Civil War Union General staff button by Scovill of Waterbury, CT. In the 2006 appraisal there is an attached note that read, "Josephine, a button from the Confederate uniform from father S. A. Ashe." This Josephine was Sam Ashe's (S. A. Ashe) sister. William Shepard Ashe, whose button this belonged to, was Secretary of Transportation for the CSA. Appraised in 2006 for insurance purposes, see photo. This button is from the original family and is the first time on the market. Guaranteed authent...
18C Chinese domed jade plaque carved in low relief with Buddhist auspicious symbols. Color is a whitish pale celadon. It is carved very, very thin with two sets of small holes to the back edge. This may have been attached to clothing or fabric or, perhaps, attached to a large ruyi scepter. Condition is excellent and it is wonderfully translucent. Measures: 4" x 3.25".
Very hard to find Chinese scholar's desk plank. Made of huanghuali wood, the plank has aged beautifully having a wonderful warm golden patina with a beautiful sheen. There are 3 minor age cracks at 3 of the 4 corners. These cracks do not compromise the integrity of this incredible scholar's item, but instead attests to its age. Planks were used to set objects on that a Scholar was using. He could have also used it to display an item or items. Measures 15" x 6.5" x .5"
Republic period, 1940s or earlier, semi translucent jade brush washer, or possibly a snuff tray, in an unusual oval shape with a small carved flower button in the center. The jade has a lovely soft polished surface which is always rare to find. Color is best described as white jade with a pale celadon tint and, for presentation; we have it resting on a white jade bi from a later date. Both are included in the sale. Oval snuff tray/brush washer only measures: L 5" x D3" x H 5/8". More phot...
A fine, circa 1700-1730, English walnut writing chest strung with boxwood and crossbanded. The three-drawer superstructure has a fold flap above two short and two long drawers on a molded plinth and small compressed bun feet. In excellent antique condition, it measures 36ʺ wide × 18.25ʺ deep × 35ʺ high.
A very impressive African tribal Senufo bird statue measuring 61.75 inches high with a 25" wingspan. The bird's wings are carved in relief with images of lizards, crocodiles, turtles and birds. The body beneath the beak has a carving of a large lizard. The rest of the bird features repeated geometric carvings on front and back. In very good condition with expected splits to wood and various minor conditions associated with age. Please feel free to email with any questions or for more photo...
Large 17" high Inuit sculpture by Henry Evaluardjuk of an heroic polar bear saving a seal. Hand carved and polished, the sculpture is pinned to the base. This is an exceptional example of Evaluardjuk's work and was purchased March 12, 1990 from the Inuit Gallery in Vancouver, British Columbia., Canada. Comes with complete documentation.
Henry Evaluardjuk (1923-2007) Over the course of his life, he lived in Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Markham Bay, Lake Harbour and Cape Dorset, finally se...
An impressive Chinese roof tile in the style of a Ming water dragon. In very good condition, with just a few small age related chips, it measures 23.5" high, 23.5" long x 7.5". Base measures 11" x 7.5". This water dragon would make a stunning accent piece for your home or in your garden. Dates early 20th Century. Weighs about 50 lbs
Circa 1780, Gates County, Eastern North Carolina Chippendale style walnut slant front desk. Comes with letter from MESDA. Measures 37ʺW × 27ʺD × 41ʺH. Please study photos. Desk is solid and sturdy. Inquire with any questions.
Spectacular pair of Chinese celadon floor vases, with breathtaking hand fashioned tendrils and chrysanthemums in bouquets throughout. The contrast between the white biscuit and celadon glaze has a visual impact rarely seen on Chinese porcelain; the Buddhist foo dog and pup handles are a special feature that adds charm. These floors vases are in a most remarkable state of preservation, no chips, or other damage noted. On one vase is a slight imperfection along the lute line, but other than tha...
An awesome natural light ice blue aquamarine ring with four natural rubies set in a hand casted 14K yellow gold mounting. This rare very large emerald cut natural aquamarine with amazing brilliance, sparkle, and color weighs approximately 22 cts and measures approx 1/2" across by 1 11/16" inches high. Circa 1940's, this fabulous ring is sure to please and will get you noticed at any occasion. More information and photos available.
19th C French black papier-mache with gold gilt and mother-of-pearl decoration. The wind-up clock was made in Great Britain and the paper-mache surround was created in France. In excellent restored condition, it measures 19" diameter.
Impressive hand carved and polished Lapis Lazuli carving of Shou Lao, the Chinese deity of longevity, standing with others, including a deer, on a log boat. Presented on a silver wire inlaid rosewood stand, this is a superb piece and comes in its own presentation box. It measures: Long 10" x High 7.25" x Depth 2.5" plus stand. Dates mid 20th C, late Republic/early People's Republic of China.
A rare and unique offering of a Ming dynasty (1368-1644) wall section from Nanning in Guangxi Province. Molded in deep relief it shows a typical scholar from the Ming dynasty wearing the literati hanfu, the traditional black straight-lined robe. His hair style is the traditional wavy cloud that rests in a neat pile on the pate of the head. The other human figure is a common laborer, which were the only ones who wore cloth pants and a short top overcoat; he is holding in his hands a wooden hu ta...
Large antique 19th C terracotta sculpture in the Italian Renaissance style of a beautiful woman. All original with no repairs or touch-ups, rarely do you find one of these pieces with the paint and gold gilt intact. This piece has just been lightly dusted with a soft brush for the past 25 years. A decorators dream, she measures a little over 18" high x 15" wide at the base. Circa 1880. Another bust from the same mold was featured in Architectural Digest in Martin Sheen's home, however that piece...
18th Century Chippendale Pennsylvania Walnut Highboy with a Scrolled Skirt, Fluted Quarter Columns, Cabriole Legs and Ball and Claw Feet
This is a wonderful 18th Century Chippendale walnut highboy, and was likely hand-crafted in Pennsylvania in or near Philadelphia circa 1750 - 1780. The squat proportions and massive strength of the architecture suggest a Philadelphia origin.
The highboy has a scrolled undulating scrolled skirt and fluted quarter columns, as well as grace...
Circa 1890-1910, pair of red cinnabar lacquer lamped vases with shades. The vases feature expertly carved scholarly garden scenes on the front and back sides. Mounted as table lamps with pierced hardwood stands, hardwood neck blocks, along with all updated brass hardware and electrical, they are home ready.
Japanese lacquer tray with a mountain stream and cranes in a raised landscape scene. This small/medium tray is about the best as they come in displaying many types of lacquer techniques including Maki-e, Hiramaki-e, and Takamaki-e with superb colors and fine gold nashiji work having shaped corners with concave edges. The cranes, pine trees, and mountains are all done in raised relief with the cranes showing incredible details. The stream flowing down from the top is rendered in several finely ...