Catalog (495)

Old Taoist priest's robe, from The Yao ethnic group Southwest China. There are various Taoist deities, dragons and other mythical beasts embroidered on handwoven cloth and also has handwoven hemp lining. The rest of the robe is made from commercial cloth. W: 190cm/74 x H: 100cm/39in. Some of the threads are loose or pulled so please examine the enlargements carefully. The embroidered area is quite old dating to first half of the 20th century or earlier.

Stunning mid 20th century emulation of a fan painting depicting a mouse eating lychees. The apocryphal seals say that this was housed in the “Imperial Library of Qianlong”, “Room of Three Rare Treasures” unfortunately we cannot decipher the artists seal. Painted and mounted on silk, there is some foxing in on the backing as well as a couple of minor creases- needs to be framed with new matting, but would look beautiful with a little effort. Mounted dimensions: W: 38.5cm/15.2cm...

Beautiful woman’s shawl from Java circa 1950 with floral (buketan) design, from the Pekolongan or Lasem area North Java. There are a couple of 5mm holes and a minor tear noted in last enlargements. Ex Dr John Yu, collection Australia. L: 190cm/75in and W: 85cm/33.5in.

Early stoneware celadon glazed large basin shaped bowl circa Jin Dynasties (266CE–420CE) with wide flat mouth rim, incised wave patterns on rim and cavetto. D: 19.4cm/7.6cm and H: 5.9cm/2.3in. There are some shallow chips on mouthrim and kiln adhesions in center and rim- please examine enlargements. Ex Dr. John Au, Australia..

Unique cricket box with glass front, wire mesh cover and copper repoussé image of crickets and “Eight Horses-八駿全圖 ” after the style of China’s most famous 20th century artist Xu Beihong -徐悲鴻. Hand crafted this is a charming and functional vintage piece from the 70s or 80s. L: 11cm/4.6in W: 4cm/1.6in and H: 6.5cm/2.6in

Small wooden statue of a female seated ancestor image covered in natural lacquer from an Ibanic ethic group in Kalimantan- (Indonesian Borneo). Circa last quarter 20th century, this an authentic tribal piece- not for the tourist market. H: 16cm/6.2in, acquired from an old Australian collection.

An ensemble of three ancestral figures from the Island of Nias, Sumatra. All come with an exotic wood custom made stand, dimensions in enlargement, acquired from an Australian collection with no significant age attribution.

Nice old Batou saddle carpet, with floral medallions and scroll pattern. There are some repairs and restorations which I have highlighted in enlargements. Early 20th century, the colors are still vibrant with some abrash but none of the garish aniline dyes used later in the 50s and 60s. L: 120cm/47.2in ad W: 60cm/23.6in.

Old carpe,t woven in Inner Mongolia, Nei Mongol 内蒙古自治区, China, with classic deer and crane, mirroring, “Spring Pattern”, first half of 20th century. W: 78cm/30in and L: 128cm/50in. Clean, good condition, one old repair on a head end- noted in last enlargement- both ends have had been stabilized. There is a Peking Carpet Export Service label on the back dated 1991, they are one of Hong Kongs oldest Chinese carpet dealers since 1930, and purchased carpets direct from st...

Old blue and white carpet woven in Inner Mongolia, Nei Mongol 内蒙古自治区, China, with classic deer and crane “Spring Pattern”, first half of 20th century. Unusually large for this type of rug- W: 91cm/35.8in and L:171cm/67in. Clean, supple excellent condition, no repairs or damage.

Colorful Stieng woman’s wrap around skirt from the Xtiêng (Stieng), estimated population of 7000, minority Binh Duong Province and Dong Nai Province of southeastern Vietnam. Hand woven with handspun cotton field and patterns of combination synthetic and cotton commercial yarns, this piece dates to circa 1970 to 1980 (i.e. post Vietnam War era). The Keith Harring (ish) anthropomorphic images are quite unusual. Provenance- Rob C. Clark Ethnobotanist PhD. Excellent condition, no damage...

Very rare Warring States Period circa (circa 475BCE–221 BCE) jar with ribbed pattern. I’ve seen these in publications, but this is the first one I have seen in person. There is one chip on the mouthrim, as can be seen in enlargements, but otherwise in excellent condition. Very sharply carved with decorated lugs. H: 13cm/5.1in and D: 16cm/6.2in.

Rare pair of Northern Qi women of the court, circa 550CE-577CE, with original pigments both are in excellent condition- please note the profiles with their jutting jaws and stubborn countenance reflecting their Mongol/Turkic heritage. H: 13cm/5.1in.

Rare pair of Northern Qi soldiers, circa 550CE-577CE, with original pigments both are in excellent condition- please note the profiles with their jutting jaws and stubborn countenance reflecting their Mongol/Turkic heritage. H: 20cm/7.9in.

Sino Tibetan impressed painted votive plaque with very fine detail and polychrome painted circa early 20th century, but the original mold could be much older. The central figure is a lama flanked by two other lamas with two wrathful deities below. Above are two Buddhas right and left and center Buddha in sitting a chair. H: 8.8cm x W: 6.6cm. Some missing painted areas- examine enlargements.

Rare early 20th century Yi or Bai minority lacquered box constructed from leather with the wall of the lid is bamboo. While there is some literature published on Yi lacquer there is nothing on the Bai. I purchased this piece in a Bai minority, weekly market in Yunnan near Dali around 2000. I assume this is now an extinct craft no longer being done because of the availability of cheap plastic items as well as the migration of artisans to better paying jobs in the city. Very minor lacquer ...

Quirky Burmese reverse glass painting incorporating colored foil of Popa Medaw, (Google Popa Medaw as there is quite a good write up on her myth), 22cm x 32 cm. Acquired in Chiang Mai over 20 years ago, it was around 30 years old at the time. Nats are spiritual beings that predate Buddhism in Myanmar but they manage to coexist without conflict.

Imposing standing wood sculpture of He Xiangu何仙姑- the only women in the pantheon of the Eight Chinese Immortals. This is at least Qing dynasty probably earlier originally she would be holding a lotus in her hands. Once source describes her as being “the Patron Saint of Housewives”. Height: 97cm/38in and has a lovely benevolent expression and enigmatic smile. Condition as pictured, there is a dedication niche on back but the contents have been removed

Chinese burnished Neolithic bowl with side lugs, there is a repair on the edge noted in last enlargement and some of the black pigment in the design is not original. Majiayao culture circa 3000BCE. D: 12cm/4.8in and H: 6.8cm/2.6in.

Large Ming jar with blue underglaze chrysanthemum pattern in perfect condition. This was fired in Guangdong Province and locally, this type is referred to as a “gunpowder” jar although, I don’t know if this was it what it was really used for. Included is a decent wood lid. H: 20cm/7.9in and W: 19cm/7.5in.

Rare grey pottery recumbent dog, circa Han Dynasty. Traces of original white pigments- very friendly looking “doggo”. Excellent condition. L: 25cm/9.8in and W: (midpoint) 8cm/3.1in.

Very good Han Dynasty heavy spinach green lead glazed jar with zoomorphic impressed band at the top. Excellent condition, small unglazed spot near mouthrim- please examine enlargements. D: 14cm/5.5in and H: 11.5cm/4.8in.

Rare Warring States, circa 475–221 BCE, squat gray pottery jar, with incised wave, impressed diamond and large carved spiral patterned bands. The spiral pattern is quite interesting as this is usually only seen on archaic jade bi from the period. Some of the tips of the spiral are broken otherwise superb condition considering its delicacy and age. The surface absorbs water very quickly with a distinct petrichor scent. D: 28cm/11in and H: 14cm/5.5in.

Excellent opium pipe stem cleaner, fine condition and all original parts. Bamboo sheath, iron cleaning rod and copper opium poppy pod shaped finial handle. Circa late Qing Dynasty. Total length 54cm/21.2in.

Tang terra cotta image of a Fat Lady. Traces of original pigment with legible facial features (note noted in enlargements). This is the smallest one I have ever seen- miniatures are extremely rare. H: 6.2cm. The bottom is uneven (just appears to have been made that way) there are traces of glue where it was probably once attached to a stand, otherwise, good condition- no damage or repair.

Tang terra cotta image of a Fat Lady. Traces of original pigment. Miniatures are extremely rare. H: Some shallow chips at the bottom- noted in enlargements. H: 7.8cm.

Tang terra cotta image of a Court Official. Traces of original pigments. Miniatures are extremely rare. H: 7.9cm. Good condition- no damage or repair.

Tang terra cotta image of a Fat Lady. Traces of original pigments. Miniatures are extremely rare. H: 9.3cm. Good condition- no damage or repair.

Tang terra cotta image of a lady in waiting or courtesan, with elegant chignon. Traces of original pigment. Miniatures are extremely rare. H: 10.2cm. Good condition- no damage or repair.

Tang terra cotta image of a Fat Lady. Traces of original pigment (please note the belt in enlargements). Miniatures are extremely rare. H: 8.4cm. Good condition- no damage or repair.

Quirky set of Tibetan tools/utensils in copper and shagreen sheath. The blades and other bits are good quality steel with good bone handles. Possibly a surgeons or dentists set, I honestly don’t know- there are no chopsticks or forks, as is typical, so I don’t think these were used for eating. The knife has a good edge, this will clean up with a bit of baking powder and effort. All pieces in good condition and functional. Old circa 19th CE. See scale in last enlargement.

Collection of three vintage/antique cloth printing blocks from Tamil Nadu, carved from hard wood (probably Jackwood) all in excellent condition, acquired in India 30 years ago. Very decorative- may be hung on as a wall art ensemble. Large one: H: 26.3/10.4in x W: 16.4 cm/6.4in, round one D: 20.6 cm/10.2in and, small one H: 17.5/6.9in x W 8.3cm/3.2in.

Rare antique classical period Kandyan standing Buddha, carved from Jackwood, circa 18thCE. H: 18cm/7in, please note in enlargements outstretched hand in the abhaya mudra and unisha are missing.

Unusual grey pottery jar from the syncretic Buddhist Dali Kingdom circa 982CE–1253CE, which was located in present day Yunnan. The Dali State was not fully absorbed into the Chinese Empire until the Ming Dynasty, although it did accept Mongol control and were by and large allowed to manage their own affairs as long as they contributed soldiers. This jar has mysterious animal appliqued faces well as Buddhist images set against peepul tree leaves (Bodhi Tree). This is in good condition with ...

Lovely old Afghan Turkmen chuval/torba (door or floor cushion section) wool on wool weaving, all natural dyes circa 80 years old. Minor restoration around the edges but over all very good condition with an intricate pattern. Dimensions 120cm x 39cm.

Good Mandalay period Nat circa last half 19th century, carved from alabaster with traces of original pigment, this ha very expressive face. Nats are spirits were historic characters that became deified or associated with places and elements of nature. Their veneration predates the acceptance of Buddhism but eventually was absorbed into mainstream Burmese Theravada Buddhism. H: 22cm. there are few shallow scuffs but otherwise good condition. Please note last image is for reference: Myanma...

Very good, Pagan 12th century, impressed image of the Buddha inset a niche, flanked by stupas and two lines of Nagari script beneath. Overall the details are crisp and the interplay between light and shadow on this piece are quite dramatic. The best examples of this type reside in the Ashmolean and British Museums. This piece has some chipping on one outer side (please see enlargements), bear in mind most of the ones available these days are either fragments or heavily damaged, this one ...

Rare cream colored glazed Myanmar bowl with incised lotus and flared rim design circa 13th/14th CE, found at the Tak Hilltop Burial Site along the border of Burma and Thailand. I bought this about 20 years ago, now you cannot find these anymore. There are 3 repairs on the rim. Of these white wares from Burma, I have only seen one unrestored piece. D: 17.7cm/7in and H: 7.5cm/2.9in.

Good antique storage basket from the Bidayuh people of Sarawak. The lid is made from the skin of a sambar deer while the basket plaiting is rattan and the inside is lined with bark. I purchased this Kuching, Sarawak in 1988, and it was old at the time, so it's 38 years older now. There is a hole in the lid as well as some loss to the bark lining- please examine enlargements. H: 5ocm/19in and D: 35.5cm/14in.

Pair of Song Dynasty soy brown, Jian type bowls from the Dongzhang/Minho kiln in Fujian, recovered from the Lianjiang shipwreck. Good condition, no damage or repairs, there is some original kiln grit in the cavetto and a minor irregularity on the rim of one. D: 10cm/4in and H: 4.5cm/1.8in. May still be used in a tea ceremony.

Neolithic/Bronze Age reddish clay, pottery jar from an unknown culture. I acquired this in a group of Chinese Neolithic pottery pieces but I can’t find any references to this being Chinese. I tend to think this from Thailand or some other Southeast Asian culture. Low fired with very good near invisible restoration. If you know what this is, drop me a line and let me know. D: 12cm/4.7in and H: 8.5cm/3.6in.

Very rare Tang Dynasty (618CE to 907CE) terra cotta wall tile depicting the face of a Zhemushou, a fierce guardian earth spirit meant to ward off evil. It is a trapezoidal shape with much of original red and black pigments intact. Some loss to the lower lip (please see enlargements). Lower W: 19cm/7.8in, upper W: 16cm/6.1in and H: 20cm/9in.

Peach blossom, red and green mottled glazed bottle vase circa mid 20th century (a conservative dating) good condition. H: 16.5cm/6.5in and D: 11cm/4.2in.

Rare 4.9cm/1.9in Thai stoneware bowl from the Sankampaeng kiln circa 15th/16th CE with two fish in the center and scalloped cavetto, there is well done repaired chip on the inner rim noted last enlargement. This is a classic and definitive piece for the Sankampaeng kiln as the incised/impressed fish motif is only found on ceramics from this Thai kiln. There are some blue flambé highlights in the center, probably accidental but quite attractive. D: 21.5cm/8.2in and H: 5cm/2in.

200.00 Large pale green glazed plate with incised decoration, most likely fired at the Thantwe kiln near present day Rangoon, Burma. Excavated from the Tak Burial site near, Mae Sot along the Thai/Burmese border. This can be reliably dated to least 14th/16th centuries due to other known and datable ceramics from China and Thailand that were found in the same strata. There does not appear to be any cracks or breakage but there has been some restoration to glaze that has completely fritte...

Good circa early 20th CE pair of miniature Lanna Northern Thai Buddhas. The small one on left is amulet sized (H: 5.2cm/2in) with traces of gold and black lacquer and the larger one is a small votive image (H: 7.2cm/2.8in). I believe these to be cast in zinc. Free shipping international shipping via Hong Kong Registered Airmail.

Good Kayan Orang Ulu gawai rice festival ceremonial mask, circa 40 years old, from Sarawak. I bought this piece in Kuching, Sarawak in 2003. Used only twice a year for rice planting and harvesting festivals (gawai), these gatherings were usually a good excuse for a party and celebration to encourage the spirits to ensure a good harvest. H: 25cm/9.8in and W: 16cm/6.2in.

Very rare pair of Yuan Dynasty Qingbai completely glazed jars with phoenix lids. These are high fired porcelain quality white bodied Jingdezhen wares with “iron rust” splashes and quirky applique figures. One is slightly larger than the other but both are from the same kiln and period. H: 40cm/15.8in x D:18cm/7in and H: 37cm/14.6in and D: 17.5cm/6.9in. There are Chinese characters at top of each jar the most legible one is “moon” and the incised one is ….. There are some minor damages...

Simple Han inkstone, polished smooth one side and rough underneath. Signs of exavation and typical distinct petrichor smell. L: 20cm/7.9in x 6.3cm/2.5in. Note last image is from Chinese Inkstones- Simon Kwan, for reference.

Ensemble of vintage and antique temple and animal bells, 19 pieces altogether 2.6kg. These were purchased in Kathmandu in the late 1980s. Please view enlargements for comments, condition and scale.

Special offer- marked down from $600. Fine three panel wedding blanket from the Bouyi (Buyi) ethnic group Libo County, Guizhou, China. The Bouyi are a relatively small ethnic group- so embroideries from them have become quite scarce. The supplementary weft “well” patterned embroidery is silk except for the black medallions- the field is all handspun cotton. The black border is a later addition made from hand woven cotton. Circa mid 20th century very good condition. W: 83cm/33in and L...

Rare ceremonial rice cutter from the Karen people (this particular one is from Northern Thailand). This knife would only be used on the first cutting of the season and as with most all of the rice cultivators in Asia there is a great deal of ritual and importance given to this act, regardless of the religion i.e. Buddhist, animist, Hindu etc. The animal bone handle has a wonderful original patina and the blade is still quite sharp. Circa 60 to 100 years old. I am always fond of t...

Rare collection (5 pieces) of pottery tobacco pipes used by the Rau/Brau people. These were acquired in Laos quite a few years. Most likely fired at the Yixing Kilns, in Jiangsu Province- the same place that made opium pipe bowls. These would date from late 19th century to first half 20th century- the ones with reddish clay being the oldest. They have some small chips consistent with old tribal pieces. As far as I know these pipes were unique to the Brau, and would today be considered ...

Nice little wood carved architectural element in the shape of a foo dog circa late Qing Dynasty. The tip of the left ear is missing, otherwise good condition with well-preserved original gold and red lacquer 14.cm/5.5in.

Nice little wood carved architectural element in the shape of a foo dog circa late Qing Dynasty. This is in excellent condition with original lacquer. L: 14.5cm/5.8in.

13 pieces of vintage jadeite- most have flaws, so examine the enlargements carefully. Please note the large oval plaque (probably originally meant for a belt buckle) and largest perforated disc (bi) are unpolished. Scale is in last enlargement, 109 grams in total. Ideal for a jewelry designer or clever bunny.

Set of three white vintage, Burmese jadeite “bi” pendants with bails D: 30mm, 6 grams each and a pair of thick greenish jadeite “bi” pendants with beveled edges inside and out, D:27mm and thickness 6mm 9 grams each. All good pieces.

Simply elegant wood panel depicting a bird perched on a rock beneath plum blossom in the background there are mountains and trees. The carving is in perfect condition with traces of original blue pigment- please note the delicacy in which the bird’s legs were carved as well as the bare trees beneath the mountains and bracken ferns at the bottom of the foothill (if you use your imagination they look like high rise apartments). W: 27cm/6.8in and H: 21cm/8.6in

Nice old well worn Qing Dynasty Shekwan green and blue flambé glazed pillow. 19th century- very nice impressed floral scroll and coin pattern unglazed ends. L: 34cm/13.5in and W: 10cm/4in. Here is an “amusing” Youtube video on opium pillows and their history from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for your edification https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zOVd9LEabo&t=182s

Good dark soy brown glazed ovoid jar Tang Dynasty from a northern kiln, nice size- H: 12.5cm/5in and D: 16.5cm6.5in. Some kiln flaws i.e., bubble pops and minor chip on side- please examine enlargements.