Spoils of Time Asian Ceramics and Works of Art
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All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1920 item #1490725
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A Hirado blue and white porcelain bowl. Dragon decoration on the interior center. Flowerhead in mokkogata reserves decoration along the interior below the rim with pale iron oxide wash. Intricate dragon and phoenix decoration around the exterior. The unglazed bottom and foot with the smooth biscuit characteristic of the kiln. Taisho period. Good condition. Diameter, 5 1/2 inches. Height, 2 1:8 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1930 item #1490724
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A Hirado blue and white porcelain censer with pierced lattice work cover and sides. Lion masks in relief on opposing sides. Decoration of aromatic flowers and wisps of burning incense. Three feet elevate the censer above surfaces. Early Showa period. Good condition. Lion mask to Lion mask nearly 4 inches in length. Height, covered, just over 3 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1490722
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A good Hizen-yaki, Arita kilns octagonal blue and white porcelain bowl. Shonsui ‘three friends if winter, decoration in roundels among shape patterns. A single Minogame decorates the interior center. A Fuku mark appear center of the bottom, inside the unglazed ring foot. 19th century. Good condition. 5 inches at widest points. Little more than 3 inches at highest points.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1837 VR item #1490720
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A Hizen-yaki, Arita kilns dish in the Kakiemon style. Probably after design examples from the latter kiln. The cavetto with delicate shironuki decoration of sakura blossoms on waves of water. The center undecorated save a single chrysanthemum blossom. Brown rim induced by iron oxide. The exterior with karakusa around the unglazed ring foot centering a spurious mark suggesting the Chinese Ming dynasty. Early 19th century. Good condition. Diameter about 7 3/4 and a little more in places.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1837 VR item #1490718
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A fine Hizen-yaki, Kakiemon type, small foliate dish. Chocolate brown rim in iron oxide. Unusual blue and white decoration of a samurai with shaved youth on horseback - bow drawn to ward off pursuing Buddhist monk. This appears to depict one of many tales of old Japan - perhaps The Take of the Heike as relates to Minamoto Yoshitsune and the warrior monk Benkei. A reading of the kanji may shed light. The back with auspicious symbols, key foot rim, and two character mark in underglaze blue inside the unglazed ring foot. Ca 1800. Good condition. 5 inch diameter.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1490710
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An interesting Hizen-yaki, Arita kilns foliate rimmed bowl. Center decoration of a Chinese scholar in tropical landscape. The cavetto and exterior decorated in the Kraak manner. A spurious four character Xuande mark on the bottom, inside the unglazed high foot rim. 19th century. Good condition. Diameter, about 6 5/8 inches. Height, about 2 2/8 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1837 VR item #1490707
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A fine pair of Hizen-yaki, Arita kilns blue and white porcelain dishes in the Kakiemon style. The molded, spiral foliate cavettos sporting similarly shaped undulating shonsui panels with ‘three friends of winter’ decoration and other, typically shonsui shape patterns. The Peony motif centers surrounded by a band of auspicious symbols in shironuki. Chocolate colored, iron-oxidized rims. The unglazed foot rims encircle glazed bottoms with chatter marks nearly reaching the blue underglaze Fuku marks. Four kiln spurs on the bottom of one dish, five kiln spurs on the other dish. Edo period and probably Ca 1800. Both in good condition. Diameters about 8 1/8 inches and 8 1/4 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Enamel : Pre 1900 item #1490527
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A good, small Japanese cloisonné vase. The alternating dragon and phoenix chevron panels symbolize harmony and balance. Lots of engaging, balanced color. Sparkling goldstone embellishment technique demonstrated in backgrounds below the shoulder and in decorative details around the waisted neck. Ginbari (enamel over silver foil) technique demonstrated around the shoulder with opaque sakura and karakusa decoration floating over the clear red background offset by the underlying foil. It's one of those seemingly simple objects that is immediately, visually alluring and then even more captivating as the multiple techniques and attention to detail is appreciated. Meiji era (1868 - 1912). Very good condition. Height, 4 13/16 inches (12.22 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Tea Articles : Pre 1920 item #1490421
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For the tea and cloisonné collector: A signed totai cloisonné on Kyoto ceramic cha-ire (tea jar). Decoration in red, black rose, pink, green, blue and yellow of flowers, butterfly and other motifs on blue background. The jar with both lid and cover. Late Meiji era (1868 - 1912). Good condition. Height, 3 5/8 inches (9.2 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Enamel : Pre 1920 item #1490419
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A fine, small ginbari vase with pale blue, silver background and peonies decoration; one panel with pale purple background and bird, bamboo and flowers decoration; and another panel with blue background and flowers decoration. Impressed artist's mark on the metal base. Meiji period (1868 - 1912). Good condition with tiny, oxidized pinholes in the enamel surface from the firing (not detracting from condition or presentation). Height, 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Enamel : Pre 1930 item #1490417
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The large vase with silver wire cloisonné on ceramic. Decoration of butterflies and peonies, with the blooms depicted in enamel tones of sienna, umber and dark mica, and the stems and leaves in dark green - almost black. The body of the vase covered with a dark, warm brown lacquer on intentionally course texture like tree bark - which it emulates. The Kyoto, crackle glazed greyish porcelain body visible from the foot. Taisho era (1912 - 1926). Good condition. Height: 12 1/2 inches (31.75 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Accessories : Boxes : Pre 1837 VR item #1489967
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A fine and rare Pennsylvania Dutch Amish folk art candle box carved from a single piece of yellow pine (no joining at all). The interior hollowed and the interior sides hand planed. One side with bas relief carved hex motifs. The other side with the initials, IF and IB (if read left to right, though not sure of the intended order), likely of a married couple and with other carved and incised adornment including hearts. Fitted, sliding top (the only exception to it being wholly one piece). Possibly a wedding gift. At least 19th century and possibly 18th century. In addition to the distinctly Dutch Amish carved decoration, yellow pine is typical of the Pennsylvania home to the community - used extensively in furniture of the region. Wonderful, lovingly used condition with undisturbed patina. Very good condition with expected wear and natural checking along the wood grain. Length, up to 15 1/4 inches at the longest points (with variation to about 15 inches at points)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Enamel : Pre 1900 item #1489872
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A Japanese totai cloisonne (on ceramic body) bottle vase. Blue, white, rose, green, red and yellow enamel decoration of flowers. A silver rim encasement original to the vase. Good condition. Height: 5 inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Scholar Art : Pre 1910 item #1486914
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A small Chinese blue and white soft paste porcelain seal paste box and cover. "Hundred Boys" motif and an artemisia leaf blue underglaze mark centered within the biscuit ring foot. Qing dynasty - presumed late in the period. Good condition on the exterior. A chip along interior biscuit rim of the shallow bowl - fully concealed when the cover is in place. See images. 1 3/4 inches diameter. With cover in place, about 3/4 inches high.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Hardstones : Pre 1900 item #1486891
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Small Chinese Bi-form white jade ornament in the Mughal manner with cupped chrysanthemum petals in three, concentric, graduated circles surrounding a cross-hatched, pierced center. The flat verso cupped slightly toward the face along the rim, with small drilling (exhibiting hand craftsmanship) either side of the central aperture and with the surface exhibiting natural texture of the hand worked surface. Qing dynasty. Good condition. Diameter 2 1/8 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Netsuke and Related : Pre 1900 item #1486754
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A scarce and nicely formed bronze netsuke. The sculptural group depicts festival musicians playing a Taiko drum and Shinobue flute - the drum player with mask pulled back. Nicely detailed, down to the fingers and expressions of the musicians. The himmotoshi is formed by the extended arm of one figure supporting the figure atop the Taiko. Edo period, 19th century. Good condition with rich, natural patina. Height, 1 5/8 inches
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : Continental : Early : Pre 1700 item #1479775
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$1,900.00
A German, domed top chest with ornamental hand wrought iron hardware, heavily oxidized and worn original surface and paint, and marked in white “T Adam Schuch reifst nach New York”. The chest looks like 17th century work. The name and destination likely added in the 18th century upon immigration. Reasonably good decoration considering the history. Length, 35 inches. Height, 17 1/2 inches. Depth, 18 1/2 to 19 inches (varying due to movement of the wood at the joinings).
All Items : Antiques : Decorative Art : Ceramics : English : Porcelain : Pre 1800 item #1479766
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$495.00
A set of six Spode porcelain Imari pattern coffee cans with saucer dishes. Late 18th century, reign oh George III. Excellent condition. Cans height, about 2 1/2 inches. Saucers diameter, about 5 5/8 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : French : Revival : Pre 1900 item #1479751
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$675.00
A finely made and carved Louis XV style side chair, 19th century. Upholstered with fragments from an 18th century hunt themed tapestry. A charming and atmospheric interior accent. The chair in good, serviceable condition with expected wear. The upholstery simply divine - showing it’s age with conservation preserving its decorative impact. Seat height, about 18 inches. Back height about 38 1/2 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Korean : Ceramics : Pre 1492 item #1479748
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$1,150.00
A rare late Koryo dynasty Punch’ong bottle vase. Olive toned green ware glaze simply but finely decorated with off-white skip within carved pattern. Height, about 3 5/8 inches. Excellent condition and conveying with Japanese collector’s box. 14th century
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : American : Federal : Pre 1800 item #1479124
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$975.00
American Federal period mahogany lolling chair. Sparse, fine line inlay decoration. Late 18th century. Good condition. Seat height a little low from wear to legs. Seat height about 15 inches. Back height about 40 inches. Width roughly 24 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1479120
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$695.00
An attractive, light turquoise glazed porcelain jar. Anhua (‘hidden’ or ‘secret’) decoration of peonies and vine incised into the porcelain and discernable through the glaze. A six character Kangxi mark, also Anhua (incised into the porcelain), visible through the glaze centered inside the foot rim. The mark is probably apocryphal as we believe the jar is not earlier than 19th century.
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : American : Federal : Pre 1837 VR item #1479113
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$780.00
A late Federal work table of elegant proportion and lines. The narrow, almost square top on turned pedestal with three reeded spider legs. Original surface with pleasant patina. Good condition. Height 31 inches, width 16 3/4 inches, depth 15 3/4 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Decorative Art : Ceramics : English : Porcelain : Pre 1800 item #1479108
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Rare matching set of 8 Bengal Tiger pattern porcelain plates. English, late 18th century. Diameter, 9 3/8 inches. Good condition.
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : American : Federal : Pre 1800 item #1479107
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$2,400.00
A classical mahogany card table. Hepplewhite manner square tapered legs and wood inlaid fine lines and decoration. Probably American Federal and likely mid Atlantic to Southern. Acquired in Virginia. Ca 1800. Good, conserved condition. Height 28 inches, width 35 inches, depth 17 3/4 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Korean : Lacquer : Pre 1900 item #1479106
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$2,450.00
A large Korean black lacquered wood box with mother of pearl inlay. The depiction of pairs of cranes and songbirds within the decorative panels likely relevant to a wedding gift.. Joseon dynasty, 19th century. Condition is fair to good, with some some light loss to inlays and minor distress from age and use. From the hardware, 19 1/4 inches wide, 10 1/8 inches deep, 10 3/4 inches high.
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : French : Revival : Pre 1900 item #1429736
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$4,700.00
This is too heavy and precarious to ship by standard mail or delivery options. Buyer need arrange with a shipper in our area.
A substantial 19th century French jardiniere. The shaped form of onyx with mellow patina. Each side with rouge marble panels supporting ormolu. The end panels round, also with champlevé and bronze doré. the side panels with cherubs decoration flanked by champlevé and bronze doré design elements. The jardiniere raised on paw doré feet. Wear on surfaces, edges and corners from use; one flanking bronze boss missing left of one of the larger ormolu side panels; but overall good condition. Length at various points ...
End to end of the decorative bosses at either end, almost 20 inches.
End to end of the base, 17 1/4 inches.
Corner to corner of the main compartment, 15 1/2 inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Baskets : Pre 1920 item #1427461
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$475.00
A Japanese woven bamboo reed ikebana basket. Of small size and fine work. Having handled a good number of ikebana baskets over time, this one strikes us as quite sophisticated. Of baluster form, meticulously consistent woven pattern, defined foot and rim, sparse and well balanced decorative intertwined bamboo shoots across the face, and confidently woven handles. Excellent condition. Height, 8 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1910 item #1426608
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$495.00
A Nabeshima blue and white dish with decoration of peonies issuing from rockery. Late Meiji era. Good condition. Diameter, 8 inches to 8 1/8 inches. Height, 2 3/8 inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Snuff Bottles : Pre 1920 item #1426221
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$4,400.00
A finely carved Suzhou school agate snuff bottle. Decoration of figures, picked out from natural colors of the stone, in landscape of hilly bluffs with overhanging pine and whispy cloud. Based on the gourd in the sash of the larger figure - possibly depicting the immortal, Le Tieguai. Nicely defined foot rim. The top rim with broad, just slightly concave surface. Very well hollowed. Height of bottle without cap, 2 5/8 inches. Height with cap, 3 1/8 inches. Excellent condition of the bottle.

The top is also in good condition but the bone spoon is a bit short and wrapped tape keeps a snug fit to the bottle. The top may be a replacement.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1424293
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$1,400.00
A well made 19th century Japanese porcelain haisen (sake up rinser on stem foot). Rare Shunga decoration depicting a bondage scene within the bowl. The manner of the painted decoration in comic fashion similar to that found on some shunga makimono. Shunga paintings and prints are rare enough but encountered. Edo period porcelains with shunga decoration are exceedingly rare. Good condition. Height, 4 1/2 inches. Diameter, 6 3/4 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Sculpture : Pre 1900 item #1424279
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$975.00
A good Chinese boxwood carving of Budai. Three children clamor over him. A bat appears on his right hand. Bone and horn inlays detail his eyes and teeth. Rich, mellow old patina. Nice grain figure in places. Late Qing to early Republic. Ca 1900. Very good condition with typical minor distress checks in the old hardwood surface. Remnants of old label. Height, about 4 5/8 inches high.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1397653
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Probably Echizen province, late 16th or 17th century. Bizen province artisans also took up Yoshiro zogan inlay work in the Kinai (ancient provinces and surrounds) manner. Brass (valuable in the period) and silver inlay flush with the iron surface was thought to have been introduced by an artisan named Yoshiro, for whom it is named. Slightly earlier, Heianjo school work tends to rest atop the surface into which it is inlaid. Late Muromachi or early Edo period. Length, about 12 inches. More pictures coming
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1837 VR item #1397299
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A Japanese iron war fan, or 'Gunbai'. These were accessories used on the battlefield to fan in heat but also as lethal, close quarter defensive accessories. A rare item not commonly encountered on the market. Black lacquered and with gold lacquer kanji quoting Sun Tzu (fifth century Chinese political and war strategist). "Swift as the wind, quiet as the forest, fierce as fire, immovable as the mountain", from 'The Art of War', popularized by 16th century Japanese warlord and Buddhist layman, Takeda Shingen. This fan is probably not earlier than the Edo period (1603-1868). Condition is fair with some lacquer loss. Length, 19 7/8 inches. More pictures coming
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1800 item #1395349
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A fine, Mishina school tanto, forged and signed collaboratively, Omi no Kami Minamoto Hisamichi and Chakushi Minamoto Rai Hisatsugu with edakiku (branched chrysanthemum) above the two signatures. Dated on the verso 'a day in August of Genroku 15' (1702). In full polish, in shirasaya, accompanied with original koshirae with fine fittings including floral and snow on persimmons motifs. Included are kozuka, kogai, tsuba, fuchi-gashira, menuki. Accompanying documents include NBTHK Hozon certificate and old Japanese domestic registration card. Cutting edge 10 inches. Length including tang about 14 1/4 inches. Length of koshirae about 18 inches. More pictures coming later
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Glass : Pre 1920 item #1394568
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$2,600.00
A pair of boldly carved pale blue peking glass vases. Birds in flowering branches. Good condition. Height, eight inches. Early 20th century, Republican era.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Korean : Lacquer : Pre 1910 item #1394124
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A late Joseon dynasty mother of pearl inlaid black lacquer cosmetic and mirror box of drawers. Cranes and peaches decoration on the top. Butterflies, flowers and rockery decoration on the sides. Bamboo decoration on the back. Honeycomb pattern decoration on the front. Good condition, retaining the mirror, and with only light mother of pearl and lacquer loss. A recent owner lined the bottom of the hinged top mirror compartment with a drawer liner and felt. 19th century. 11 inches long, by 8.5 inches wide, by 7 inches high.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1345061
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$265.00
A Kakiemon style porcelain six lobed dish. Cobalt blue underglaze and red, green, yellow, blue and black outline overglaze enamel decoration of 'three friends of winter' (pine, bamboo and prunus). Assymetry of decoration, as well as palette, typical of Kakiemon type porcelains. But the quality of decoration (though good inside the dish), potting and mark speaks to a more general 'Arita' attribution. Some kiln grit adheres inside the foot rim. 19th century. Condition is good, with a few small glaze flakes outside the rim on one lobe, and with some wobble to the potting, and minor kiln faults and light scratches. Diameter from 5 7/8 inches (15.1 cm) to 6 1/4 inches (15.7 cm) [recall the mention of "wobble"]. Height from 1 5/16 (3.3 cm) inches to 1 1/2 inches (3.7 cm).
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1837 VR item #1345055
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An Arita porcelain seashell form, scalloped dish with tall foot. Enamel decoration of Ho-o (Japanese mythological Phoenix) in the Kakiemon pallete - black, red, blue, green, yellow and gold overglaze enamel - applied over the glaze inside the dish. Slightly opaque white, large bubble suffused glaze with faint celadon pooling in recesses. Kiln grit adhering to the unglazed foot rim. An old label remains taped inside the foot proclaiming the dish to be 18th century Kakiemon ware (but probably Arita and possibly as late as the 19th century.) Very good condition. Length, 6 11/16 inches (17 cm). Width, 5 1/4 inches (13.3 cm). Height: 1 1/8 inches (3 cm).
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1837 VR item #1344327
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$550.00
A fine Arita blue and white four lobed bowl. Decoration of Sennin Chokaro with his gourd attribute in landscape, centered by extraordinary shironuki (drawn in white) decoration in the cavetto - each of four panels with a different auspicious figure and attributes. The outside of the shaped rim and sides also with simple shironuki decoration of a water border and a lotus blossom floating at each, dimpled corner. This accomplished work would have issued from aristocratic patronage rather than standard kiln production. Faint celadon tinge in the pooled glaze along the footrim. 18th - early 19th century. One flake inside the rim otherwise good condition. 5 7/8 to 6 inches (14.92 to 15.24 cm) across at the corners. About 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) high.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1800 item #1344316
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$1,175.00
A fine little octagonal blue and white porcelain kakiemon style deep dish. Chocolate brown glazed rim, white body and clear glaze over cobalt blue decoration of a primitive, raised teahouse with loose thatch roof and slung entrance screen all under a large willow tree and, conspicuously, a spiderweb (perhaps to emphasize closeness to nature) in the foreground. The interior wall and rim decorated with repeating pattern and karakusa (scrolling vine and leaf). Karakusa also appearing on the exterior wall. Blue rings around the foot, a blue ring inside the foot centering a mark - appears to read Yoshi and Ga (Ka) and possibly another stylized character from the center line. One might call it a variant on the Fuku mark in this context but it looks rather like an artist and possibly a place reference for a private kiln (which would have been Daimyo sponsored in the period). The mark on the verso is aligned with the decoration on the front - an indication of attention to detail expected also of authentic fine Chinese ceramics. An extraordinary work, finely potted and deftly painted. Very good condition with light rubbing on the interior from wear and a small kiln fault there where the glaze crawled a little. Certainly early 18th century and not implausibly reaching to the end of the Genroku era (1704). About 5 1/4 inches (13.34 cm) diamater at the sides, 5 5/8 inches (14.3 cm) diameter at the corners, about 1 5/16 inch (3.33 cm) high.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1700 item #1344279
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$1,675.00
A fine Japanese blue and white porcelain dish. The foliate rim with chocolate brown glaze, the white porcelain body and glaze, and the fine attention to detail all suggest Kakiemon type. The cavetto with decoration of flowering plants including peonies, prunus and others. The center decorated with a bird (perhaps a flycatcher) in fruited branches, rockery and bamboo leaves below. Both the cavetto and center with reverse technique where the underglaze cobalt blue forms the background of the decoration. Finely defined chatter marks inside the footrim centering five spur marks. Remnants of an old label adhere to the back. The decoration has the feel of Chinese inspiration. Emulation of traditional Chinese porcelain decoration, and certainly Chinese porcelain marks, is not without basis. I have not come upon quite this decoration before and would consider it, along with the quality of this work, to be rare and early - probably Genroku era. One hairline issues from the rim where a flake on the front has an old repair, otherwise good condition. This dish would be an excellent candidate for a proper kintsugi (gold lacquer) repair. Diameter 8 7/8 inches (22.5 cm), Height 1 1/16 inch (2.7 cm).
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1837 VR item #1343243
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$540.00
A large Tembo tsuba. The Tembo (or Tenpo) style evolved from the Saotome school and the sukashi decoration of Okiagari here (an especially nice feature) carries over. Okiagari are self righting toys and the subject was a symbol of inspiration to Samurai in aspiring to improvement and the right path in life. There is, on a curious level of interest, some minute trace of old gold decoration (long since worn off) on the surface of this tsuba. Though there are transitional examples, the present example has a drier feel more typical of Tembo iron (Saotome examples having a smoother, wetter feel.) The kozuka-ana plugged with, apparently, pewter. Edo period. Good condition with one small scratch (should be easily treatable.) Height 3 3/8 inches (85 cm), Width 3 3/16 inches (81.5 cm), and 5/32 of an inch (4 cm) thick.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1800 item #1343239
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sold
A simple, small but stout iron tsuba. The Myochin line of metal workers were armor makers who also produced tsuba. The simple decoration upper-right here could be a flower head or a snowflake. Udenuki-ana appear lower left. Good condition. Height 2 3/4 inches (69 cm), Width 2 9/16 inches (65 cm), and 6/32 of an inche (5 mm) thick.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1342321
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Sale Pending
A 16th century Yoshiro Zogan tsuba. The type is named for a Kaga province artist considered to have advanced the late Onin period brass inlay art to that of hira-zogan - flush with the iron surface. The school also took hold in other provinces, most notably Bizen. The mokko-gata form of this tsuba would appear to be uncommon for Yoshiro Zogan tsuba particularly of katana size. Eight ka-mon are inlaid in open work fashion. The remaining surface decorated with a network of brass inlay depicting algae. Hitsu-ana for kozuka and kogai also lined with brass. From the Onin period when brass inlay became popular, the metal was highly valued. This tsuba is late Muromachi period to possibly Momoyama period. It is in very good condition with apparently uneven rubbing to some of the inlaid brass while the patina on iron surfaces is undisturbed. The very light, old loss of brass inlay is good as this type of brass inlay often sees more loss as the underlying iron surrenders surface with oxidation. About 3 1/4 inches (9.53 cm) high, about 3 1/8 inches (7.94 cm) wide, about 5/32 inches (4 mm) thick.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1900 item #1340187
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$625.00
A well forged, handsome mokume tsuba in mokko-gata form with katakiri-bori landscape decoration on both the omote and ura. The mokume grain is large and well controlled reminding one of ayasugi hada. In fact, this tsuba is indeed a tosho (swordsmith's) tsuba, being made by [Kai Ju] Kiyonaga and dated the third year of Bunkyo (1863) believed to be the same as KIY 298 referenced in Hawley's, Japanese Swordsmiths. Our angled, side view photographs more accurately portray patina and color as well as the mokume grain. Good condition. 3 5/8 inches (8.4 cm) X 3 3/8 inches (8.1 cm) and 7/32 inches thick (.55 cm) at the raised mimi and about 1/8 inch (.32 cm) thick at the seppa-dai. The raised mimi and no taper across the plate are atypical of traditional tosho tsuba. But the present example being 19th century, and toward the end of the Edo period, allows latitude for creativity. Ex Arnold Frenzel collection. If both sensitivity and strength are conveyed in the smith's blades as they are in this tsuba, I would be tempted to acquire one of his swords.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1837 VR item #1339907
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An armorer's (katshushi) tsuba by Miochin Munekane (signed.) Of smaller size associated with wakizashi. Engraved katakiri-bori flowers and vine decoration (six petals on vine, possibly clematis.) Artist line active between 1818 and 1887. Ex Robert Haynes collection. Good condition. A larger, sukashi tsuba at least by the same line, also signed Miochin Munekane, is in the Brooklyn Museum. 2 9/16 inches (6.5 cm) X 2 3/8 inches (6.1 cm) and 1/8 inch (.4 cm) thick.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1800 item #1338183
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A strong mokogata iron tsuba of tight mokume. I favor mokume work and this is a virtuous example worthy of any collection. Boar's eye sukashi decoration in the four corners. Uchikaeshi mimi. Tekkotsu evident along the mimi. Good condition with light rubbing of the patina. Edo period. 3 (7.6 cm) inches x 2 11/16 (6.8 cm) inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1338182
Spoils of Time
$435.00
A simple, four lobed armorer's tsuba with simple pierced decoration perhaps depicting a landscape with structure. The udenuki-ana (cord holes) have the effect of completing the illusion of a Sesshu-like landscape. The saotome were armorers turned tsuba makers who worked in this manner and scale. Good condition with good tekkotsu. Sengoku era. 2 15/16 (7.46 cm) inches x 2 5/8 (6.67 cm) inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1338169
Spoils of Time
$675.00
A katchushi mutsu-gata sukashi tsuba. The six lobed, thin plated armorer's tsuba with good tekkotsu and with openwork decoration was described by Skip Holbrook (ex collection) as Saotome made and depicting three birds. The Saotome were a line of armorers (katchu) turned tsuba makers. But I think a case could be made for the sukashi decoration being a wabi-sabi flower bloom or possibly paulownia leaves (rather than awkward looking "birds".) Use of the paulownia (kiri) mon could suggest Yamakichibei as those tsuba makers, from Owari, were outfitting swords for the Oda and the Toyotomi - the latter using the kiri ka-mon. Good condition. 2 7/8 (7.3 cm) inches x 2 13/16 (7.14 cm) inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1800 item #1337767
Spoils of Time
$6,800.00
A massive imari vase with decoration of the Genroku era of bijin (a beauty) and hana (flowers) on two opposing panels alternating with two more opposing panels of a structure (tea house?) in garden landscape - all in red, gold and black enamels with blue underglaze. Similar landscape decorated panels appear on the shoulder over a ground of hanabishi (flowery diamond) in repeating diamond bordered pattern. The hanabishi (sometimes also referred to as karabana, or 'Chinese flower') could be representative of a ka-mon (family crest). The prominent Takeda family and its branches used the hanabishi ka-mon onward after the Heian period. The Genroku era spanned from 1688 to 1704. The arts and luxuries reached their apex during this era of the Edo period - contributing to large, opulent expressions such as the present vase. Genroku style and influence continued for a short time after (as could this vase) while the Tokugawa Shogunate struggled with inflation after devaluing coin quality in an attempt to sustain the appearance of prosperity (sound familiar?) So in some ways the Tokugawa followed in the footsteps of the decadent Ashikaga. Good, stable condition save an old crack through the foot rim which might originate with the firing as a crazing pattern conforms along and around the crack as if from excessive heat (limited to inside the foot and the lower portion of one bijin panel.) Vase height (not including cover) is 15 7/8 inches (40.32 cm)

This vase is accompanied by a Chinese, late Qing dynasty, exquisitely carved hardwood cover. The fit is loose and the cover a bit small proportionately. As they did not start life together, we are amenable to selling the cover separately should someone have a need. The cover would best fit a large vase with interior rim diameter of no smaller than 4 9/16" (11.58 cm). The cover is 7 5/16" (18.57 cm) with the wood grain (there is substantial shrinkage of the wood against the grain with age.) The cover is in presentable condition with some glue evidence on the interior - probably from refitting after shrinkage.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Lacquer : Pre 1837 VR item #1337646
Spoils of Time
$4,900.00
This is one of the more intriguing lacquer objects we have owned. Adorned with maki-e Aoe (hollyhock) Ka-mon on nashiji ground (also known as the Kamo Aoi as it was sacred to the Kamo shrine), family crest for prominent daimyo families including the Tokugawa and the Matsudaira during the Momoyama and Edo periods. Even the drawer pull is fashioned as an open worked shibuichi Aoe Ka-mon with the surprise of a textured, kinko (soft metal) raised backing only if you look for it. More interesting yet is the unusual form of this object - perhaps an only opportunity to acquire an example. Resembling a food tray on stand, it nonetheless has a drawer (not common to the form.) And a tall cover comes with a screen (silk?) as if to permit viewing whilst keeping something either in or out. We have not found another example of the form and so are not certain if it might be a covered dining tray (though the drawer) if intended to keep bugs out. Or perhaps it is in fact an insect terrarium (someone suggested it might be a large "cricket cage" or for praying mantis - maybe even to observe mantis combat) keeping the bugs in as it were. We can only speculate at the moment and heartily welcome suggestions or insight - maybe something not yet considered. The covered stand is in rather good condition for a mid Edo lacquer object. Good condition with expected testimony of age and use. There are the usual small lacquer losses mostly to edging (not at all detracting.) There is some fading - varying to the extent exposed to light (see our enlargement comparing surfaces of exterior, screened interior, drawer interior.) There is one minutely small handle stop stud missing from the screened cover. 18th to early 19th century. 13 inches (33.02 cm) high, 9 5/8 (24.45 cm) inches wide, 12 inches (30.48 cm) long.

Since listing this item, someone has suggested its holding fireflies (hotaru) as a possible use.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1333910
Spoils of Time
$975.00
An iron, Ko-Tosho (early sword smith's) tsuba. The slightest taper from seppa dai towards rim. Pierced decoration. Purchased from Andy Quirt (ex Skip Holbrook collection) at the February 2016 Tampa show, he thought it depicted gourds. I guess the beholder might see different things. I see Japanese eggplants on leafy vine (two fruit and two leaves) supported by a bamboo trellis. An uncommon and well executed, balanced decoration. The hitsu-ana appears to be original to the tsuba. Late Muromachi. Good condition - has seen some pitting in the past but now stable (chalk it up to tekkotsu, history and character - tekkotsu attractively conspicuous on the rim), well worn to the touch, and with a good, dark patina. 2 7/8" (7.3 cm) marugata. 1/8" (3.17 mm) thick at the mimi. 3/16" (4.47 mm) thick at the seppa-dai.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1333826
Spoils of Time
$695.00
An armorer's iron tsuba, possibly for a wakizashi as it is somewhat diminuitive in size. Or perhaps more in keeping with its apparent age, an early example of a proportionately small tsuba used with an uchigatana as was first the fashion. Sukashi decoration of a conch (horagai) traditionally used for ritual practices and for signaling on the battlefield. The rare uchikaeshi-hineri rim (mimi) is significantly raised and defined almost as if to suggest a separate piece of iron around the rim (though it is one with the plate.) Though the small sukashi might suggest tosho (swordsmith), the distinct and high rim clearly indicates ko-katchushi (old armorers) work. Good condition with tekkotsu, dark patina and some inert, brown surface rust for which we are lightly applying oil when dry (we prefer not to overclean or dry out a tsuba so will not take some of the more invasive measures against only light rust.) This tsuba has an early feel - perhaps early Muromachi. 2 3/4" (7 cm) marugata. The thickness of the plate is about 1/8" (.32 cm). The thickness at the rim is about 1/4" (.63 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1333823
Spoils of Time
$575.00
A katchushi (or armorer's) tsuba, probably Myochin, with pierced decoration of ship's rudders (the significance being a comparison of rudders steering a ship to values guiding a Samurai's life choices.) The strong, homogenous, dense iron plate with only light tekkotsu and smooth to the touch. Dark patina. Momoyama to early Edo. Good condition: Lamination folds with openings evident on the surface of one side. Ex Skip Holbrook collection. 3 3/32" x 3 1/16" x 1/8" (7.8 cm x 7.7 cm x .32 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1333535
Spoils of Time
$650.00
An armorer's tsuba, with very slightly raised rim on the strong, flat iron plate. Pierced decoration of a shrimp with pleasing, subtle swell along the antennae and legs (mostly on the ura.) Small, irregular brass inlays for the eyes (missing from one eye - not conspicuous.) The kogai-ana plugged with a copper rich alloy. Oval form about 2 7/8" (7.3 cm) by 2 3/4" (6.985 cm). Thickness at rim about 5/32" (.39 cm). Late 16th century to early 17th century - perhaps Momoyama period. Or possibly earlier with hitsu-ana added (though old). Good condition with varieagated hues in the dark, lustrous patina likely with extant lacquer adhering and accounting for some of the black color (note that the tsuba has an overall dark, mottled patina which our lighting doesn't adequately portray). Subtle tekkotsu evident - some old, worn pitting with the surface now smooth, almost soapy to the touch.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1328475
Spoils of Time
$265.00
A good, Japanese iroe imari dish of square form with garden landscape decoration in red, green, yellow, aubergine, black and gold enamel and underglaze blue. The center panel decorated with pines, plantains and maples among rockery and below stylized clouds. The rockery employing "master of the rocks" technique of consecutive contour lines - the stylized clouds echoing the technique. Good condition. 7 to 7 1/8 inches square. About 8 1/4 inches from corner to corner. 19th century. (Five like this available: one each may be acquired at the offer price, up to four [one sold].)
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : American : Federal : Pre 1837 VR item #1319397
Spoils of Time
$475.00
Jerome's & Darrow Federal manner hand made shelf clock with wood works, Bristol CT. Provenance, Martin VanBuren Back, 1835-1920 (may already have been in the family for a generation.) We purchased from his direct descendant, David N. Back in the 1990s. We had the clock last serviced in 2006 and in good running order with reliable chimes. Having invested in preservation, our gain will have been our enjoyment of the clock. 2nd quarter, 19th century. Good condition. Height, about 34 3/4 inches. We will defer to a professional shipper for such an item - cost to be arranged between buyer and shipper.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1837 VR item #1319339
Spoils of Time
$265.00
Pair of Kinko (soft metal, as distinguished from iron) menuki. The soft metal copper alloy with dark patination (perhaps shakudo) depicting a pair of shishi or dogs (these are more dog like than most shishi I've seen, which are often thought to be lions.) The dogs with hair defined with fine incising. Decoration in gold including spots and pupils on the dogs, the collars each with a bell, and sprays of flowers. One of the menuki appears to have a miniature gold self-righting figure of Daruma (an 'okiagari koboshi' toy) on its back along with the flower spray. Appear to be earlier Edo. Very good condition. They were "saved" from a Cha-donsu studded with good, old menuki. So we suppose you could call these dogs "rescues" :) There is solder evidence on the back but that is never accessible when mounted on a tsuka. (These would be a good match with another of our listings - a kozuka, item #1318102.) Length, 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 inches (2.86 to 3.17 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1318313
Spoils of Time
Sold
An iron mokogata form iron tsuba with surface and patina indicating significant age. Some folds apparent in the iron, tekkotsu ("iron bones" describing irregularities in surface resulting from gradual wearing away of softer iron, leaving more refined, harder iron), rim slightly raised around the hammered plate. The raised decoration of the hare and vine in quintessentially Japanese taste - thick gold overlaid details. This would work nicely on a Yamashiro or other slender, old blade. Good condition with light rubbing of patina on rim, scratching to the gold overliad hare, and light rust on plate (should be manageable with light application of clove oil until arrested [we have begun this process].) Length, 2 15/16 inches (7.46 cm). Width, 2 11/16 inches (6.82 cm)