Set of Three Royal Animal-Shaped Currency Weights from Burma, Dated 1800. From the 15th century up to the end of the 19th century, animal-shaped weights functioned as a means to measure currency, such as silver ingots or any other precious material that was a means of exchange. There were three main animal shapes used, one of which were these duck-like bird figures. These weights could also serve in a religious context as Buddhist reminders of the need for honesty (accuracy in weighing) during c...

19th Century Nepalese Butter Churn Handle. A fine piece of folk sculpture that is well patinated from considerable use. 10 inches, 25 cm. Very Good Condition.

The phurba is one of the most important of the shaman's implements, and this particular phurba is an exceptional example of the great effort and tremendous creativity that goes into the making of this magical tool. It has an upper section with 3 faces, one smiling, one wrathful, and one peaceful. The middle section is a vajra (symbol of lightning) whose twin tips rest on knots of eternity. The lower section represents Makara, the water divinity, who holds in his mouth the the triangular blade ar...

Beautiful and rare Japanese antique choba tansu (merchant's chest), made all of heavy keyaki (elm) wood, keyaki wood bracing on sides and back, original deep reddish brown translucent lacquer finish with wonderful patina, heavy iron hardware, interior has 2 drawers, Edo Period c1800. Size; 36 1/2" high x 40" wide x 23 1/4" deep.

A group of three clambering turtles in fine detail dating from the opening of the 20th century (later Meiji) stamped on the base Keishin and enclosed in a period wooden box. The group is roughly 8 inches (20 cm) long, 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall and in fine condition but for one old chipped toe on the back foot of the largest turtle (see close-up).

19th Century Nepalese Shaman Sculpture with traces of yellow and red pigment and an incredible, dense, dark patina. So thick and dark is the amazing patina that the necklace that covers the chest and back, and the carvings on the skirt, are barely visible. The hole on the bottom indicates that this was likely the handle of a dagger or staff. The old customs seal is also on the bottom. 8 inches, 20 cm. Very Good Condition.

19th Century Indian Antique Bronze Fluting Krishna Sculpture. Excellent Condition. 4.5 inches (11.5 cm). From the collection of a prominent author on and collector of Asian art.

19th Century Indian Antique Bronze Fluting Krishna Sculpture. 4.5 inches (11.5 cm). Excellent Condition. From the collection of a prominent author on and collector of Asian art.

Exquisitely Hand-Carved 19th Century Large Wall Panel Sculpture of Singha, from the Toba Batak People of Northern Sumatra. Singha is a supernatural creature who protects the home. He is a composite of a lion, serpent, buffalo, lizard, and human. This piece does have one repair, but it is clearly a native repair, that is, it was done by the original and native users of this piece. From the collection of Dutch collector Herman DaSilva. Good Condition. h20.5"(52cm), w19.5"(49cm), d4"(10cm)

This pair of Japanese handmade long square cut nails are 5" long and appear to have never been used. The nail heads are solid and shaped into a hemisphere. The silver colored decorative metal escutcheons have scalloped edges and markings to represent a flower. The escutcheons are just under 1" in diameter and have a squared center hole which exactly fits the nail shank.

19th century Japanese single-section lacquered wood merchant tansu with black iron hardware and locks with floriate buttons, bronze hirute handles, and featuring fourteen drawers of assorted sizes. Each side has one iron side lift carrying handle. 36" wide x 30 3/4" high x 16" deep. Very good overall condition with the original lacquer finish and intact hardware. There is a separation in the wood along each side, the drawers do not close completely flush with the case, and there is a faint semi-...

A finely carved Chinese wood emaciated monk; skeletal figure with a kindly spirited realized expression. H: 5” with some cracking. $65.00

A very important find and a great day for the serious Satsuma collector who acquires this exceedingly rare pair of plates of breathtaking beauty, detail and color by the renowned Satsuma Master, Ryozan, depicting the two Goddesses of the Seven Lucky Gods, Benzai-ten and Kichijo-ten (Kichijo-ten sometimes replaces Fukurokuju in portrayals of the Seven Lucky Gods). These Goddesses of Good Luck, Happiness, and Learning are patrons of geisha and artists and are venerated by speculators, entrepreneur...

THIS ITEM WAS STOLEN FROM OUR GALLERY ON 10/17/08. IF YOU SEE THIS ITEM ANYWHERE PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY AT (619) 221-9071. Japanese early to mid 20th century pure silver vase. The octagonal shaped hammered vase has a bold serpentine shape on 4 sides and the other 4 sides are each divided into 3 sides. The vase was made for the famous art store in Osaka, SHOBIDO. The vase is marked JUNGIN, or pure silver on the base. Comes with original TOMOBAKO, or custom wooden storage box. The wooden box...

A set of two 18th century screens showing through an assortment of amicable characters, the traditional production of silk. Depicted with ink and light color on paper, every aspect of the process is visible in high detail from the sorting of the worms to spinning, dying, weaving, and the selling of thread and bolts of cloth. An exciting screen both from the quality of the art and from the historical narrative contained. Each screen is 67-1/2 inches by 12 feet (171 x 378 cm). It is bordered i...

Late 18th Century Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful early example of high quality has a great presence, sumptuous brocades, gold lacquered armor, a spectacular helmet, and many other fine details. His face is gorgeously and masterfully carved with finely burnished Gofun. An extraordinary example. Figure height: 15.75 inches, 40 cm. Overall dimensions: 20 x 20 inches, 51 x 51 cm. Excellent Condition.

A wonderful large Edo Period Gosho Ningyo of Urashimataro. A delightful, playful rendering of this timeless theme. These type of Palace Dolls are usually smaller. This charming example is a unique, wonderful form from all angles. He is wearing an embroidered cap and bib and has a highly burnished finished gofun pigment. 12h x 11w inches, 30.h x 28w cm. Excellent Condition.

Lovely pair of Japanese Geisha Isho Ningyo. The style of this gorgeous set is fashioned after the work of early Japanese woodblock prints artists, such as Utamaro. They are finely painted and wear sumptuous kimonos over their graceful, elongated forms. Each figure is 12.5h x 7w inches, 32h x 18w cm. Excellent Condition.