This is a very rare and highly desirable Changsha kiln 9th century Tang Dynasty bird water dropper. Based on archaeological records, Changsha wares originated and were developed from the foundations of the Yue Zhou kilns which were built prior to the Tang Dynasty in the same region. Usually these are characterized by such components such as under-glazed brown and green motifs and with molded design in relief, appliqué designs or impressed designs in relief and also incised or carved designs...
Carved in fine detail is this deep red cinnabar box of a scholar with young boy in a garden setting. Made in the traditional method of applying many layers of cinnabar red lacquer, the carvings are deep and well executed. The inside and bottom of this box are black lacquer. In excellent condition, this box dates approximately 1910-1920 and measures about 4” x 2” (10 cm x 5 cm)
A beautiful and very functional pair of black lacquer wooden cabinets with detailed court scenes. The cabinets can be stacked as pictured or positioned separately and perhaps placed under windows. As separately standing pieces, they can be used for extra seating with the simple addition of a few throw pillows or cushions. They can also be positioned back to back to serve as a large coffee table. The cabinets’ interiors are painted red and there is a red flower painted on each side...
Qing Dynasty opium den lamp made with burner bowl. This style lamp was used to illuminate Chinese opium dens and was often their only source of lighting. These lamps were also used to heat the opium tar housed at the end of a long opium pipes. The burner bowl is stoneware with the inside glazed to hold the oil and wick (wick is new). The base for the burner is made of split bamboo. Opium lamps made of wood are extremely hard to find...
Two unique blue and jarlets being offered as group. 1. a small Binh Taun shipwreck jarlet. 2. a Jiajing jarlet 1796-1820. The condition is excellent with the exception of the shipwreck jarlet that shows wear from burial at sea, otherwise the group is perfect without any further flaws, no chips, hairlines, or other damage.
A beautifully preserved Han dynasty amber glazed lidded hu jar (221B.C.-206A.D) with the original kiln supports fully intact, located on the foot. The jar is free from any hairlines or repairs. The glaze is nearly and entirely intact, just slightly grazed in spots. It is extremely rare to find an amber glaze jar from the Han dynasty. It is even rarer to find one with its intact lid that is free from repairs...
A very rare Jianyang temmoku wine jar of Song dynasty (11th to 12th century) that has the characteristic black body clay, traces of burial earth are left intact around the handle and mouth areas of the vase for authentication purposes. The typical thick black glaze with the aforementioned black body clay, clearly designates the origin about 230 km from Jingdezhen in the region of Jiangxi province. Condition is very good without any hairlines, chips, or repairs...
Two very rare foo dogs that served as joss stick holders, done in the famille jaune palette. These date to the pre-1891. They are in very good antique condition, save some minimal lost of enamel glaze and a short hairline on the backside of the holder of one of the foo dogs which is clearly pictured, this can be easily restored...
Dating early Republic period, these beautiful Chinese porcelain umbrella stands are mirror images of each other and thus a true matching pair. A rarity to find a pair, they are in excellent condition and are very substantial weighing about 24 lbs each. Measure 24" tall. Signed on bottom. $1,800 pair or $975 each
One of the best shiwan (shekwan) sculptures we've ever encountered, this large masterpiece displays the legendary Laozi riding an ox: Laozi means "old master". It is said that he mounted an ox and headed west, before leaving, the border guard asked if he would write down his ideas, which Laozi obliged to do, thus he wrote the Tao-te ching (Book of Changes)...
Not your typical cloisonne, this beauty is simply one of the best quality that I have personally seen in many years, notice the graceful cranes and profuse floral that create perfect balance and harmony, the colors are intense and dazzle the eyes. This vase dates to the pre 1950 era and is free from any damages, this is the last of the truly artistic and well made cloisonne vases done in the old world manner. In excellent condition, it measures 10.5 inches high.
A nice Chinese wine jug measuring 12" (30.5 cm) high, 11" (27.9 cm) diameter. This attractive example dates late 19th century. Beautiful dark brown glaze.