Black lacquer box finely incised with motifs of birds, dormice, vines and flowers, the golden designs stand out pleasantly against the black background with discretion. This Chinese lacquer technique called Ch'iang Chin is very old, it consists of making slight incisions on the dry lacquer then filling them with gold powder mixed with fresh lacquer for good, lasting adhesion...

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...

The bronze is cast with lost wax and is hollow but very thick. Beautiful casting and good sculpting finish. No traces of gilding or pigment. The figure is in a very dynamic position, with unusual gestures difficult to model. The artist has given the hands a beautiful elegance by bending the fingers excessively. The bronze has a beautiful antique patina which dates back to the 18th century or earlier. No restoration, good condition...

A rare carved bone abacus with integral reverse glass painting depicting four boys, in a garden setting, peering into a large fish bowl. There is an added inscritpion carved into one side recording that this item was given as a gift in Hong Kong in 1953. Condition; very good - no damages or losses. 11.5cm (4.5 inches) long; 5.5cm (2.2 inches) wide; 1.5cm deep.

骨质婴戏图算盘 1953年或更早

算盘主框架和算盘珠为骨质，背面为玻璃内画4个男�...

DESCRIPTION: A good Chinese scholar’s brushpot, carved in deep relief with a continuous mountain landscape scene framed by gnarled pine trees and depicting two groups of scholars, some examining a scroll and others in a boat. The base and rim are encased in hardwood and the pot is engraved with a two line inscription. Very good condition, latter Qing Dynasty, 19th to early 20th C. DIMENSIONS: 6 ½” high (16.5 cm) x 6” diameter (15.2 cm).

Cast bronze censer gilded with mercury. Decor of Greek friezes and incised precious objects. The gilding is largely worn, we still see some in the places most protected from wear and tear. It is thick and of good quality, it is a hot-pasted mercury gilding technique. The handles are attached to the body they were cast with it, they are not added, riveted or welded, they represent dragon heads. On the base foot we can see a vertical dark trace of solding that is probably an old restauration...

Cast bronze incense burner. Simple, tripod shape, with cut-out rather than welded handles. Despite its simplicity, this censer is of a good quality finish, in fact you can see on some photos the traces of the passage of the scraper tool which makes a perfectly smooth surface. Below cast in the mass the mark of Xuande. Although bearing this mark of the 15th century, this type of bronze is from the Qing period...

Small tripod miniature incense burner of simple form in cast bronze. The two handles are unusually very thin. Below we can see the 6 characters of the reign of Xuande of the Ming Dynasty. The bronze is old, the beautiful patina attests to it. However, it is difficult to date it exactly. Usually the bronzes bearing the mark of Xuande are from the 17th century. A wooden base and lid were added later, probably in the 19th century...

Small cast bronze vase. Creature mask decoration in relief, probably a tiger. The metal is very thick and this small vase is very heavy. Although very simple, it is venerable and powerful. It is very old for several centuries. The patina of the bronze is sublime. Certainly a Chinese work. I don't think it's from the Ming period, the drawing is too simple. It could be Song or before... Only a specialist could determine a precise dating...

Cast pewter dropper in the shape of a doe. The animal is lying down, it is hollow and its mouth is pierced with a hole letting the water flow drop by drop. A leg is broken but is easily repairable, we can do this free of charge on request. The pewter seems covered in places with a thin layer of lacquer, or is it an old deposit of smoke, dust and oxides due to age. Probably Chinese work, of undetermined period with precision, but most certainly old. Qing period. A bit worn, normally for an old pe...

Censer in form of Tripod vase (Ding shape) in Chinese porcelain. Underglaze decoration of dragons with 5 claws in cobalt blue and copper red. The dragons are chasing the sacred pearl. Below the mark of Wanly. It is probably an apocryphal mark. The object may simply be from the Kanghi period, the worm nibbles around the edge seem to confirm this period? Some experts believe that red copper was not used in the late Ming, but some examples of imperial Chiaching and Wanly porcelain in copper red exi...

Antique pair of small bronze seated Qilin. Cast with heads facing upward and mouths open. Details of scales and striated tails. Each has a single horn. As scholar objects, it is possible that these were once used as scroll weights. Each Qilin stands on an antique carved hardwood stand.

Provenance Zelig Collection

16th Century: Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644)
Dimensions: 3" high (bronze only) 4" high including stand x 3 3/4" long

Antique Chinese bronze censer deeply incised with designs of protector dragons and magic pearls in the clouds above a river. Round, squat form with wide mouth. The bottom has a 6 character Xuande mark.

Cartouche Ming Dynasty - most likely 19th century

Dimensions: 7 1/2" wide x 2 1/2" high

Antique Chinese soapstone signature seal. Rectangular form with some lovely gray mottling. Carved on one side with a flower vase.

Age: Qing Dynasty (circa 19th century)

Dimensions: 2 5/16" high x 15/16" wide x 15/16" wide

Soulful Chinese antique seated wood carved figure of Daoist sage holding scroll in one hand. Beautifully aged with lovely patina.

Size: 7.25"H 6" L 3.5"D

Age: circa 1800s

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"

Beautiful antique Chinese huanghuali wood box, rounded lid opens to separate interior tray, great smooth craftsmanship, gorgeous rare hardwood, 17th/18th century. Size: 6" high x 17 1/2" wide x 6 3/4" deep.

Antique Chinese jade water coupe in the form of a duck. Carved of pale green jade with detailed feathers and scrolling archaic motifs. On a small wooden base.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 2 1/8" high x 3 1/4" long x 1 7/8" wide