Four Chinese blue and white porcelain wine cups. Each with double ring around the rim, crane motif three times around the circumference, single ring atop raised foot, and mark on the base. Slightly sugary, opaque glaze associated with Kangxi production. Certainly Qing dynasty. Three in good condition. One with crack from rim. Each, diameter about 2 7/8 inches and height about 2 1/8 inches.
A good, Chinese moss agate snuff bottle. Color variegation ranges from from a milky pale aubergine to a dark mossy green with areas of earthy red inclusion and structure. Natural, pleasant, minute pits appearing lightly placed on the surface. Ever so slightly convex, level foot. Similar concavity to the top. Light green quartz stopper. Bottle height, nearly 2 1/4 inches. With stopper, 2 3/4 inches.
A fine, small, late Qing dynasty agate snuff bottle. Mostly shades of white with subtle warm earth tones appearing within variegated structure. Well defined foot, very slightly concave top, well hollowed interior. A malachite stopper top. Ex Don Elder. 2 inches high bottke only, 2 1/2 inches with the stopper
This life sized Chinese cast iron head of Buddha features a relaxed, benevolent expression with downcast gaze consistent with the introspective Southern Song dynasty and is probably from the period. The elongated ears are unadorned though each appearing to retain a small pin from the casting process. The hair, with part at the forehead, is consistent with earlier castings of Buddha from the Song dynasty and features evenly spaced whorls instead of tightly arranged curls. A seam (consistent with the casting process) separates front from back, an opening from the time of casting appears at the top (uncertain whether a relic of the process or intended for some decorative or functional use), and a small opening appears centered low on the back (probably a relic of the casting). An old stress line appears on the back between neck and head from behind the right ear to the left front neckline. An old opening, apparently dating from the casting, appears along the old stress line. As these larger figures were cast in parts and subsequently assembled, it is unclear if the "stress line" relates (at least along the back neckline) to this method. The natural, ferrous patina includes weathering of the surface - the coarse texture being part of the charm of such iron sculpture. The whole is in stable condition, the uneven edge at bottom of the neck resting tightly in a 19th century custom fitted hardwood stand - fitted later to a tall, tapered display plinth of square section. The head, from the bottom of the antique rosewood stand to the top of the ushnisha (cranial protuberance symbolizing spiritual attainment), measures about 14 inches. The later display plinth adds another 10 1/8 inches (so 24 1/8 inches display height).
This Chinese, Ming dynasty figure of Dizang (in Sanskrit, Ksitigarbha), often depicted as a monk, is cast in iron. Details are finely carved into the surface including decoration of the lotus base, trim and elements of the jiāshā (robe), and the figure's facial features. At least three small iron pins and one pin hole remain at inconspicuous points, attesting to the casting process (look for these in the last two enlargement images). As it is iron, there is an even coarseness to the surface which would have been anticipated, and intended, by the artisans. An inconspicuous stress line behind the fold of the right sleeve probably coincides with the casting. It is in good condition with no corrosion and with a coarse, natural ferrous patina. Height, 10 3/4 inches. Ex Robert K. Berg collection, Ex Peter L. Rosenberg collection, Ex Robert K. Berg collection (having been reacquired from the estate of Peter Rosenberg, Vallin Galleries)
A mother of pearl inlaid hardwood table screen. Flowers, birds and butterflies garden motif. Southern Chinese or Vietnamese, late 19th century. Good, serviceable condition with only minor mother of pearl loss. Wood tenons on either side of the panel hold it fast within grooves routed the length of the two posts on the base. One tenon missing on one side (an easy project) but not compromising stability. Height assembled, 26 1/2 inches.
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.
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.