Catalog (45)

Rare early 20th century Yi minority lacquered box constructed from leather. I purchased this piece in a Bai minority, weekly market in Yunnan near Dali around 2002. 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. Very minor lacquer losses on the edge. Excellent condition. H: 5cm/2in

Very fine red lacquered saber (dao) scabbard fitting from the Nùng people Vietnam. They are well known for their sword making so it makes sense they would put the same effort into their accoutrements. This is an old semi antique piece circa 1950 excellent condition and intricate carving. L: 14cm/5.5in W: 5.9cm/2.3in and Thickness 2.4cm/1in.

Rare black Lanna lacquer box circa 70 to 90 years old in excellent condition given its age, no repairs or big chunk missing, from Chiang Mai. Genuine old examples of Thai lacquer are quite rare these days as most have been bought up by Thai collectors. H: 8.7cm/3.4in and D: 11cm/4.2in.

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....

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.

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...

Fine old lacquerware antique, cylindrical box, possibly Karen or Shan, from North Thailand, with rattan bindings, these are becoming increasing difficult to find these days. Some loss of lacquer on the surface. H: 15cm/5.8in and D: 7.3cm/2.8in.

Superb antique lacquered bamboo woven box from the Lisu ethnic minority, Northern Thailand. This piece is in good condition with minute losses to lacquer but perfect woven body. Please view enlargements to appreciate the fine detail on this, also note that this double walled. L: 11.cm/4.2in, H: 5.5cm/2.3in and W: 6.5cm/2.5in.

Unusually large lacquered betel container with two inner trays, from Karen ethnic group. Circa first half 20th century, some loss to the bottom. H:11.5cm/4.5in and D: 12.6cm/5in.

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.

Rare “kiln waster” possibly from the Qingliangsi Kiln, Baofeng, Henan- see reference in last enlargement. D: 11.8cm/4.7in and H: 4cm/1.6in. Very shiny black glaze. There is one star crack on the side as well as “slag” adhesions on the rim. Please examine enlargements. May still be used for tea ceremony if you don't mind a little "wabi sabi"

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.

Very large Cambodian brown lacqered clothing box with beveled dome lid and rattan bindings. Nice old village construction circa 50 or 60 years old. Constructed from molded wood and in good condition except for minor loss to crenellated decoration around the base. D: 38cm/14.9in and H: 22cm/8.6in.

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...

Nice old red and black lacquered Cambodian Siri (betel) box container with foliate scroll pattern incised on the surface. Minor lacquer losses and restoration consistent with an antique piece. 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: 23.5cm/9.2in and H: 10...

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...

Fine old Cambodian lacquered woven bamboo betel box. No damage or restoration other than natural wear, as to be expected. Any lacquer coming from Southeast Asia with no signs of use is a strong indicator that its new. Circa 60 to 90 years old. D: 21.5cm/8.5in and H: 9cm/3.5in