Just shy of 2" long, I give you the third and last and definitely quirkiest set of Sigi Pineda silver earrings I have been talking about. I happened to come upon the first of these in early summer, fell in love with its cartoonish strangeness - I had never seen this line of Sigi's before. And since all good things come in threes, I found two more pairs in the months following that initial discovery...

I promised yesterday that I had two more of those Sigi Pineda surrealist figures dangle earring sets to present and here is the second pair. There is something as endearing as it is quirky about the specific design line - I am not sure what Sigi was into when he created these - but I find them all weirdly irresistible. Overlay and oxidation are used here too to convey the human form, its hands crossed on the chest, turning a minimalist profile away from the onlooker...

The gist of the script is Taoist, something to the effect of: This is my life, I am neither overtly talented nor gifted with genius, like a sail boat alone tossed among the waves I drink freely of sake untouched (unfettered) by others seen only from a distance. Ink on paper in a the rough silk border preferred by Literati artists with exquisite turned ivory rollers enclosed in a period wooden box (the rollers will be changed for something suitable if exporting)...

A favorite designer of mine, Carmen Beckmann is one of the few female contributors to Mexico’s 20th c. Silver Renaissance that we know of. Mostly modernist, her work is known for its massive, at times, proportions (especially with her hinged bracelets) and her masterful use of semi-precious stones and gems. The star-form ring at hand is centered by a big, faceted color-change sapphire, that varies between amethyst and steely purple as the light changes...

The most fun Sigi Pineda earrings I have ever had, this set is in fact the first in a series of three pairs I will be presenting, all in the same design vein. Quirky and definitely playful, the figures look as if springing out of a child's sketch book. Human? Penguin? A combination of the two? Whatever the case, they are striking, rendered in silver and opaque black oxidation, a surrealist representation of wearable bipeds...

Japanese limited edition woodblock print by French artist Paul Jacoulet (1902-1960) titled "Birds of Paradise. Menado, Celebes" (Les Paradisiers Menado, Celebes) published December 25, 1937. This image is illustrated on page 53 (plate 46) of “The Prints of Paul Jacoulet” by Richard Miles, 1982. It is described on pages 98-99. The print is pencil-signed and bears the red tea jar seal at the lower right edge of the image...

Properly hallmarked by Margot de Taxco and bears this very rare design 5581A. It is fine line enamel and is 1 1/8th of an inch tall and further showing off a weight of 126 grams of silver. The diameter is 4.5 inches for sizing. There is no damage to the silver or enamel. I have never seen this flip of the silver on it's ends and it is absolutely beyond charming. A huge YES for collectors and beautifiers, just LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!

This eye-catching design by Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar measures 18" long by 1" wide and weighs 105 grams. Hand-wrought in 940 sterling silver, this mid 20th century necklace is in beautiful condition with a tight and secure clasp. Hallmarked on the clasp HA 940 TAXCO with eagle #9. These hallmarks are pictured on p.13 of Silver Masters of Mexico by Penny Morrill...

A male front Mandarin square with a tiger, denoting the 3rd military rank. Silk tapestry (kossu, k'o-suu) with metallic threads and painted details. The animal is standing on a rock above deep water, the ground with Taoist longevity symbols. Blue silk lining. The background was probably covered by peacock feathers, rarely survived to the present days. Reference: "Ladder to the Clouds" by Jackson & Hugus Berkeley 1999, for similar badges...

This beautiful Art Nouveau dragon doesn't hoard treasure--he is a treasure! The pin is 18 k gold (tested). The wings are edged in 7 rose-cut diamonds each and his tail is tipped with more rose-cut diamonds. He holds an Old English cut diamond in his beak. The pin is 1 3/8” X 1 ¼”. It has an early-style safety catch. The hinge is a replacement. There are no marks. Circa 1900.

An iconic creation for Enrique Ledesma, this design can be found in all jewelry forms and with various stones. There is something very sculptural in the way the stone is cut that bestows an irresistible tactile quality to it and the case of the brooch at hand is no exception. Predominantly green with sage overtones yet not lacking rich blues and more muted browns, the azur-malachite is securely set in its warmly glowing silver frame...

Spectacular sterling and coral clip earrings in what appears to be a starfish pattern by Frank Patania Sr. The stones are saw tooth bezel set and there is a beautiful, fine textured pattern in the silver. Measuring 2 3/8" long and 1 1/4" wide, they weigh 31 grams total and are in fine original condition. Signed as shown. Rare and show stopping when on the ears.

Lovely sterling and smokey quartz clip earrings by Arizona Modernist H. Fred Skaggs. Photo #3 shows the stones under bright light but the first 2 photos are how the color of the stones appear in routine lighting. Weighing 18 grams total, they measure 1 1/8" by 1 1/8" and are in fine original condition. Signed as shown. Gorgeous !

This is a vintage 1960-s 14Kt yellow gold and enamel artist palette charm/pendant .The pendant is 5/8” wide and 5/8” high without the jump ring.

This vintage 1960-s 14Kt yellow gold baby cup charm is ¼” high and 5/16” in diameter would make a great addition to any charm bracelet or necklace.

This iconic tour-de-force Antonio Pineda bracelet pulls out all the stops. This design graces the cover of "Silver Seduction : The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda".

Weighing in at a staggering 222.5 grams, this bracelet is composed of alternating trapezoidal silver panels tipped with onyx. The onyx gemstones are hand-cut and polished, and the panels are pin-hinged. This is an amazing piece, executed in almost pure (97%) silver. Circa mid-century, this bracelet is perhaps the u...

The largest vase I have ever seen for sale by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seika Sansui taki-ho-ga Kabin (Blue and White Vase decorated with waterfall Mountain Scene). It is 54 cm (21 inches) tall 36 cm (14 inches9 diameter and in excellent condition, signed on the base.
The name Kozan was granted by Prince Yasui-no-Miya in 1851 in honor of the tea ware produced during the later Edo for the imperial Court by the tenth generation head of the Kyo...

This is a perfect pair of earrings for every day wear. The 14Kt yellow gold half hoops cascade down from the post 1 1/8” and measure 5/16” at the widest part.

The richest blue bamboo rises majestically against the bright yellow ground of this exceptional vessel by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kiyu Seika Takenozu Kabin (Vase with Blue Bamboo Design on Yellow Ground). It is 33 cm tall (12-1/2 inches) tall, 23 cm (9 inches) diameter and in excellent condition, signed on the base.
The name Kozan was granted by Prince Yasui-no-Miya in 1851 in honor of the tea ware produced during the later Edo for the imp...

A very difficult design to find, Margot de Taxco's no 5384 is sheer geometry and a celebration of dark, rich oxidation. It is understandable then that I feel fortunate to have come upon the extra-wide hinged bracelet from the parure. Raised sterling bands around the perimeter of the cut-out design lend three-dimensional appeal which is further accentuated by the black surfaces they define. This is by far my favorite "knot" design of hers; not too simple, not overwhelmingly complicated with the p...

Verdant foliage of the Imperial Paulownia (Kiri) tree in crisp cobalt rises majestically on this tall vase by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Seika Kiri no Zu Kabin (Blue and White Vase with Paulownia Design). It is 30 cm (12 inches) tall and in excellent condition, signed on the base.
The name Kozan was granted by Prince Yasui-no-Miya in 1851 in honor of the tea ware produced during the later Edo for the imperial Court by the tenth generation hea...

A large basin in striking cobalt designs by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in an unsigned wooden box. The central figure is a soaring phoenix spiral n elaborate plumage surrounded by clam shaped scallops in which leaping carp vie for the prize. About the rim 3 dragons battle for the flaming pearl. Outside serpentine vines intertwine about voluptuous flowers over phoenix. All together a sumptuous and royal aura. It is roughly 32 cm (12-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition. A si...

A raw-clay-bodied globular vase decorated with comic deer in overglaze enamels by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Akebononoiro-do Shika no zu Kabin (Vase of Sunrise-colored Clay decorated with Deer). The farcical creatures are punctuated by the fellow caught in the act of chewing his hoof (or was he having a scratch?) He looks back at the viewer with wide eyed and sheepish. The vase is 24 cm (9-1/2 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
...

The Shishimai dance tradition is common throughout east Asia. A single, or sometimes a pair of dancers, don the costume and parade through the street biting people, especially children, on the head. This is believed to ward off misfortune and evil spirits, and make a child overcome fear. An incense burner by Miyagawa (Makuzu) Kozan in the shape of a shrouded Lion Dancer in vibrant colors enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Ninsei-I Shishimai Gata Koro. The koro is 14 cm (rough...

The name of Plateria Cortes, a Taxco retail store is often found on jewelry signed by Enrique Ledesma and this is the case with the modernist sterling silver and green stone necklace at hand. This type of curved trapezoid links embellished with inlay is a signature design for the maestro yet here there are two sections of stone in each station which is a welcome variation that does not come up as often as the typical single segment. Predominantly green, the color of the azur-malachite is deep an...

This 14Kt yellow gold vintage baby heart pendant/charm has a polished finish. The heart is 3/8” high and ¼” wide.

Heart shaped 14Kt yellow gold Guardian Angel pendant with open work border. On the reverse side in gold relief there is the guardian angel prayer. The height with the bail is ¾” and the width is 11/16”

This lovely pair of handmade silver earrings designed by Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar measure 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" and weigh 21 grams. Each earring is accented with a turquoise cab. All five of the earring hoops move freely. The screw backs are in fine working order. The earrings are in beautiful condition with a soft aged patina. Fully hallmarked HA 940 TAXCO with eagle #9.

Here is a Victorian gold-in-quartz (also called “gold quartz” and “gold-bearing quartz”) brooch. Gold-in-quartz is rare and becoming more so. It’s our understanding that it is now found in very few places in the world – possibly only one mine in California. The 14kt yellow gold setting has twisted gold on top of a carved gold oval. It measures 1-3/8 x 1-1/8" and weighs 6.8g. The pin assembly has been replaced. In excellent condition. The photos are part of the description, so please ...

Fine Rare Chinese Yuan Dynasty Burnished Black Pottery Round Box

We have recently been lucky enough to have acquired a collection of very rare examples of burnished black pottery items made during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368). Such items are relatively unknown and very little has been published about them. They are found in the northern provinces, particularly Gansu province in the north-west.

This fine-quality black pottery black has a highly polished/burnished surface making it pa...

Fine Rare Chinese Yuan Dynasty Burnished Black Pottery Dragon Cup & Saucer

We have recently been lucky enough to have acquired a collection of very rare examples of burnished black pottery items made during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368). Such items are relatively unknown and very little has been published about them. They are found in the northern provinces, particularly Gansu province in the north-west.

This exquisite cup and saucer set has smooth burnished surfaces, very smooth to ...

Rare Chinese Yuan Dynasty Burnished Black Pottery Meiping

We have recently been lucky enough to have acquired a collection of very rare examples of burnished black pottery items made during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368). Such items are relatively unknown and very little has been published about them. They are found in the northern provinces, particularly Gansu province in the north-west.

This vase, or bottle is of meiping form. It is particularly "heavily-potted" and stands on an int...

Rare Tall Chinese Eastern Han Dynasty Decorated Glazed Jar

This attractively-shaped pottery jar was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220) and comes from Shaanxi province in the northwest of China. It is made from a red pottery, quite heavily potted, has a wide body, narrow neck and trumpet-shaped mouth. Simple decorative incised lines surround the neck and shoulder. The outer surface and inner mouth have been coated in an amber-coloured glaze with green glaze added in places to f...

A Fine Chinese Tang Dynasty Sancai Glazed Pottery Groom with Oxford TL Test

This very fine pottery model of a foreign groom was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a highly-fired white pottery that has been coated in different coloured glazes, as well as the facial features being finished in cold-painted coloured pigments. The figure has a beard and moustache and wears a flowing cloak with distinctive head gear. His right arm is raised as though holding the reigns of...

Rare Large Chinese Han Dynasty Bronze Xian (Published)

This exceptionally large and rare bronze xian (steamer) was made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220) and actually comprises three separate vessels that combine to form the xian. The middle section sits within the lower section, and on top sits the upper section, the part that has the grill in its base to allow steam to enter the vessel. Each section is decorated with raised bands and a pair of taotie ring handles. The surfaces are c...

Chinese Eastern Han Dynasty Amber Glazed Pottery Stove

This pottery model of a stove was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220). It is made from a reddish pottery and coated in a thick and attractive amber glaze. It has been made from moulded sections that have been luted together. There are three integral cooking pots with moulded decoration including fish, geometric patterns and a kneeling female figure with a pot. To the underside unglazed surface is a network of ancient root/p...

Fine Chinese Tang Dynasty Saddled Horse with Oxford TL Test

This fine-quality pottery model of a horse was made during the early part of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a relatively highly-fired pale-coloured pottery, varying from a pale grey to a pinkish-brown in colour (this colour variation is often seen with earthenware that is more highly-fired than other pieces). It has been "cold-painted" in various coloured pigments. The two pigments that have survived the most are t...

Fine Chinese Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Horse & Rider

This attractive pottery model of a horse & rider was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a relatively highly-fired pottery that has been "cold painted" in various different coloured pigments. The horse stands alert with its head turned a little to its left. The riders sits erect with his hands held out as though holding the reins. Note the clothing of the rider, especially the head covering.

Height 35 cm (13...

Fine & Rare Chinese Northern Wei Dynasty Painted Pottery Horse & Rider

This rare and attractive pottery model of a horse & rider was made during the Northern Wei Dynasty (AD 386 - 534). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in a base coat of a creamy-white pigment on top of which are yellow and black pigments. The horse stands upright with its head turned to its left. Note the detail of the rider's clothing. Judging by the position of the rider and the two purp...

Korean 19th Century / Choson Blue & White Porcelain Jar in Box

This porcelain jar of globular form was made during the 19th century toward the latter part of the Choson (Joseon) Dynasty. The underglaze blue decoration comprises floral patterns and two bands surrounding the neck. It is quite "heavily-potted" and there are couple of firing bubbles, no doubt due to the thickness of the clay. There is kiln grit embedded within the glaze to the base.

Diameter 13 cm, height 11 cm. There is m...

Tall Chinese Warring States / Qin Dynasty Grey Pottery Jar

This large and attractively-shaped pottery jar was made during the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC) or possibly during the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BC). It is "heavily-potted" and made from a relatively high-fired dense grey pottery. It is decorated with two wide bands of repeated impressions that surround the upper and lower shoulder. There are also fainter decorative impressions that partially surround the body at the waist.

...

Large Chinese Warring States Impressed Pottery Jar (475 - 221 BC)

This large and attractive pottery jar was made during the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC). It is made from a relatively high-fired dense grey pottery. The whole of the surface of the upper body has been decorated by impressing cord into the soft clay and then incising horizontal bands as the jar was turned; a simple yet very effective method of decoration.

Height 30 cm, diameter 28 cm. Condition is very good. There a...

Vietnamese 16th Century Green Glazed Bowl

This rare bowl was made during the 16th century. Apart from the unglazed stacking ring and base it is coated in an apple-green glaze, the depth of colour of which varies according to its thickness. There are small areas around the inner wall where the glaze has not covered but this appears to be unintentional.

Diameter 16 cm. Although not immediately obvious, a section of the wall has been broken out and re-stuck.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEA...

Fine Vietnamese 14th / 15th Century Moulded Bowl

This rare bowl was made during the 14th - 15th century and is coated in a finely-crackled yellowish-brown glaze, the depth of colour varying according to its thickness. Around the centre is a wide unglazed stacking ring, and around the inner wall are various moulded leaf and floral patterns. Apart from unintentional glaze splashes, the foot remains unglazed.

Diameter 17 cm. There is minor glaze loss where the glaze is at its thinnest, but...

Chinese Warring States Bronze Axe Head

This bronze axe head dates approximately to the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC). Inside are remains of its wooden shaft. Length 16 cm (6.25 inches). Unfortunately it has been broken in two and re-stuck.

For information: this axe head is part of a modest yet very interesting private English collection of Chinese antiquities acquired during the 1990s that we recently acquired.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QUOTING OUR STOCK NUMBER (...

Rare Chinese Tang Dynasty Stoneware Jar with Cover

This "heavily-potted" stoneware jar, complete with its original cover, was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). Like most Tang jars, its form is particularly pleasing. The finely-crackled transparent pale olive-green glaze is quite "streaky" and coats around the upper three-quarters of the outer surface, as well as the cover. The lower body remains unglazed showing the white stoneware body. Although the inside of the mouth is also co...

Large Chinese Yuan Dynasty Cizhou Stoneware Jar

This wonderfully-shaped jar was made during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368), at one of the kilns in northern China where Cizhou wares were produced during the 11th - 14th centuries. It is heavily-potted with the outer surface coated in a white slip and decorated in underglaze iron-brown. The decoration comprises various bands that surround the body and a variety of floral patterns. Around the shoulder on top of the darker pattern are slightly...

Korean Glazed Porcelain Bowl - Joseon Dynasty

This heavily-potted bowl was made during the latter part of the Joseon (Choson) Dynasty (1392 - 1910), probably the 18th or 19th century. It is delightfully "coarse" in its potting and coated in a cream/honey coloured glaze, the thickness of which varies. Around the centre inner surface is a ring of twelve kiln spacer scars from where another vessel was fired inside this bowl, also minor signs of wear from use. The unglazed foot shows signs of ha...

Rare Chinese Ming Dynasty Monochrome Blue Porcelain Box

This rare porcelain box was made during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) in the mid to late 16th century. The outer surface is coated in a dark blue glaze whilst the inner surface is coated in a white glaze. To the base are thick globules of crawled blue glaze.

Diameter 8.5 cm. There are a few tiny "nibbles" to the sharp vulnerable edges and a short firing fissure to the edge of the cover that is only visible on the inner surface, but...

Tall Chinese Han Dynasty Amber Glazed Pottery Hu Jar

This large pottery jar (or "hu") of fine form was made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). It has been coated with a greenish-amber glaze that covers the whole of the outer surface and the inside of the mouth. The slightly concave flat base remains unglazed. There are many decorative ridges and bands that surround the jar and on opposing sides at the waist are two moulded taotie ring handles. To part of the glaze on the lower body an...

Chinese Han Dynasty Black Pottery Amphora

A superbly conceived design; jars of this general type have been found in excavations dating as far back as the Spring and Autumn Period (770-475 BC). Although perhaps not obviously Chinese in design, this type of vessel is one of the most iconic forms of Han Dynasty pottery and is thought by many archaeologists to be anthropomorphic, with the shape and "swirling" design of the main body based on the female human form. 

This particular example w...