Catalog: Antiques (381)

Rare early 20th century Yi or Bai minority lacquered box constructed from leather with the wall of the lid is bamboo. While there is some literature published on Yi lacquer there is nothing on the Bai. I purchased this piece in a Bai minority, weekly market in Yunnan near Dali around 2000. 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...

Imposing standing wood sculpture of He Xiangu何仙姑- the only women in the pantheon of the Eight Chinese Immortals. This is at least Qing dynasty probably earlier originally she would be holding a lotus in her hands. Once source describes her as being “the Patron Saint of Housewives”. Height: 97cm/38in and has a lovely benevolent expression and enigmatic smile. Condition as pictured, there is a dedication niche on back but the contents have been removed

Chinese burnished Neolithic bowl with side lugs, there is a repair on the edge noted in last enlargement and some of the black pigment in the design is not original. Majiayao culture circa 3000BCE. D: 12cm/4.8in and H: 6.8cm/2.6in.

Large Ming jar with blue underglaze chrysanthemum pattern in 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: 19cm/7.5in.

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.

Very good Han Dynasty heavy spinach green lead glazed jar with zoomorphic impressed band at the top. Excellent condition, small unglazed spot near mouthrim- please examine enlargements. D: 14cm/5.5in and H: 11.5cm/4.8in.

Rare Warring States, circa 475–221 BCE, squat gray pottery jar, with incised wave, impressed diamond and large carved spiral patterned bands. The spiral pattern is quite interesting as this is usually only seen on archaic jade bi from the period. Some of the tips of the spiral are broken otherwise superb condition considering its delicacy and age. The surface absorbs water very quickly with a distinct petrichor scent. D: 28cm/11in and H: 14cm/5.5in.

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.

Tang terra cotta image of a Fat Lady. Traces of original pigment with legible facial features (note noted in enlargements). This is the smallest one I have ever seen- miniatures are extremely rare. H: 6.2cm. The bottom is uneven (just appears to have been made that way) there are traces of glue where it was probably once attached to a stand, otherwise, good condition- no damage or repair.

Tang terra cotta image of a Fat Lady. Traces of original pigment. Miniatures are extremely rare. H: Some shallow chips at the bottom- noted in enlargements. H: 7.8cm.

Tang terra cotta image of a Court Official. Traces of original pigments. Miniatures are extremely rare. H: 7.9cm. Good condition- no damage or repair.

Tang terra cotta image of a Fat Lady. Traces of original pigments. Miniatures are extremely rare. H: 9.3cm. Good condition- no damage or repair.

Tang terra cotta image of a lady in waiting or courtesan, with elegant chignon. Traces of original pigment. Miniatures are extremely rare. H: 10.2cm. Good condition- no damage or repair.

Tang terra cotta image of a Fat Lady. Traces of original pigment (please note the belt in enlargements). Miniatures are extremely rare. H: 8.4cm. Good condition- no damage or repair.

Collection of three vintage/antique cloth printing blocks from Tamil Nadu, carved from hard wood (probably Jackwood) all in excellent condition, acquired in India 30 years ago. Very decorative- may be hung on as a wall art ensemble. Large one: H: 26.3/10.4in x W: 16.4 cm/6.4in, round one D: 20.6 cm/10.2in and, small one H: 17.5/6.9in x W 8.3cm/3.2in.

Very fine, unusually small Tang image of a courtier, excellent condition with complete original pigments. Lovely face with calm and dignified expression. H: 17cm/6.8in

Rare antique classical period Kandyan standing Buddha, carved from Jackwood, circa 18thCE. H: 18cm/7in, please note in enlargements outstretched hand in the abhaya mudra and unisha are missing.

Unusual grey pottery jar from the syncretic Buddhist Dali Kingdom circa 982CE–1253CE, which was located in present day Yunnan. The Dali State was not fully absorbed into the Chinese Empire until the Ming Dynasty, although it did accept Mongol control and were by and large allowed to manage their own affairs as long as they contributed soldiers. This jar has mysterious animal appliqued faces well as Buddhist images set against peepul tree leaves (Bodhi Tree)...