Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (122)

A Han dynasty bronze hu vase. Raised on high, cupped foot. The body cast with three grooves bands around the circumference and below the girth. Another three grooved bands (one smaller) above the girth. Two mask handles with loose rings (original to the vase) on opposing sides of the shoulder. One larger grooved band under the rim. Condition sound with the vessel of solid casting, no active rust and good patina. Some old losses along the foot rim and holes under the girth on one side possibly from an impact or once active rust. The bottom once drilled for a lamp and now plugged (see illustration of inside bottom.) A good metalworker could easily patch the holes and losses for aesthetic display (whether with patinated bronze or with another material such as gold so as not to hide the conservation. Height, about 13 3/8 inches (about 34 cm). For examples of the same form, patina and grooved bands, see Christies 2009 sale 5812 lot 144 and Sothebys 2011 sale 8722 lot 310. Weight may be a factor to ship this item. When placing this vase on our scale it errors out at over 5 kg or 11 lb.

A set of six unusual Buddhist bronze figures, each seated upon a lotus base and generally forming a pear shape. The mustached and bearded figures with plumed head wear and flowing robes each holding a musical instrument - one reading a sutra. It appears the figures were all from the same mould while the arms and attributes were done separately and joined to the figures. The latter figure (particularly) exhibiting wear to the apparently gilt surface, revealing the bronze alloy on the rubbed stomach and sides. The underside of each bronze closed by a recessed copper plate with embossed decoration. Hasty research finds that Indonesia has along history of three dimensional mandalas of which the 9th century temple at Borobodur provides the grandest example. Small Indonesian bronze mandala figures are known to date to as early as the 10th century. The tradition has persisted or repeated into the turn of the 20th century. These figures, clearly with Asian characteristics but with South Asian qualities including longer hair and full mustaches and beards below the chin, may represent later Islamic influence (though depiction of a human form and especially an idol would be prohibited within strict interpretation of Islam.) A melding of different religious experience and culture can be observed. We have seen only a couple similar figures described as late 19th century or early 20th century and only one other set. About turn of the century, we opt for a conservative dating of "pre 1920". We arrive at a price of $900 from an average of about $150 per figure but sold as a set. Good condition though showing imperfections of somewhat provincial castings and metalwork. Each height about 4 3/4 inches (12 cm) to top of plume.

Shigenobu (Hiroshige II) 1826-1869. The oban tate-e triptych depicts Minamoto no Yorimitsu, Sakata no Kintoki and Watanabe no Tsuna entering the mountain home of the demons. Circa 1851-1853. Shigenobu was a pupil of Ando Hiroshige and adopted his name to become the second generation after his master's passing in 1858. Condition of these prints are faded, wrinkles - some creased, margins trimmed and uneven, light wormage and pin holes, light foxing and soil. As challenged as the condition sounds, this dramatic and colorful triptych would frame and present nicely on a decorative basis and as a conversation piece. These prints may best ship (at buyer's expense) detached from the current backing and matting to reduce package size.

The Hirado figure of a monkey with moveable head and tonge. Portrayed as a Shinto priest with the addition of a fan used in performing the Manzai dance during New Year's festivities. Blue underglaze and iron oxide wash on the biscuit and over the glaze. Meiji period. Good condition. Height, 3 5/8 inches (9.21 cm)

A fine little Hirado figural group depicting two karako playing with a Shishi-mai (lion dance) mask. Sharply modeled with incised details and sparse blue, aubergine and black underglaze decoration. The karako's eyes, the lion mask and the underside unglazed. The biscuit surface of the lion mask intentionally oxidized to an even, light buff tone. Good condition with only a few tiny "flea bite" surface flakes one must look closely for and not detracting (our close images depict them larger than life with commentary in the captions.) Length, 3 1/8 inches (7.94 cm). Height, 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm)

A large Ao-Kutani palette porcelain plaque in the Yoshidaya manner. Two geese in garden landscape with palm tree, lotus among rockery and water in finely applied blue, green, aubergine, black and yellow enamels. A black key border with green overglaze enamel around the canted rim. The back not glazed except for a black enamel square Kutani kiln mark with overglaze green enamel and two character black enamel artist mark with overglaze green enamel in oval. Two points of the back recessed and pierced before firing to provide for suspension display of the plaque. The so called Yoshidaya type of 19th century Ao-Kutani wares is named for a merchant who revived production of a particular palette of Ko-Kutani production (of the 17th and early 18th century) adjacent to the original kilns. The current example certainly appears to be 19th century. Later 19th century Ao-Kutani palette production is often ambitiously ascribed to the Yoshidaya kiln which, in fact, operated only briefly from the 1820s to the early 1830s. We recently purchased this as Yoshidaya style Ao-Kutani appeals to us personally (as one might tell from our recently listed auction lots.) We offer it here while we are auctioning other Ao-Kutani wares. It came to us framed and we retain the frame (illustrated) to ship with the plaque. Light enamel loss in the scene not distracting from its appeal. More enamel loss evident along the rim which would be covered with the frame in place. Sparse and light small scratches and rubbing. Otherwise, good and presentable condition. Plaque dimensions (not including the frame) about 13 1/4 inches by about 12 inches (33.65 cm x 30.48 cm). Weight without frame 7.03 lbs (3.19 kg)

The Katchushi style of this tsuba gives it an earlier look and feel. But it is probably an Edo period work (might expect more wear on the seppa-dai or more conspicuous tekkotsu on an older example.) The thin body nonetheless resilient. Strong, sparse, decorative file marks on the vertical add to character. Adept use of the file, thin plate and slight taper toward the rim could support argument a swordsmith may have made the tsuba. Genji style mon and two five petal blossoms in fine open work (some iron detailing missing from one of the blossoms, the other with one of the open worked petals interrupting the rim.) Smaller kozuka-ana and kogai-ana flanking the seppa-dai. The surface smooth to the touch despite some old, light pitting. Possible scant old lacquer adhering closely to the surface (difficult to discern with certainty as some hard wax appears to have been applied to the surface.) Simple sukashi tsuba are considered by many to be closest to Samurai taste. Fine open work and subtle attention to detail such as the file work add to appeal. Length, 3 9/32 inches (8.33 cm). Width, 3 1/16 inches (7.78 cm). Thickness, about 3/32 inch (0.238 cm)

An Ao-Kutani palette porcelain deep dish in the Yoshidaya manner. Hydrangeas decoration in polychrome enamels including white, light blue-green, and dark green, blue, blue-green and aubergine in black line, all on yellow ground, a chocolate brown enamel on the otherwise unglazed biscuit rim. The number and subtlety of hues but consistent for palette is pleasing. The back with enamels including dark green on black line decoration of clouds. Kutani mark in black under yellow glaze inside the foot ring which appears to have been glazed but with the enamel rubbed along high points to the porcelain body. A couple of kiln kisses to the cloud decoration area on the back. The so called Yoshidaya type of 19th century Ao-Kutani wares is named for a merchant who revived production of a particular palette of Ko-Kutani production (of the 17th and early 18th century) adjacent to the original kilns. The current example certainly appears to be 19th century and could possibly be from the Yoshidaya kiln. Later Ao-Kutani palette production is often ambitiously ascribed to the Yoshidaya kiln which, in fact, operated only briefly from the 1820s to the early 1830s. One 3/16 inch flake (mostly to the enamel) under the rim. Otherwise good condition considering expected scratching and rubbing of the enamel. Presents well. Diameter, 11 7/8 inches (30.16 cm)

A kozuka with gilt and silvered bronze decoration of a general's baton and banner on dark patinated bronze nanako ('fish roe' textured ground.) The utility knife handle with shakudo (a pickled gold and copper alloy) back and sides. Surfaces showing wear and slight distress from use but in fairly good and serviceable condition. Could benefit from a light cleaning and oiling. Length, little more than 3 3/4 inches (9.53 cm)

Thai bronze head of a Bodhisattva. Ayutthaya period. Presentable decorative condition with tips of earlobes missing, core exposed atop head, and the body missing of course. Black lacquer and traces of gilt on the diadem and the back of the neck. Height of the head , about 3 3/4 inches (9.54 cm) not including the pin for securing on plinth. Total height including the plinth, 5 7/8 inches (14.9 cm). The patina appears a bit darker and warmer in person but did not cooperate, photographically, with our lighting.

A good pair of dragon menuki in nicely detailed patinated shakudo alloy and with gilt features. Late Edo period. Good condition but with glue adhering mostly to the back. Each little more than 1 5/8 inches (4.13 cm) long.

A kozuka with sea shell and seaweed decoration with gold and silver overlaid on shakudo (a pickled gold and copper alloy) nanako ('fish roe' textured ground.) The utility knife handle with filed gilt bronze sides and back. Slight bend and the nanako somewhat dented in places. Would present nicely enough with a sword fitted to hold a kozuka in the saya (scabbard.) Kogatana (utility blade) not included. Length, 3 3/4 inches.

Japanese polychrome enamel Arita porcelain dish. Decoration in blue underglaze and green, red, black, buff, aubergine and gold enamel of cranes among the three friends of winter (pine, bamboo and prunus) and Spring flowers. Stylized character in center, karakusa on verso. Good condition. 8 5/8 inches diameter

Chinese bronze shi (or foo) lion seal. Four character seal mark. Good condition. Height, little more than 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)

A good Korean mother of pearl inlaid small chest of drawers. The front with inlaid decoration of pairs of birds (including, recognizably, ducks and phoenix) among lotus, bamboo, peaches and peonies on flat black lacquered ground. This is one of those wonderful finds of both honest age and undisturbed condition. All the wood with evidence only of being hand worked and appearing untouched since made with good, honest patina on all the secondary woods as well. The extent of conservation over time appears to be a couple of patched corners to the inlaid drawer facings and sparse replacement of some missing wooden pins (yes good, old wooden pins throughout) with a nail here and there. As one with experience dealing in period furniture, I would have to say that this is not only in good condition but also thankful that it has not been altered. As obvious from the unlevel shelves seen in our pictures, it is in need of a proper (hide) regluing. So it will ship with the drawers and dividers a bit loose. Height, 10 5/8 inches (26.9 cm), Width, about the same (27 cm), Depth, 10 1/8 inches (25.7 cm)

A Philippined betel nut box. Silver inlaid decoration on bronze. Rectangular form with canted corners and conforming hinged cover over three comparments (two small side compartments, one with old lime residue, flanking one large central compartment also with hinged covers. All hinges held by wood pinning. Good condition. Length, not including the bale handles on each side, 6 7/8 inches (17.46 cm)

A Korean blue and white porcelain water dropper. Cube form with bracket feet on the four corners, a spout along the top edge on one side, and a whole (for displacement) near center top. Painterly floral decoration within line border on the sides. Geometric flower head decoration on the top. Stable cracks, a couple surface chips, and loss to the spout. All dimensions about 2 1/4 inches (5.715 cm) except for the height which is about 2 1/8 inches (5.39 cm). Joseon dynasty.

A good, large murashido patinated bronze vase. Raised geese and irises decoration including some katakiribori details. The bottom may have been reversed when reattaching it at some later time. From inside the vase can be seen on the bottom a 16 petal chrysanthemum overlaid by Kashiwa (oak leaf) mon and on a bed of same - all in relief. We illustrate the interior bottom in one of our enlargement views (pardon the uncleaned state.) Reasonably good condition with light rubbing and minor, acceptable distress t the surface. In the hands of an experienced metalworker a light cleaning and some care should do wonders for this object. Just over 12 1/2 inches (32 cm)