Antique 17th century (circa 1650-1680) Japanese Arita porcelain ewer of oval form with a waisted neck and loop handles, painted in underglaze-blue with panels of peonies reserved on karakusa, the neck is with stylized peonies. The top of the handle has two holes whilst one is pierced and the other is not; the holes were made prior to the firing process of the porcelain at the request of European merchants importing Japanese porcelain for European markets because many of these types of ewer w...

Japanese sagemono (hanging object) tobacco pipe set consisting of a wood kiserutsuzu (pipe holder), kiseru (pipe), and wood tonkotsu (tobacco box) in the form of a humorous yawning Daruma with arms overhead grasping the two cords with his fists. The cords hold an ojime (sliding bead), which is attached to the pipe holder. Daruma’s body is kiri (pawlonia) wood and his eyes are inlaid with mother of pearl. His face lifts and functions as a cover for the tobacco box. A badger (tanuki) standin...

Japanese Satsuma foliate form bowl decorated in overglaze pigments and gilt highlights with a large bird in a cherry tree at the foreground set against a landscape scene with beauties in a pavilion at the right and a waterfall at the left. The exterior features three flying female mythological figures. The base bears a gold on black square “Satsuma Hotoda” mark and circular Satsuma family crest. 4 1/4” diameter x 1 3/4” high. Meiji period (late 19th century). Very good overall condi...

From our Chinese Polychrome Collection, a very rare and seldom seen Peranakan Chai Hup or ceremonial vegetable box, 19th century, used for food offerings to Tiangong, the God of Heaven, during traditional Baba Weddings.

The terms "Peranakan" or "Baba Nyonya" or "Straits Chinese" are often used interchangeably to describe the descendants of Ming Dynasty Chinese immigrants who settled along the Malay Peninsula, which encompasses parts of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. But the ethnograp...

This is an uchikake robe (outer kimono gown) probably used as Kabuki stage costume. The bottom and the openings of sleeves are thickly padded with cotton stuffing. The design is large paulownia leaves and flowers. The exterior and liner are both thick cotton. This robe is old, and a little soiled but the fabrics still have not lost it’s strength. It is an attractive display piece. One small tear (hole) in red liner in the back, some broken couching stitches.

48” (1.22m) wide...

From our Chinese Monochrome Collection, a large carved ivory elephant bridge, late 19th century, depicting a procession of eight individual elephants of graduating size, nicely carved from a single tusk. The elephants are well-rendered and the ivory has a good buttery patina somewhat better than the photos reflect.

Interestingly, the artist's decision to carve eight elephants here is no accident: Those familiar with Chinese mythologies and cultural superstitions will immediately recognize...

Beautiful Japanese maru obi! Obis can be used as a belt to hold a kimono together. The classic design from the Heian Period (794-1192AD) of ox carts, fans and court music instruments run throughout the front and back. The gold is woven into the fabric almost entirely and sparkles when it is hit by light – it has much gentler tones in the dark. The earth tone green and rusty brown are particularly pretty on this obi. With a thick padding inside, this obi will make a great decoration pi...

An unusual chato (tea room sword) in the shape of an octopus, its 8 legs stretched out in uniform with one curled back exposing the suckers. Eyes are intimated on one side, with an old chip where the breathing hole is opposite. About the neck is wrapped a faded silk chord. It is 22 inches (56 cm) long. It is said that these wooden swords were produced from the mid to late Edo period, in lieu of swords for those not allowed to carry weapons (all but samurai). During the Edo it is true that ...

Japanese uchikake (wedding gown) with a colorful design of flowers and birds done in the Tsujigahana-zome (dye) style. The old Tsujigahana dye technique was used on the clothing of the Muromachi to Momoyama period elites. Inside the tie dyed area, flowers and birds were painted with blue, purple and black ink. Tsujigahana-dye was short lived and completely vanished by the early 17th century because of its extreme complexity. This gown is very beautiful with many woven metal threads;...

From our Chinese Blue and White Collection, a very fine and elegant Kangxi Period (1662-1722) phoenix bowl, early Kangxi Period circa 1675-1690, decorated with two well-painted phoenixes and a treed outcropping, all well-executed in a strong blue against a delicately potted pure white body with everted rim. The interior features a single flower encircled within a medallion of double lines. The base is plain. The footrim is especially finely cut and very neatly glazed exposing just a narrow swath...

From our Shipwreck Porcelain Collection, a fine and large blue and white Ca Mau Shipwreck dish ex-Sotheby's, Yongzheng Period 1723-1735, datable more specifically to circa 1725. The scene depicts Europeans (most likely Dutch traders) on what was once mistakenly thought to be Deshima Island in Nagasaki Harbor Japan, but which recent scholarship now concludes is either a scene of Holland in the Netherlands, or Gothenborg in Sweden. We personally agree with the academic viewpoint that the scene dep...

In pristine condition, is this Japanese woodblock album displaying 6 famed prints, although these are not originals, yet they are actual wood block prints done for the 1964 Olympics in Japan. Please read the label description on book cover; the woodblocks are 44 years old with no soiling, smudge, or any imperfection whatsoever. They were adapted for stamps, but each are sized image area about 5" by 7" and each come with the original acid free protective tissue paper.

A small blue and white Chinese stem dish, 19th century. In excellent condition, thick unctuous glaze and nice form. This would make a nice ring or jewelry dish! It measures 4" across by 2" high.

AN ELEGANT CHINESE PAKTONG TOBACCO PIPE, 19THC

The pipe looks a little like yellow brass in some pictures but this is a result of recent tarnishing, perhaps I should have polished it a little before taking the photographs. The base has an engraved inscription. 19th century I suspect. Especially nice is the cloud collar and the subtle shape of the base, almost peach-shape in section.

17.3/4 inches (45cm) high. Fine condition. The conical wall of the base has a slight depr...

From our Southeast Asia Collection, a very fine 19th century Thai Rattanakosin bronze Buddha exhibiting the rarely seen Pang Ham Phra Kaen Chan mudra, also known as the "Stopping the Sandalwood Image" mudra. This Buddha is especially well-cast with sharp details. It has just the right balance of wear commensurate with age combined with a good amount of retained original gilding, ultimately giving the piece its undeniable air of age and authenticity.

As stated above, this particular mu...

From our Japanese Collection, a superb Kinkozan satsuma vase of tapered ovoid form, Meiji Period 1868-1912, most likely 1880-1890, depicting a finely painted bijin on one panel along with finely painted roosters and flying birds in a garden setting on the other panel. Both main panels are separated by reserves of elaborate gilt work set against a rich cobalt blue ground. Kinkozan signature and impressed mark on the bottom. As with all of our satsuma offerings, this piece is of the highest qual...

A lovely and cute Japanese pickle relish dish dated to the late Meiji period (1868-1912). The type is known as geisha ware due the subject matter so wonderfully represented. It is further without chips, cracks, or any damage whatsoever. It measures 9" long x 3.25" wide.

From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, a large carved marble caparisoned elephant from Southern India. Naturalistically carved from a cream / off-white colored marble, this makes for a good decorator's item for those looking to add an Indian flair.

Size and Condition: 12 inches tall, 10 inches long, and 4 inches deep. A very heavy and substantial piece of marble at approximately 20 pounds.