Catalog (187)

Fukagawa 4 1/2 inch diameter fruit or sauce plate (could be used for dessert or hors d'oeuvre.) Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. This service piece is also consistent with the traditional Japanese "Mukozuke" - appetizer dish or bowl - which could range in shape and proportion from a shallow bowl to a high walled cup-like form. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each, there are six available. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa eight and 3/8 inch salad plate. Iris dcoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration including random butterflys. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. A point along the edge with a couple of rim frits. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa eight and 3/8 inch salad plate. Iris dcoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration including random butterflys. Mt. Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each salad plate, there were five available in good condition when listed. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

A Fukagawa five 7/8 inch bread plate. Iris decoration from Chuji Fukagawa's own 19th century design book. Blue underglaze and red, yellow and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Mt Fuji mark in underglaze blue inside the foot ring. Late Meiji or early Taisho. Good condition. Priced for each bread plate, there were six available when listed. We are happy to quote a group price or entertain an offer for all available pieces we have in this pattern.

An unusual and interesting polychrome enameled studio porcelain mug signed by the Japanese artist - Fukako Sei. Decoration borrows from traditional Nabeshima and Kakiemon iro-e examples with blue underglaze partial decoration filled in with red, yellow-green, turquoise and magenta enamel depicting prunus and peonies (Spring flora.) The mug with a slight taper toward the rim and a loop handle. I am, being both a coffee drinker and a ceramics collector, tempted to keep this. Perhaps it will find an even more determined owner. Good condition. Height 3 1/4 inches.

A Japanese lacquer bowed top box with portrait of a Kabuki actor - presumably named in gold lacquer and the role of Daihachi named in a lustrous iron color. All slightly raised work, the portrait is in gray, black, red, flesh tone, browns and gold. Lines including pattern and folds in the figure's attire and hair in his coiffure and sideburns cleanly defined with raised work. Metal along the facing edges of the top and bottom have no doubt contributed nicely to the preservation of the box. Actor portraits being not uncommon in woodblock prints, we have only found one example in lacquer - an important inro sold by Bonhams in May 2011. The present box is not signed and does not enjoy the colorful provenance of the Bonhams' inro. The condition of this box is fair with small losses on corners and edges (see our illustrations), light surface wear and need of a cleaning. The top has a very slight warp mostly along the length so that the facing metal edges do not rest entirely flush on one side (otherwise would not be noticed and probably not surprising with a little shrinkage over time.) There is no wrinkling, no blisters, no peeling at all to the lacquer (solid work.) This should touch up and clean up nicely in the hands of a qualified lacquer conservationist. It was difficult to capture the raised work in our photographs. Our last enlargements are taken close and under direct halogen light at angles that distort the composition and exaggerate wear but which highlight the raised work. Length, 6 inches (15.24 cm), Width 3 3/8 inches (8.57 cm), Height 1 1/2 inches (3.81 cm). Late Meiji, possibly early Taisho.

A mid to early 20th century Vietnamese chess set. Vietnam was known for accomplished mother of pearl inlay work as found in the accomplished inlay work on this black lacquer board folding to form a case. Every other square is mother of pearl with fine inlaid decoration of the same material and with incised details. The complete set of 32 French Regence style pieces of turned and carved light and dark colored horn. The French influence follows from that country's half century of occupation of the region from the "Open Door Policy" era through the mid 20th century - becoming an integral part of Vietnamese culture even until today with adopted vocabularly, culture and cuisine. Comparison with more recent exports from Vietnam will bear out the differences in quality from this era - particularly in the inlay work. Good condition with only minor wear from use and one minute point of loss to the black lacquer (easily filled with a black enamel such as nail polish.) The board, opened, is about 15 inches square. The Kings are about 2 3/4 inches high. The board cleaned up a bit after we photographed it. As we often do in auction format, we are starting this well below our fair market retail asking price and without reserve.

Two small Japanese porcelain dishes used for small side servings or morsels - both decorated with blue underglaze and polychrome overglaze enamels. One with asymmetric floral decoration and gilt foliate rim and spurious Chenghua mark inside the foot. The other octagonal with dragon decoration in the cavetto surrounded by flowering karakusa enclosed within alternating red and blue panels and the verso with geometric patterns. Both about 4 inches (10.16 cm) in diameter and almost 1 inch (2.5 cm) in height. Good condition.

Two Japanese pottery yunomi. One cylindrical with a warm terra cotta colored glaze with white dripping on a coarse, light buff body burnt to an earthy orange where the bottom meets the glaze - the ring foot notched beside an impressed, three character artist's mark. Height 3 3/16 inches (8.1 cm), Diameter 2 3/8 inches (6.03 cm). The other with slightly curved sides and a rich, mottled iron glaze with a white to caramel dripping from the rim as if overflowing from the mottled white glazed interior - raised on a ring foot without glaze on the foot rim and centering two gold lacquered characters flanking a small impressed artist's seal in circular cartouche. Height 3 7/16 inches (8.73 cm), Diameter 2 1/2 inches (6.3 cm). We recently blogged about a cloisonne pendant possibly being the longest held item in our collection. These two cups are, actually, the longest held items in our possession and purchased from the same source - antiques dealer Evan Wolf - in the mid 1980s.

A Nezumi Shino covered box or jar. Probably a mukozuke (but for which we are not familiar with examples accompanied by a cover.) White slip inlaid into incised decoration under the warm, gray glaze - conspicuous on the cover but not so much in decoration on the sides of the box where contrast does not succeed as well. A pleasant "swipe" of white slip under the cover provides a bit of a "surprise". The interior of the jar coarsely textured and with a similar, large and broad swipe of white slip from the bottom and diagonally up across three sides. The red body exposed on the foot ridged with three swipes of a potter's knife and an impressed artist's seal along the edge - partially covered by the glaze. Good condition. About 3 3/4 inches square (9.525 cm) and about the same height to the finial handle.

A small, decorative Satsuma dish. Figures in Spring landscape. One of the five lakes vicinity Mt. Fuji. Flowers, wisteria, torii gate and structures. Anonymous. Good condition. Diameter 6 1/8 inches (15.55 cm)

Japanese pottery tsubo vase. An earthy, drab gray-green glaze on porcelaneous body with thin iron wash and with bold, rich red iron oxide glaze painted floral decoration on opposing sides of the tsubo form with thickly potted shoulder rising to a broad, everted rim. Two character impressed artist's mark inside the foot appears to read Kazan ('Ka' being the 10 stroke character also read as "hana".) A pleasant, substantial feel when held. Excellent condition. Height, 9 3/4 inches (24.76 cm)

An interesting modern, abstract koro. The compressed sphere with elliptical, off centered opening. A warm, brown temmoku glaze with darker brown glaze dripping from the top and stopping in controlled fashion above a well - continuing to form the unglazed foot in ogee fashion. An artist seal (three or four stylized Kanji characters within an oval) is impressed into the concave base near the foot rim. Very good condition. Some burnt on kiln residue on the foot goes to 'wabi'. A couple small chips off the foot (revealing a flint colored body beneath the brown hagi-like surface) go to 'sabi'. About 4 3/4 inches (12.1 cm) diameter. About 2 3/8 inches (6.03cm) high.

A fine and early museum quality complete set of five Ko-Imari, Kakiemon style cups or choko. Blue underglaze and green, red, aubergine, yellow and black overglaze enamel decoration of peonies and prunus blossoms in garden landscape with rockery and fence. Traces of rubbed gilt enameled highlights. The choko form saw many uses such as teabowls (also seen in early European ceramics after Japanese examples of the period), large sake cups, and mukozuke. We estimate from the delicate but sure potting, the free hand but care of painted decoration, and color of enamels that these cups are Genroku era - late 17th to early 18th century. Each with blue underglaze spurious six character Chenghua mark in single blue circle inside a narrow ring foot. Very good condition considering age and use with expected light scratching to surfaces from use over the centuries and minor imperfections as would be expected from the period. One with an attractive, old gold lacquer filled stable line from the rim - that bowl also rendering a pleasant resonance when lightly tapped. Diameters are not perfect circles but longest length of each is nearly 4 inches diameter (about 10.15 cm). Height (and foot diameters) similarly varies near 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm). We acquired this set with an old, labeled tomobako in which we continue to store the cups. The label reads "Ko-Imari choko go kyaku, inokuchi" (the last term, inokuchi, referring to the possible use of this five piece set as sake choko.) The box (missing its top) apparently having started its life with the cups, it is understood that the cups are earlier.

A fine Japanese blue and white porcelain soba choko with decoration of prunus blossoms on branches rising above an active with breaking waves all over a comb pattern on double blue lines above the foot. A fret band decoration appears inside the foliate shaped rim and a flower head within double blue ring adorns the bottom inside. The clear glaze pools to a lovely pale celadon tone above the prunus and sea decoration and in a glazed recess centered inside the glazed foot ring and broad unglazed band. Uniquely Japanese design elements successfully portray the ephemeral qualities of sakura blossoms against the foil of a rythmic, eroding sea. Appreciating the moment. Good condition: A couple small points of distress on the foot rim appearing to be quite stable and possibly dating to the moment of firing. Early 19th to late 18th century. Height 2 5/8 inches (6.67cm). Diameter 3 1/2 to 3 5/8 inches (8.89 to 9.2 cm)

An attractive Japanese blue and white porcelain soba choko with banana leaf, fence and chidori in mist decoration supported by single blue line all over double blue line. The inside rim with blue and white fret band and the bottom inside with a single flower within double blue line. The glazed foot ring surrounding a wide, unglazed band centering a recessed, glazed center. The white glaze very slightly blue tinged. The decoration exhibits some of those peculiarly Japanese qualities we have also come to very much appreciate in tsuba. Good condition. Early 19th to late 18th century. Height 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm). Diameter 3 3/8 to 3 1/2 inches (8.57 to 8.89 cm)

A whimsical khaki green-yellow glazed Japanese pottery figural sake pot depicting a tanuki trying to make off with a proportionately larger sake barrel. Early 20th century to turn of that century. Good condition. Height 3 1/2 inches (8.89cm). About 4 1/2 inches (11.4cm) length from tanuki's nose.

A fine 19th century classical rosewood canterbury. The four compartments separated by three rail and stile partitions with handle, enclosed by openwork lyre sides and turned corner posts with finials, all over two drawer case raised on turned feet. Wonderfully appropriate for a period music room. The two drawers likely cost the patron a pretty penny in the period and are not commonly encountered. Secondary woods (exhibiting only hand rendered kerf marks) include red cedar and chamfered poplar for the drawers, and red cedar and knotty pine for the case. Note the darker oxidation (as expected) on the exposed lower drawer bottom. Probably American, inspired by Regency design. Compare with Neal's 2005 Winter Estates Auction lot 261 which lacked case and drawers. Very good condition save some rosewood veneer loss on one side lyre (see third enlargement - a minor consideration easily restored - we will not.) This will ship oversized or by special delivery service at buyer's expense. Length 20 1/2 inches (52cm), Height 18 inches (45.7cm), Depth 14 1/2 inches (36.8cm).

The lorgnette handle with octagonal mother of pearl paneling in three sections divided by gold filled fixtures. the end with deep, bright engraved end cap and the telescoping gold filled extender with horn, dovetailed retainer and smaller, simple end cap. Good condition with an almost imperceptible small "flea bite" to a corner of one mother of pearl panel and a tiny dent in the gold filled ornamental end cap - also not at all distracting (try to find lower left leaf in our last enlargement.) Length extended 7 3/4 inches (19.69cm). Length closed 4 1/2 inches (11.43cm)

A carved wood Mallard Duck decoy with light, hollowed body (in top and bottom section) and nicely defined tail and wing feathers. Painted details and glass eyes. Good, serviceable condition with natural wear from use. This useable decoy would make a great decoration. "H.W. Jones" impressed on the bottom. We were told when acquiring that it was from the Chesapeake Bay area vicinity Delaware. But we found online information from a reputable specialty auction house (with presale estimate for an H.W. Jones hollow black duck decoy) suggesting the Hudson River area of New York. Length from tip of bill to tip of tail: 17 3/8 inches

A fine set of eight Georgian King's Pattern sterling silver spoons. Marked Sarah and John William Blake, 1815. Excellent condition. Each length about 5 1/2" (13.9cm) and averaging nearly 31 grams each for a total of 247 grams (8.7oz total). Look for our listing of two additional, similar spoons.

A fascinating manipulation of fired on patination to the copper or bronze, shouldered vase. A rich, earthy copper red fired on patina is on the interior and on the exterior serving as background to irregular streams, inlets and pools of dappled verdigris among, and picked out by, (seemingly) flames of speckled gold fading into the background color. We included one picture with filtered sunlight to better pick out the colors. Reasonably good condition - allowing for presentable display from a cabinet. There are two small impacts to the side accompanying some patination loss. One of these impacts is small enough that a little repatination or color touch up should suffice. The other could be similarly conserved before or after tapping out the impact. Other minor color touch up - particularly to an area along the shoulder of the vase - might be needed (unless you like to leave things as they are.) Impressed or incised WMF Ikora mark, with tower in circle, to the foot. Height 5 1/8" (13cm)

A fine pair of 19th century clambroth glass candle holders. Stout but elegant baluster turned sticks with broad, stable feet. Fine and practical decorative accents. The reference to clambroth says it all - the milky glass almost translucent (more so toward the foot - see second illustration) with opaque bubbles throughout. Good condition. These are probably pretty early and likely not common to fetch a pair. Would be a refreshing "stand in" for brass in period interior. They are tall at height 10 1/8 inches each.

A good sized Imari porcelain bowl. Blue underglaze cobalt and Red, green, aubergine and gold overglaze enamel decoration. Good decorative impact. A "crows foot" crack inside the foot is stable and barely at all visible inside the bowl. Minor enamel losses. Diameter, 10 1/8 in. Height 3 3/4 in.

This later, stoutly potted porcelain hexagonal Ao-Kutani censer may be Meiji or as late as Taisho era. But the six biscuit panels with relief depictions of sages are noteworthy each with an associated animal from Chinese lore. Green yellow and red enameled decoration of blossoms and clouds. The cover with Shishi also in blue and aubergine (cover only fits one way.) Rims with chocolate brown glaze. All raised on six shaped feet. The bottom also unglazed biscuit. A bit more weight than one might expect. Some firing stress faults seen inside and bottom but no damage. Good condition. Height with cover on, 5 1/2 in.

I visited the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington DC a little more than a year ago and saw some really creative ceramics with leather incorporated into the composition among related, sculptural works. It did make a spontaneous and lasting impression that led me to recognize and purchase a wonderful and unusual work by the same hand found in an antiques and collectibles market.

Featured here is a monumental mixed media salt glazed pottery charger. My first impression was a landscape with sun (concentric iron colored circles on clay body) on the horizon (leather upon iron colored band) over blue colored area (suggesting water?) Where the horizon meets is reminiscent of Rothko. But the hanger suggests it may have been intended with the concentric rings below, as if a valley. The blue area, in that case, might represent the sky (if indeed it is intended as a landscape.) The horizon would not sit level if the hanger shows intent. One might also remove the hanger and place as a centerpiece. The charger is signed "TURKER GWU CORCORON [sic] 1971".

The artist is Turker Ozdogan, Fellow of Corcoran College of Art and Design. He also received an MFA at George Washington University. As faculty, he established the ceramics program at GWU and continues as the Director. Ozdogan previously received recognition from the Applied Fine Arts School, Istanbul, the Eczacibasi Ceramics Factory also in Turkey, and Furst Adolf Werkstatte Fur Keramik, Buckeburg, Germany. He has achieved recognition, awards or exhibitions with Corcoran Gallery of Art, the International Monetary Fund, the World bank, Meridian House, and the United Nations Plaza, Turkevi Gallery. His work has been featured in the press and in publications and is in many private and public collections including The George Washington University Permanent Collection, and Kale Ceramics Museum, Turkey. Condition is good. Diameter, 22 inches.

Have not found other works available on the market and no archival basis to establish comparative value. The artist is apparently aesthetically rather than commercially motivated. This will be weighty and careful packing so at the buyer's expense.

A set of five Victorian cranberry glass fingerbowls of compressed form with waisted rim. Raised on a tapered foot with polished pontil. Condition is good - varying slightly from bowl to bowl. No cracks or abrasions. Rim diameter 4 7/8 in. About 5 1/2 diameter at the broadest point. Foot diameter about 2 3/4 in.

Rare matching set of 8 Bengal Tiger pattern porcelain plates. English, late 18th century. Diameter, 9 3/8 inches. Good condition.

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

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

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

One Japanese porcelain mamezara (bean, or appetizer, dish.) Fine blue and white decoration of a landscape on one panel and particularly fine shades of blue decoration of a flowering prunus branch on another. Karakusa decoration on the back. Spurious Ming Chenghua mark inside the foot rim. Good condition. Length, about 6 inches. Ca 1900/Early 20th century. (Two like this available: One each may be acquired at the offer price, up to two.)

One Finely formed and decorated Japanese blue and white porcelain dish. The deep, foliate rim fired to chocolate brown along the edge is suggestive of kakiemon influence. Decoration of figure seated in royal ease pose, perhaps Kannon, in rich foliate garden setting centered by repetitive characters (perhaps suggestive of sutra or chants) inside the deep rim. The Buddhist motif is unusual. Spurious Ming Chenghua mark. Good condition. Diameter, 7 5/8 inches. Ca 1900/early 20th century. (Five like this available: Winning bidder may acquire one each at the winning bid price, up to five.)

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)

A German porcelain regimental stein commemorating the service of reservist Kupperling in the 11th Train Battalion at Cassel Germany from 1904 to 1906. Other surnames on the unit roster are painted on the sides. A lithopane bottom shows, against light, a reservist and fraulein against a village landscape. The pewter top is a bit loose at the joint and in its grip on the handle, has a slight warp along the rim and the stein was acquired with the horse flattened a bit but easily pulled back up (probably a fairly high lead content in the pewter alloy.) One of the struts under the horse is severed (see detailed illustration) but could be easily soldered by a metal specialist. Otherwise all good condition with no faults to the porcelain. Total height to top of the horse and rider finial, about 11 1/8 inches (28.26 cm)

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 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)

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.

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 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.

Chinese scroll painting depicting figures in boats in mountainous landscape with bridge and retreats. A note attached by old paperclip (the note very dry and brittle with age) indicates "Chien Chien-chiu, member of the legislative Yuan and chief, Women's Activities Section, KMT". A search on the name paired with Kuomintang finds that Chien Chien-chiu was a member of the Central Committee of the KMT at least between 1969 and 1973 when nominated with eight others by Chiang Kai-shek to the presidium for its Fourth Plenary Session. This is interesting whether Chien Chien-chiu is the artist or presented the painting as it illustrates the tradition of literati interest and scholarship among statespeople in Chinese culture. The painting is in good, clean condition with wrinkles/folds in the mounting not intruding terribly into the paper of the painting (will remount nicely.) The scroll ends are buffalo horn. Painting height 27 1/8 inches (68.9 cm), width 11 5/18 inches (28.65 cm). Mounting height about 53 1/4 inches (135.3 cm), width 14 1/2 inches (36.83 cm)

A Thai market Chinese porcelain bowl. Turquoise, iron red, white, yellow, blue, green, black and magenta enamel decoration. Known as Benjarong, this class of porcelain made and decorated for the Thai taste of the period is so unique to that market that it is often thought of as a Thai ceramic. Metal covered rim and foot. The present example has wear and minor loss to the enamel in the bowl and a hairline crack from the rim (illustrated.) Condition issues are not uncommon with 19th century Southeast Asian market Chinese porcelain which also helps to explain the popularity of metal rims on these (perhaps more vigorously used) ceramics. The bowl in otherwise good condition with body and glaze crawling inside the foot from the firing. Bowl diameter a little more than 7 inches (17.8 cm), Height 3 5/8 inches (9.21 cm)

A pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain cups. Nicely painted decoration of three flower arrangements on each cup - the bouquets respectively centering a peony, a chrysanthemum and a camellia bloom (appearing to represent blooms from different seasons.) The cobalt blue has a deep, clean quality. Late 19th to early 20th century. Condition is good - one cup with small flake inside the foot rim (illustrated.) Height each, little more than 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm). Diameter each, about 3 1/4 inches (8.25 cm) - one slightly under.

Pair Bleu de Hue porcelain bowls. Late 19th century Chinese kiln production (most from Jingdezhen) for the Vietnamese market. Blue and white decoration of ducks in water among lotus. If you look at the photographs closely, you will barely discern a very soft, pale blue wash for the water in the decoration. Four character hall mark on each piece (each illustrated here.) Metal rims, popular among late 19th century Bleu de Hue wares, have kept the porcelain rims well protected and so these are in excellent condition with no issues. Bowl diameters approximately 5 1/16 inches (12.9 cm). Cover diameters approximately 4 11/16 inches (11.9 cm). Acquired through a third party from the estate of a retired government employee who worked and travelled extensively throughout Asia in the 20th century.

A rare, antique Chinese Imperial court necklace presentation case. Gilt, red lacquered formed and stitched thin wood armature with carved or pressed fret pattern on sides and top also with auspicious symbols and characters conveying congratulations upon promotion. Diameter, about 7 5/8 inches (19.37 cm). Height, about 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm). Very good condition with tasteful and old conservation to small areas of lacquer and expected rubbing to gilt surface. Retaining the original hinge and latch hardware (a thin bronze-like alloy). Also retaining a shaped, seal stamped label on the interior (where it was well protected) which may date to when the case was made. We are conservatively estimating the case to be late Qing to early Republican. A similar case but with archaic characters was sold by Aspire Auctions, February 6, 2014, lot 306

Set of three Japanese blue and white porcelain choko. Alternating panels of bamboo and flower decoration. Three friends of winter roundel inside cups. Patterned bands inside rim and above foot. Good condition with minor "flea bites" to rims. Each about 2 7/8 inches (7.3 cm) high and about 3 3/8 inches (8.57 cm) diameter.

Japanese ko-sometsuke porcelain nagazara (tray form dish) with scalloped corners. With creative blue underglaze depiction of pine boughs and cones in and centered within double lined blue rectangle by the cavetto. The sides with decoration of a literati scroll with berried vines. A narrow key fret band adorns along the outside of the foot rim. A six character mark appears inside the rectangular foot rim. This strongly potted and decorated piece exhibits freedom of expression not bridled by repetitive production of established patterns. We believe it to be from a private kiln under the patronage of some feudal lord and showing independence of both cultivated patronage and accomplished production even if a bit more primitive than production from known, leading kilns. We feel it must be 18th century. Some traces of iron oxide dot the cobalt blue decoration. The unglazed foot burnt in places to a slight buff color. Condition is very good. A few small spots inside the tray rise above the glaze and are burnt brown so dating to the firing. Length 8 1/2 inches (21.59 cm). Width 4 1/2 inches (11.43 cm)

Distressed Japanese Iki mask with crystal eyes. Gofun finish over dry lacquer composition. Details including veins, wrinkles and furrows. The surface is in a distressed state with significant losses and some 'alligatored' texture possibly from exposure to elements. Would make a worthy conservation project for someone with the patience to recoat and touch up losses (the missing left ear being most challenging.) Length, about 9 1/4 inches (23.49 cm)

Pair Chinese mandarin squares indicating civil rank. The badges embroidered with colored silk and gold thread to a single piece of uncut fabric. Fair to good condition. Total length of the uncut panel 16 1/8 inches (41 cm). Total width 8 1/16 inches (20.48 cm)

Pair kesi badges without rank insignia. With background only, we assume this must either mean it was for a student candidate not yet with rank or perhaps awaiting the addition of rank insignia (if it was appropriate to embroider or stitch onto a kesi badge.) We have included photos of the front and of the back with lining lifted to reveal the kesi technique including varied gold metallic thread. Condition is fair to good. Most of what appear to be fraying along the edges is confined to the back lining rather than to the facing badge. One of the pair is two pieced with more delicate state where the halves meet. Each 'square' is approximately 8 3/4 inches (22.23 cm) by 8 1/4 inches (21 cm). The two uncut, stitched together, are together nearly 18 inches long.

A Black Forest carved wood sculptural study of a wild boar with a 'don't mess with me' aura. The boldly carved and detailed boar, stained, on carved wood plinth, unstained, portraying coarse terrain. Signed bottom of the plinth, "Evert E Klund". In different hand, "'Gunthers (with an umlaut over the 'u'), Germany' Nov. 1946". Ink stamped mark (three times) of an anchor flanked by two stylized 'E's. The next owner may wish to outline over one of the anchor marks before they all completely fade away. I was in Oberammergau during my 2013 Summer vacation and visited some of the wood carving shops where I spotted a new example of similar work. That is not to say that Gunther's or Evert E Klund was from that area but may be more likely than not this is southern Bavarian work. Good condition. Boar length, about 8 inches (20.32 cm) from snout to back left hoof. Plinth length, about 10 inches (25.4 cm).

Thai sutra box and sutra. The rectangular box with ornate gilt decorated panels (each a different scene), three on each side and one on each end, of deities in combat on black lacquered surface. the interior painted red. The sutra with leather ends and sturdy paper leaves with mostly Sanskrit and hand illustrated in colors variably throughout. All good condition with reasonable wear. Sutra (closed) cover length 26 3/4 inches (67.9 cm). Box length (along the base), 32 1/2 inches (82.55 cm). Box height, 13 5/8 inches (34.6 cm), Box width (along the base), 11 inches (27.94 cm). This item will ship oversized and with significant weight in a wood crate all at buyer's expense (or we can arrange with buyer to pick up after paid.)

A late Edo iron tsuba with chisled decoration of a pine trunk and boughs on one side and flowering prunus blossom with bamboo on the other side. The three representations comprising the "Three Friends of Winter". The simplicity of the chiseled smooth surface successfully imitating sumi-e painting. Good condition - presenting more nicely than in the lighting used for our photography. Emits a clear tone when tapped. A pleasing piece that would add character to a prospective blade. The seppa-ana has about a 1 1/16 inch by 3/8 inch clearance for a nakago with low shinogi-ji.