DESCRIPTION: An exquisite Chinese table screen, elaborately carved with a mounted jade bi on one side and an inscription on the reverse. Stands such as these were custom made to display specific precious jade artifacts, with this bi most likely dating from the Neolithic Period (5,000 to 2,000 BC). The inner frame’s surface is carved in relief on each side with a pair of convoluted dragons; another pair of carved and pierced dragons form the supports on either side of the stand. On the reverse... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: An attractive heart-shaped scholar’s calligraphy box of solid brass that includes an ink stone within the inner lid. The outer lid has a Chinese inscription, roughly translated as follows: “You find books are good companions; you can find friends from the old scholars who teach you about behaving well as a gentleman.” Inside this lid is a thin, heart-shaped ink stone surface held in place by an inner rim. A nice portable way to carry necessary writing accoutrements, the lower po... Click for details
Three extremely rare genuine red coral scholar objects; we believe that the birds of paradise were apart of a thematic composition that once adorned a scholars table. With a little imagination a craftsman can assemble these pieces together on a piece of gnarled wood or stone to again adorn the scholars table. These are natural red coral, and no dye was used to render its color; the fakes exhibit a blood red color so often found in the market. These are very well carved and the coral branch is... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A handsome and large Chinese rosewood table screen (or fireplace screen), crafted with a large framed rectangular panel surrounded by a border of flowering tendrils in an outer frame. These are supported by an elaborately carved and pierced base in the “three friends of winter” motif, featuring pine, bamboo and prunus blossoms grouped around a central rock outcropping. This motif is a prevalent theme in Chinese and Japanese art, and symbolizes perseverance, longevity and vitality ... Click for details
A Chinese bamboo brush pot of square shape with rounded angles and carved with flowers and a calligraphic poem. A good quality Scholar's table accessory. size: 4 1/2 inches (11.5cm) high.age: C. 1900 or earlier.condition: very good, with natural configuration of the wood.
Ching Dynasty. Late 19th Century. A Chinese gourd cricket cage depicting in molded relief an unusual arrangement of horses interspersed with rocks, mountains and a tree with a narrow border of faintly etched or incised key-fret design on the upper neck below the lid. The cage is of traditional form fitted with a wooden collar and a removable lid pierced with seven small circular openings trimmed in bone or ivory and screened on the inside, the lid and collar fashioned from a dark, tightly-gra... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A black lacquered Chinese display stand, elaborately carved from softwood in the form of a waisted table with scrolled legs. Into the skirt of the table is carved landscape scenes, and a diamond shaped diaper pattern forms a border around the top edge and along bottom rails. This is a nice old stand (probably mid 19th C.) and would make a beautiful base to some treasured Asian piece such as an ivory or jade carving. There is minor cracking to the lacquer on top and a few minor bl... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A petite etched ivory seal with engraved scene and tiny Chinese inscription in the upper right corner. The scene depicts a deity in the clouds pouring oil from a double gourd onto a brazier below which is surrounded by a group of men. The top is pierced with two holes through which a silk cord is threaded and secured by a dark stone bead. Inset on the side to the right of this scene is a silver diamond. The seal base leaves a positive (or red) impression when inked. Dating from t... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: An exceptional cricket box (or cage) with molded gourd body, bulbous ebony wood top, and a high, intricately carved tortoise shell cap. This outstanding box has all the characteristics that the experienced collector desires: good size, well defined mold impressions with complex design, invisible seams, and an intricately carved reticulated cap. The body of the gourd has a continuous landscape scene with mountains, twisting pine trees, pavilions and rock outcroppings. The domed t... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A straight edged proportion stick that would have been used by a scholar in painting and calligraphy. It is divided into equal segments with brass brads across the width and further divided into smaller segments along the edges. Additional brad decorations have been added on each side including a pair of bats and other auspicious symbols such as Ying Yang circles. In very fine condition with a lovely warm, rich patina. DIMENSIONS: 13 3/4” long (35 cm).
