A Dayak sword - Mandau - with rattan bound deer antler handle in the form of a finely carved zoomorphic (possibly deer's) head. The iron blade is engraved with stylized scrolling vine decoration. This item was made (and used) during either the 19th or very early 20th Century. Condition: very good, but the sword is without its scabbard and the bade has seen much use, having many nicks to the cutting edge; also much of the decorative brass inlay to the blade is missing. For many additional pict...

A sansai-glazed Tang Dynasty pottery tripod censer. Most sansai-glazed pottery include green and amber glazes - this vessel is glazed in blue and amber glazes. Blue sansai-glazed pottery is very rare since the blue color was made from cobalt imported from the Middle East and was very expensive at the time. Blue cobalt glazed sancai pieces go for much higher prices because of the preciousness of the ingredient and how scarcely it was used. This piece has bold splashes of blue against an amber...

A well carved hardwood figure of an emmaciated aescetic, probably depicting the Chinese Daoist Immortal Li Tieguai. This item was made in China, probably for export, during either the late 19th or early 20th century. Condition: there is a small old chip to one finger and an old age crack to the base; otherwise excellent. 27cm (10.5 inches} high.

An Ao-Kutani palette porcelain deep dish in the Yoshidaya manner. Hydrangeas decoration in polychrome enamels including white, light blue-green, and dark green, blue, blue-green and aubergine in black line, all on yellow ground, a chocolate brown enamel on the otherwise unglazed biscuit rim. The number and subtlety of hues but consistent for palette is pleasing. The back with enamels including dark green on black line decoration of clouds. Kutani mark in black under yellow glaze inside the foot ...

DESCRIPTION: A captivating pair of lacquered figural candle pricks, each in the form of a smiling attendant with hand on hip, wearing a banded hat and holding aloft a candle dish. The figures themselves are hand crafted of solid brown lacquer around a wire frame, while the flared bases are wood blocks covered in brown lacquer. This unusual, rare pair date from approximately 1750 – 1850, and are in remarkable condition with the expected age wear to the lacquered surface. DIMENSIONS: Each app...

DESCRIPTION: From our Southeast Asia Collection, a large and classic 19th century Burmese Hsun-ok constructed of wood that was first lacquered in black, and then covered in successive layers of cinnabar colored lacquer called hinthabada. Over time, through use and handling, the cinnabar lacquer has worn off in some areas to reveal the black lacquer base coat underneath, resulting in an attractive negoro effect. This particular vessel has graceful, stepped shoulders, a tall spire with large ce...

An unusual, sancai glazed stoneware caparisoned elephant form vessel. The larger opening on its back is suggestive of a lime pot (our best guess) with only traces suggested by an off white cast on the sides of the otherwise buff colored unglazed interior. The trunk, curled above the head, ends in a smaller aperture but not optimal as a kendi. The form, in the round, and the pleasantly crazed sancai glaze (cream, amber and a rare blue) suggest influence of the Cizao kilns legacy of Fujian (known ...

Japanese framed woodblock print of a nude woman sitting on blue robes, combing her hair. Signed Yoshitoshi Mori (1898-1992), dated 1977. Number 50/80 of its series. Red seal in corner. Size: (entire frame) 25.75" height, 19.25" width (print only) 20" height, 13.75" width

A monkey reaches toward the moon, arms outstretched from the gnarled trunk of an ancient blossoming plum on the side of this large pottery bowl by Kiyomizu Rokubei IV and decorated by a young Takeuchi Seiho. It is 23 cm (9 inches) diameter, 9.5 cm (4 inches) tall and is in excellent condition, and comes enclosed in a fine custom made kiri-wood box.
Kiyomizu Rokubei IV (1848-1920) was first born son of Rokubei III, and took over the family business in 1883 upon the death of his father. N...

A set of three framed woodblock prints by artist Hiroshige depicting a busy street at night, a boat scene, and a small, upscale gathering. The similar usage of deep blue in each print is complimentary to the set. Size: (entire frame) 12.25" height, 22.25" width (each print) 6.25" height, 4" width

We proudly like to offer a 400 year old perfect Korean Gohon Ido shape chawan.

The fine, little iron bearing clay has been mixed with sand (suna gohon) and thrown into an ido shape widening towards the rim.

The light body is covered with a clear, little greyish ash glaze, reacting with the iron oxide in the body to develop the pink spots typical for that kind of Gohon bowls.

The high foot has been trimmed when the clay was leather hard producing a rough surfac...

Japanese 32 Sword Scabbards Tray, set in Wood Frame-top and shaped bottom Tray, Meiji period, 13 1/4" x 8" wide, 1 1/2" high, and Scabbard-1" high, 1 3/8" wide for each Scabbard, include Shark's skin, various techniques Lacquered design, none of them are same, all different lacquered Scabbard, tray has rounded corners on top and short rounded bracket feet on the bottom. All the Scabbards are in good condition but wood on the bottom shows two(2) cracks between 5" to 9" long.

DESCRIPTION: A large, ten pronged tortoise shell comb made for the European market (Victorian era, circa 1880-1890). The fashion of the day included large elaborate combs placed in upswept hair, and this one is a real beauty! The curved prongs and scalloped crown are from a single piece of shell which is mounted with three large round beads and two carved triangular designs. Very good condition with only a couple of tiny nits that are difficult to even see. DIMENSIONS: 6 ½” long (16.5 cm...

Gnarled plums cover the unusual rich blue ground of this antique tsubo vase from the Arita kilns dating from the early 20th century. It is 14-1/2 inches (37 cm) tall and in fine condition, signed on the base. The decoration is performed entirely in overglaze enamels with a gold rim,and is both vivid and fresh. One of the more unusual pieces I have seen from this region. It is signed on the base in Red Arita sei Miyuki Gama

A kozuka with gilt and silvered bronze decoration of a general's baton and banner on dark patinated bronze nanako ('fish roe' textured ground.) The utility knife handle with shakudo (a pickled gold and copper alloy) back and sides. Surfaces showing wear and slight distress from use but in fairly good and serviceable condition. Could benefit from a light cleaning and oiling. Length, little more than 3 3/4 inches (9.53 cm)

Ao-Oribe Chawan of Early Edo Period

Little distorted half cylinder shaped (kutsugata) tea bowl made of light, coarse, unrefined Mino clay. The expertly thrown body is covered with the typical green copper oxide glaze inside and outside. A 'window' on the side has been left unglazed for decoration in iron oxide engobe under a clear ash glaze in a pattern squares and triangles. This is a typical late Momoyama design. The somewhat irregular foot is typical for the late production of t...

Chinese sgraffito ground enameled porcelain plates, with a pink ground, late 19th century period, dark pink floral pattern on a textured pink ground, exterior with bamboo decoration and the base bears Jiaqing mark. Size: Diameter of plate is 7.75 inches, very good condition with no imperfections.

A bentwood bamboo bracelet with a silver work band of a floral design. The two knots in the bamboo have carved stylized dragons. Age: Early 1900's. Size: Diameter. Inside 7.3cm. Outside 8.8cm. Condition: Very good.No repairs.