DESCRIPTION: One of the necessary calligraphy tools on the Chinese scholar’s table was a small container to hold water and drip it onto the inkstone for the purpose of mixing the ground ink. These small but important objects were crafted so that one measured drop at a time could be poured to ensure the proper ratio of ink to water while mixing...

He is charming...well detailed leaning on a pillows ...a few nicks and bruises to the finish as to be expected at this age...roughly 4 inches tall and 6 inches wide...

DESCRIPTION: A large and masterfully carved Chinese shou shan stone (soapstone) seal in tall rectangular form, the knob carved with a crouching dragon having both wings tucked back covering its sides, and whose mouth is poised to grasp the sacred pearl. On each flat surface of the base are engraved inscriptions and characters among idyllic scenes of rivers with boats, hills, houses and pavilions. The bottom seal characters leave a positive (red) impression...

DESCRIPTION: A fine red and gilt Chinese scholar's ink cake in circular form with the front and back molded in relief in the form of a foo dog (shi shi) with tightly curled mane. Both the front and back have raised Chinese characters in relief. Excellent condition in original box, and dating from the first quarter of the 20th C. or earlier. DIMENSIONS: 2 ¾” diameter (7 cm).

Chinese Republic period white molded biscuit porcelain seven-piece scholar's desk set decorated in relief with bird and flower motifs...

DESCRIPTION: A beautiful antique Chinese tobacco pipe, elegantly crafted from a long bamboo stem lacquered in red and black. The tip (bit) is carved from a pure white nephrite jade stone that is tapered and then flared to form the lip. The bowl and shank are crafted from silver metal, and bands of brass rings decorate each end. This pipe is in excellent condition and dates from the latter Qing Dynasty. DIMENSIONS: 17 ¼” long (44 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A red and gilt ink cake in the form of a turtle with a curled snake on its back. In ancient China, the tortoise and the snake were thought to be spiritual creatures symbolizing longevity. Both the front and back have been finely pressed in raised relief with gilt accents. One of the treasures of the Chinese scholar’s studio, this ink cake is in excellent condition, in its original box, and dates from the first quarter of the 20th C. or earlier. DIMENSIONS: 3” long (7.7 cm).

Natural fan shaped lingzhi fungus scholars viewing object. Naturally hand worn patina with natural tone and shine. Relaxed open fan rippling shape sitting comfortable on stable flat base.

Mid to Late 19th Century

Dimensions: 17" wide X 10" high X 6" deep

Old wooden stand acquired from a US expat estate in 1987, this was made between 1950 and 1980. The legs are inserted. Minor natural “check” in the top, and this piece is sort of shaped like Australia (no extra charge). 14cm/5.5in x 10cm/4cm and 4cm/1.6in.

Old Chinese soapstone carving of a Confucius or a Confucian Scholar on a fitted lotus form wooden stand. Measures 4" high including base. Base measures 3.5" long, 2" wide.

Pair of Tiele (Chinese Ironwood) Weiqi boxes, carved from solid wood. Weiqi was the forerunner of the Japanese board game of Go, and one of the Four Arts, that someone from the "gentleman class" were supposed to know. These boxes are used to put the stone pieces in. There is cyclical date which probably doesn’t go further back than 1972 therefore they could be 1984, 1996, 2008, 2000, 2012...

Special Offer- free shipping! Lovely Japanese presentation or tea tray, made from a naturally hollowed out section of the bottom of a tree trunk “cat face”. This should be mid 20th century. I think it would make a stunning planter (see enlargement #9). D: 28cm/11in and H: 17cm/6.8in.

Chinese mother of pearl tray. Inlay work on hardwood, image of squirrels, birds, butterflies, and insects among grapevines. Mid 19th century. Size: Length: 26.25" Width:17.6" Height: 0.75"

An unusual underglaze blue Chinese cricket jar with charming scenes of a scholar in garden settings. The condition is very good without chips, cracks, or hairlines. Dating circa 1900, it measures 5" across x 3.5" high.

Ca. 1890-1910s
Late Qing Dynasty - Republic period
Bone with ox horn
Seal measures 5 cm by 1.7cm by 1.7 cm
Carrying case measures 8.1 cm by 3 cm by 2 cm
From an Italian private collection

Condition: Staining to the seal, chips long the edge of the carrying case, otherwise excellent. [Please examine all photos carefully, as they are part of the condition report.]

DESCRIPTION: A fine and very sculptural Chinese Duan ink stone in the form of a bell with a deeply carved water well on one end, and a flaring flat surface on the other for mixing ink. The stone is raised on two elongated prong feet, between which is a five character inscription...

A rare and beautifully built silver inlaid zitan wood tray with silver frame/base. The inlaid picture depicting four geese playing at a reed marsh. Late Qing Dynasty. Condition: Age cracks on wood; missing inlays. Please see photos for detail, additional photos will be provided upon request. Dimensions: 14-1/8"L X 10-1/4"W X 1-1/4"H.

Beautiful small Qing Dynasty Ding censer with glaze emulating bronze, ideal for the scholar’s desk Perfect original condition, there are couple of small areas on a side handle where the glaze did not take- just minor firing imperfection. H: 5cm/2in and D: 5.7cm.