Catalog (496)

Lovely traditional brush and ink painting of a lady This is signed DENG FEN 鄧芬, but is probably a later copy of his work. Apocryphally dated 1943 this was hand done in the later part of the 20th century. Backed on mounted on silk paper total dimensions are 100cm/39.5cm x 40cm/15.8in.

Unusual and rare early brown glazed Qing Moon Bottle circa 18th century, most likely from the Cau Ma shipwreck- there are small mineral adhesions on the surface indicating that this item was either submerged or buried (please note this may be cleaned off). It is in perfect condition with “paraffin patina”and uncommon “garlic head”. H: 20.6cm/8in and W:13.5cm/5.3in.

Four well carved jade charms- the cicada is Burmese jadeite, the nephrite melon and fish have russet surface highlights and the tiger is particularly nice- carved in the Ming style. Scales are in enlargements. Total weight is 31 grams.

Unusual oval copper box with incised patterns depicting Dutch trading and historical scenes and classic Chinese “dragons chasing a flaming pearl”. This is circa 17th/18th century. The hinge and lock are later 19th century Chinese additions. Very good condition- no dents or scratches, there is a bit missing on the locking mechanism but still works- noted in last enlargement. L: 11cm/4.3in, W: 8.5cm/3.4in and H: 3.5cm/1.4in

Strand of Yuan to Ming Dynasty glass trade beads excavated from the Tak Hilltop burial site along the Thai Burmese border. Because 14th/16th CE ceramics found the same strata it is easy to date these beads being from no later than this period, although archaic jade and crystal items over a thousand years old were found as well, these were most likely ancient trade items that have been circulating for over a millennia. Scale is in enlargements. For the exception of some roughly ...

Rare “kiln waster” possibly from the Qingliangsi Kiln, Baofeng, Henan- see reference in last enlargement. D: 11.8cm/4.7in and H: 4cm/1.6in. Very shiny black glaze. There is one star crack on the side as well as “slag” adhesions on the rim. Please examine enlargements.

Fine pair of black temmoku bowls with russet rims and traces of silver leaf patterns. Both are in excellent condition. D: 9.1cm x H: 3.9cm. Suitable for tea ceremonies. These are about 90% correct for being of the Song period, but the lack of excavation traces and inside the foot rim being to level and flat throws doubt on this, also the patterns are usually seen on Wuyi Shan Kiln pieces and not in Jianyang.

Full set of 24 prints- published in 1972. Hardcover. Condition: Fair. Hardcover. Folio. Mc-Graw Hill Book Comapny, New York. 1972. 56 pgs, followed by 24 plates. Parts adapted from the author's previous books of 1940, 1943, and 1947. Plates printed in Switzerland. The box is broken and the leaves are coming off the spine. The prints are in good condition and suitable for framing. A treatise on calligraphy and painting of the Ten Bamboo Studio, including discussion of Chinese writing and i...

Fine Sri Lankan silver and smoky quartz crystal bracelet, it is hinged with a pin lock- please see enlargements. Perfect condition, from the workshops in Kandy and acquired from the very cool Mr. Waruna Jayashinghe, owner of the Samadhi Center- Nature Resort. Total weigh 44grams. Inner dimensions 58mm x 50mm.

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/15.2...

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 lacque...

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.