A truly monumental early 20th c. Chinese silver bracelet, this is simply breath-taking both in proportions as well as in the craftsmanship it displays. Executed in cobalt and sea blue, as well as purple and green enamel infinity knots, bats, stylized clouds and "Shu" characters adorn the filigree frame. Yet the piece de resistance is the carved and pierced jade insert in the central link. I believe this might be mutton fat jade and it shows the Ho Ho or Heavenly Twins...

Large Qing dynasty scrolled painting on paper depicting the Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, also known as the Medicine Buddha or the Buddha of Healing, seated in the lotus position on a lotus throne holding a pearl in the left hand and making a mudra with the right hand. His robe is decorated with four-clawed dragons...

A well crafted Montagnard hardwood crossbow with subtle attention to detailing and with oxbone release mechanism...

Vintage Deco Chinese silver filigree bracelet having a vermeil finish and adorned with what seems to have been a late 19th c. carved jade button showing the figure of a bat or butterfly (?). Floral and foliate enamel decoration in cobalt and sea blue as well as green and red along with stylized "shu" characters in silver overlay complete the piece. Measuring 7 1/8" long (wearable) the bracelet has a width that varies between 1" at the center front and 7/17" at its narrowest...

Description:

A Yaozhou conical bowl was beautifully manufactured with printing motifs in the cavetto.
It was preserved in perfect condition only with whitish incursions caused from age.
Some fingernail's scars were left at the foot ring by the potters.

Date: Song Dynasty,11th/12th century.

Width: 12.7cm. Height: 5.2cm.

A CUSTOM-MADE SILK BOX IS INCLUDED.

Formed as a pair of stylized swans on water, this sterling pin has both an abstract and arts and crafts feel. There is little information on the jeweler Nino Bisso (1906-1988), but his work exhibits extraordinary skill and creativity. Internet sources peg his company’s production from the 1920s through the 1940s. The back of this pin bears two applied plaques with Bisso’s marks. The pin measures 2 ¼ inches long by 1 ¼ inches high. Weight: 17.4 grams

A very fine gilded bronze Buddha, sitting on Naga. H. 17 cm. Condition: Casting flawa, chips to the foot rim, the Naga head, which used to be behind the Buddha head, is missing. Nevertheless a very attractive piece with a serene expression.

Description:

A Yaozhou censer was stand in unique stem foot.
It was also called XinLu in Chinese for this rare type.
Well glaze in yellowish green tint, the censer was revealed with buff-tinted body clay in the cavetto and at the foot.
It was preserved in perfect condition with slight incursions happened to the glaze.

Date: Song Dynasty, 11th/12th century.

Height:6.4cm, Width: 7.7cm.

A CUSTOM-MADE SILK BOX IS INCLUDED.

Japanese cast iron sake kettle (choshi) with the characteristic flattened spout decorated in low relief on one side with prunus blossoms and on the other side with bamboo. The wooden lid is covered with stippled lacquer. These iron kettles were used to heat sake during the cold winter months. Flower form finial. Meiji period (19th century). Measures about 7 3/4" to the top of the handle and about 9 1/2" across to the tip of the spout. The kettle is in very good overall condition...

A Paul Duval Group of Seven Drawings art book. This 11-7/8" x 10-1/4" art reference book by Paul Duval entitled GROUP OF SEVEN DRAWINGS was published by Burns and MacEachern, Toronto in 1965. This first edition has black and white illustrations with capsule biographies towards the back. It has the original dust cover, and this book is in excellent conditon with the dust cover taped under plastic...

A C.M. Von Valkenburg Petrolia gold filled pocket watch circa 1900. This 2" across stem-wind pocket watch has a porcelain dial with a single sunk seconds dial and blued hands. It is printed with C.M. VON VALKENBURG PETROLIA (Ontario, Canada) on the face, and the 1-5/8" across works has nice damascening. The works are marked ADJUSTED 2 POSITIONS 17 JEWELS 3876866. We haven't identified the works however the regulator resembles that of Howard or Ball watches...

Perfect for smaller to medium wrists an old Chinese silver filigree bracelet with vermeil wash, set with a 19th c. carved jade button (?). The bracelet is adorned with wirework and floral and foliate enamels in blues, green, purple. It has an inner circumference of 6 3/4" and its width varies between 1 3/8" in the center front and 7/16" at its narrowest, near the clasp. The jade button is 7/8" tall by 1 1/8" wide...

Stunning vintage Italian sterling silver charm bracelet wrought in the Etruscan style and adorned by 5 chunky, spectacular fob charms with big, bezel set green gems. I love these pieces for their "shock and awe" approach to accesorizing that goes hand in hand with the boldness and seductive-ness of Europe's Southernmost coasts! Usually crafted in 800 or 900 silver, Etruscan bracelets are work intensive to make with their dozens of florets, beading and meticulous wirework. In our case, the...

Decorated with incised and punched abstract expressionist design. The ring is marked Levin Sterling inside the band, which measures 3/8 inch wide. The ring is sized about 9 ½. Weight: 6.1 grams

A retail store in Taxco La Cucaracha seems to have been one of the best retailers during the city's heyday but I have to admit that some of their jewelry, usually crafted in 980 silver, are of even more exceptional quality and truly inspired design...

Rare SPRATLING DE MEXICO sterling silver box designed and signed (c. 1949-52) by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling(1900-67). Box measures 3 2/3" X 2 3/4" X 3/4"H. The lid is inlaid with rich brown and yellow shell and silver balls forming a diamond pattern. Fully hallmarked Spratling De Mexico with the eagle # 13. Beautiful vintage condition with no chips or cracks. A later design of this box is pictured on spratlingsilver.com and in SPRATLING SILVER by Cederwall and Riney.

Beautifully carved, with deep details in the figures flowing robes, their faces and hairdos, I am assuming that this demi-parure consisting of a bracelet, brooch and earrings was initially intended as a wedding gift to a happy bride? Set in what looks like brass, the six female figures that adorn the bracelet links are, I believe, along with the figures on the earrings depictions of He Xiangu, the only female among the Eight Immortals. Similarly, I think the figures on the brooch to be the Heave...

A rarely surfacing example of Margot de Taxco's distinctive brooches in which she combined silver with faceted gems and carved ivory figurines the piece presented here is true museum quality and a must-have for the serious Margot collector. To me it looks more like a work of art, something that you would proudly display among your most precious antiques, than merely a piece of jewelry. Standing under a sterling willow tree the carved figure of the Chinese scholar (?) has turned a mellow ivory co...

Early 20th c. Chinese silver and carved jade bracelet, this is a classic export piece wit its floral enamels having an almost Art Nouveau air about them. Executed in black, cobalt blue and iron red the florals look like irises to me and they are definitely an unusual motif when it comes to vintage Chinese pieces of the same period. The jadeite plaque that adorns the central link is held in position with prongs. Carved and pierced with fruit and leaf motifs it has wonderful color variations and n...

Descriptiion:

A Longquan vase was in shape of archaic Zun type and was supported by 4 arched feet.
It was a characteristic ritual vessel put on an altar table.
In beautiful celadon tint, the vessel was preserved in perfect condition.
Old abrasions were found on the surface when slight incursions were happened to the ridges.

Date: Yuan Dynasty, 13 Century.

Height: 21cm

A CUSTOM-MADE SILK BOX IS INCLUDED.

Illustrated manuscript leaf showing a battle scene between opposing forces with a fort in the background with blazing cannons. Possible Sikh interest. Ink on paper with text above and below. Page approx 25 x 15 cm. Mounted and framed under glass. Titled on the mount Lahore School Late 16th c. Leaf undated estimated to be late 18th century or later, not a modern copy. Good condition. Can be viewed in central London.

Carved and gilded heavy Indian hardwood frame with stand circa 1890. Oval window shows print of Sikh interest under glass. 33 x 31 cm overall. Good condition.

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada), depicting a heavily tattoed actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII in the role of Omatsuri Sashichi in a scene from kabuki theater. The cartouche at the upper right holds the series and image title "Mitate Tsuki Zukushi: Musashi no Tsuki" (Collection of the Full Moon Parodied: The Moon over Musashi). The lower left corner of the image holds the seal of the publisher Heirindo, the censor/date seals for 1856, and the signature "Toy...

Possibly a Margot design from the period when she was influenced by the arts and motifs of Japan this is a large Los Castillo brooch in one of their most recognizable motifs - the koi fish. Exceptionally well crafted with astonishing detail and fearless, confident repousse the brooch has acquired a fantastic patina over time that lends even more depth and dimension to the design. Meausuring 3 3/8" by 1 7/8" it weighs 28.6 grams and dates in the 1950s. Fully and appropriately marked with the ta...

Spectacular early 20th c. Chinese bracelet wrought in silver with repousse prunus motifs floating over a three-part hinged frame. The large, scalloped central link is adorned with prong-set tumbled hard-stones and three carved ornaments; there is a coral prunus flower, what looks to my eyes like a bat (or could it be a butterfly?) and a half-moon turquoise. This last one surprised me a little - I haven't seen such intensely colored turquoise in the Chinese bracelets I have handled to date but a...

Balderas is the maker of this vintage jewel and few pieces turn up with this Spratling era hallmark. The drop is 4in. x 1.25in. across and it glistens with the many colors that are picked up around it. The pieces of the drop are strung on sturdy silver chain. The onyx inlays are seamless and smooth to the touch. The length is 15in. plus there is a bonus of a custom extender that was made for the piece to also wear it at 17in. Earrings are hallmarked Balderas with eagle and are of impeccable qual...

Early vintage handmade sterling silver bracelet designed and signed by Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar(1905-86). Measures 7 inches long X 1 inch wide. Comprised of 9 repousse wave panels with applied rope trim. Penny Morrills's book SILVER MASTERS OF MEXICO pictures the bracelets' hallmarks - HA STERLING MADE IN MEXICO and states that those marks were used on Aguilar designs from 1940-45. Slide in pin closure attached with safety chain are perfectly secure. Beautiful vintage condition and pa...

A good small one Longquan celadon shallow bowl, covered overall with sea green glaze. Southern Song dynasty in perfect condition. Diameter: 9cm.

A finely long neck bottle vase, decorated to the body with figure of 'Fu Lu Shou', two children, deer and crane in Famille Rose. Condition is perfect, with no any chip, no crack and free from restoration. Early Qing dynasty 18th century Yongzhen-Qianlong period. Height: 30.2cm.

The spare, clean design of this ring is composed of one strand of flattened sterling silver wire; the band is applied separately. The ring is unmarked, and is probably a studio piece from the 1970s. The top measures 1 5/8 inches wide by 1 ¾ inches long; it is a size 5 ¾. Weight: 8.1 grams

A Nihonga Scene mounted on a two panel screen of a thatched house in the winter forest, blossoms just opening on the garden trees by Takahashi Shiko (1897-1970). The scene has been created over a complete wash of white, making the crisp early spring morning real and sharp. The screen measures 74-1/2 x 67-1/2 inches (189 x 172 cm) and is in excellent condition bordered in a red lacquer frame typical of the 1920s and 30s and retains the original backing paper. A superb example of the early Show...

This vintage Mexican silver necklace is a book piece on page 15 of the book by Morril and Berk, MEXICAN SILVER. Both, the piece in the book and this piece are hallmarked with the same 980 TAXCO dating both to pre-1948. This link originated by William Spratling. The weight is 74 grams heavy and is one inch tall. The length is a comfortable 17.5in. long. The piece is free of dents but there is glare that can be confused as a dent. The visual effect of this piece is rich and gorgeous with ANYTHING!...

I have a special affinity for early Mexican silver brooches - the bigger they are, the deeper I fall in love with them and it wasn't difficult to become infatuated with the unusual example offered here. I have not seen this design before and I find its combination of amethyst and hand-cut quartz beads truly stunning. The flower's starburst formation is also unique - a dizzying beauty. Measuring 5 1/8" tall by 3 1/8" wide (the diameter of the floral burst) the brooch weighs 35.6 grams and is si...

A rare antique Chinese finely hand carved white Jade seated Shakyamuni Buddha with exquisite detail form and surface. Measuring an impressive 10.5 in. or 27.5 cm. tall. In excellent condition A fine addition to any collection.

A blue silk twill gauze men's jifu decorated in gold couched thread with eight four-clawed mang dragons pursuing flaming pearls amidst clouds and bats. Few details executed in colored silk, silver brocade edging. The bottom is embroidered with waves, stylized rocks and the "lishui" pattern. Side-fastening overlapping closure with hooks and five gilt buttons, front and back slit, the sleeves ending in horsehoof cuffs. Only the ends of the sleeves with blue silk lining. The standing collar is mayb...

An unusual decorative wooden sword (tea room sword) carved of hardwood in the shape of a dried fish signed on the belly pierced and wrapped with a faded silk chord. An excellent example of the genre it is 13-1/2 inches (34 cm) long and in fine condition.
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 commoners wore them to ward off evildoers at ...

Description:

A Qingbai censer was in oval shape including the cover.
Well decorated on the surface with carved motifs, and the reticulated cover, the censer was well glazed in characteristic greenish tint.
It was in perfect condition nevertheless incursions were happened to the glaze resulting the sandy-look effects.

Date: Song Dynasty, 11th/12th century.

Height: 12cm. Width: 10cm.

A CUSTOM-MADE SILK BOX IS INCLUDED.

An evocative, vintage Japanese woodblock print by Eiichi Kotozuka (1906-1979), entitled "Night Rain in Rakuhoku (Kyoto)". It is the large Oban size of 40 cm x 27 cm. (or 15-3/4" x 10-3/4") - visible size in frame. It has the Uchida publisher's mark on the lower right, it is in a 23" x 18-1/2" black finished wood frame, carved in the style of bamboo wood (it possibly may be bamboo or could be another wood, the wood is entirely painted). The scene is stark and striking. It is done in blacks, g...

A finely shaped of Yuhuchun, slight thickly potted, covered overall with copper-red glaze. 'Da Qing Guang Xu Nien Zhe' six character mark and of the period. Condition is perfect. High: 31cm and Wide maximum: 19cm.

Measuring 17 inches long x 9.25 inches wide x .75 inches deep, this untouched, all-original, double-sided wooden sign is an extraordinarily RARE piece of Black American history-- an artifact of the "Jim Crow" era when segregation of the African American race was unfortunately, most commonplace.

This sign once hung on the inside of a railroad car, designating the line behind which African Americans must remain-- in the back of the car.

The sign is painted in gold lettering on both sides as ...

Antique Tibetan gilt iron fittings with open-work decoration. Three buckles and four hooks in the shape of a vajra. Condition: some rust. Dimension: approx. 11.2 cm and 8.8 cm long, weight: 260 g.

An Edo period sumi-e painting stamped Shundo-no-in on very rough silk depicting Daruma heir Kensu Osho, an eccentric Chinese beggar-monk who lived on shrimp and clams. The painting is certainly no less eccentric than its subject, unique among paintings I have seen from the Edo era. It retains the original faded border of dragon dials and lucky symbols extended with beige and features bone rollers. The scroll measures 14 1/2 x 56 inches (37 x 142 cm) and is in original condition, with some wea...

The blue and white bucket form porcelain vase in Hirado style but probably from an Arita kiln. This garden bucket is a less commonly encountered form (in porcelain) with a single handle. Decorated in Hirado fashion with plover over an active sea. Borders around the girth and the foot in relief and depicting woven bamboo securing the barrel form. A slight celadon tinge collects in glaze pooling particularly around the woven bamboo motif borders. These borders do exhibit qualities associated with ...

A Meiji period Japanese natural paper, bamboo and iron hanging Chōchin lantern in its original wood box. It consists of the ebonized hand-cut and bentwood hanger which has iron fittings with handcut nails. It opens around a pinion for mounting. The 8-3/4" diameter lantern is formed from handmade paper fiber and it has a bentwood collar and base with iron fittings. The top fitting has a handle for hanging and the bottom has fittings for hanging depending on the location. The loop is for secu...

A very rare Song Celadon censer with spotted. A pair a stylized fish-shaped handles set at its shoulders. PERIOD : Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) MEASUREMENTS: 9.5 cm wide, 5 cm height. CONDITION: restorations to the missing handles, no other damages or restorations.

Porcelain decorated with dragon, glazed base with four character mark. PERIOD : Wanli (1563 – 1620 AD) MEASUREMENTS: 19 cm wide. CONDITION: Perfect, no chips, cracks, hairlines and free from restorations.

Celadon grey glazed to square cut foot rims and glazed convex base. Song Dynasty 10th-13th Century Height = 5.2 cm Width = 8.5 cm Condition : a chip on the rim.

Blue and white cover box, export porcelain. Date : Kangxi (1644-1722) period. Size Diameter 10 cm. Height 5 cm Condition : small chips to the foot, no cracks or hairlines and free from retorations

A simple Korean black lacquered cylindrical box with elegant wire inlay decoration of a four toed dragon and flaming pearl amongst clouds on the cover with rounded edges and slightly convex top. The dragon with brass inlaid eyes. Wire inlay of this manner can be found on Korean iron and lacquer objects. The shape, size and proportions of this box are extant in metal and lacquer Korean decorative arts. Not having found reference to specific purposes of such boxes, the yellow silk lined interior o...

A good Qing dynasty cloisonne opium box. The flat, rectangular covered box with rounded corners decorated with scholar's objects and treasures in polychrome enamels on carefully worked, sturdy brass. Good condition. Height, 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm)

A small Chinese blue and white porcelain dish. Foo Dogs with balls amongst clouds and flames decoration. The white glaze pooling to a pale celadon tone inside the rim and around the foot. A four character underglaze blue hall mark appears inside root rim. Acquired from Amos Judd and Son antiques on Howard Street in Baltimore in the early 90's. Reasonably good condition with some fritting to the rim but no cracks and a sure and clear resonance when tapped. Diameter approximately 5 inches (13 cm)

A small blue and white Chinese export porcelain dish. Decoration of a bird amongst chrysanthemums on rockery in front of an active sea with rising or setting sun on the horizon. Patterned border inside the rim. The undecorated verso with unglazed foot rim. Reasonably good condition with one filled rim frit. No other condition issues - sound resonance when tapped. 6 inch (15.24 cm) diameter.

A really nice, old bronze Shishi sculpture. It works well enough as a free standing figure and we cannot be certain it wasn't intended as such. The bottom has a single 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) diameter opening and another opening being the beast's mouth. The party we acquired from described it as an incense burner. Perhaps it could have been the cover of a censer - the opening in the bottom allowing smoke to escape from the mouth. It is not clear if a few points on the bottom surface might suggest the...

An antique Tibetan buckle made of chiseled iron and damascened in gold, originating from a bridle or a belt. The fitting with hook is beautifully decorated with a lotus among scrollwork and a wave pattern (chu ris). Condition: little rust, few traces of usage. Dimension: 10 cm and 5 cm long, 76 g.

Description:

A Qingbai cup stand was preserved in perfect condition.
In straw glaze, the ware was yielded with immense crackles verifying its age.
It is a nice item suitable for a lovely tea bowl.

Date: Southertn Song Dynasty, 12th Century.

Provenance: Fujiang Province, China.

largest Width: 10cm.

 

Description:

A fine white-tinted shallow bowl was in perfect condition.
In characteristic Dingyao milky-white glaze, the bowl owned the also white-tinted body clay which in characteristic tense and greasy feel quality.
Incursions had happened to the rims and on the surface.
It is very rare to find a real Ding ware in such obvious characteristic condition.
It is a small piece but can be a very good proof.

Date: Liao Dynasty, 907-1125.

Width: 10.3cm, Height:...

A nicely and originally carved figure, note that there is no base joining the back side to the feet which is very usual. Hard encrusted patina, very great age, from early XX to XIX, few wounds not located at crucial part of the figure. A great piece, H 41 cm More information on request

A large size mask showing a large nose, traces of hairs fixed with glue around the mouth obvious signs of age at least from mid to early XXth. More information on request H 30 cm , Wide 20 cm