in and H: 9.8cm/4in.

Good semi antique, Timor ikat textile (circa 1960’s) with two crisp “rooster” (which symbolizes masculinity) indigo and white bands running the length of the cloth. Excellent condition- no damage. Natural dyes and hand spun cotton threads. L: 194cm/76 (not including threads at the end) and W: 103cm/40.5in.

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.

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. Bought this about 20 years ago in Kuching. ...

Finely woven Iban women’s kain skirt, circa 1940 with “eye of the green pigeon” and bamboo pattern, from the Kapit area, Sarawak, Malaysia. Fine and tight weaves like this, indicate that owner was from a high status. There is one repair noted in enlargements. This ikat is made from all handspun and natural dyes while the colored bands are commercial thread. L: 115cm/42.5in and W: 57cm/22.5in.

Good shell pendant made from a conch from the Ban Chiang or Lopburi Bronze Age Culture, Central Thailand circa 300BCE- 200CE- possibly much older. The spiral is one of most ancient of all designs, it is understandable why people would find this so attractive. D: 6cm/2.4in.Free shipping.

Nice Thai pottery votive plaque circa early Ayutthaya period. In the center is the Buddha with classic Bhumiparsa mudra, flanked by two pillars and Sukhothai style walking Buddhas. Good condition and guaranteed of the period. H: 6cm/2.4 and W: 5.1cm/2in. Free shipping.

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....

Very rare hard wood charger with incised and colored flower patterns in the center, from Cambodia circa first half 20th century. D: 28.5cm/11.2in and H: 4.5cm/1.8in. Excellent condition- signs of wear but no cracks or chips.

Nice old antique black lacquered bamboo and wood box from Cambodia circa 1950 or earlier. This part of a collection I acquired almost 20 years ago. Khmer lacquer is quite rare, not many crafts survived the Khmer Rouge era, and is a lost art. Some wear and restoration as to be expected but no major damage. D: 5cm/7.8in and H: 10.5cm/4.1in.

Very rare Khmer black lacquer “pillow box” with an abstract floral pattern. This is an old pre Khmer Rouge item, dating 50 to 60 years old, possibly more. The unique decoration makes this a one of a kind piece, the construction is typically Cambodian, in that it is constructed with thin small planks of wood and is coated with raw lacquer on the bottom, and this was sourced in the “Russian Market” about 15 years ago in Phnom Phenh. The attention to detail on the design is superb, the geom...

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...

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

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...

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...