A later Mughal empire silver incense burner. The 800 silver marked bulbous vessel with repousse decoration of key fret border over scrolling vine pattern band over lotus pattern foot (marked 800 on the foot). The top with finial on lotus pattern cap, over an opewnork vine trellis band, over a chased scrolling vine pattern band, over a narrower key fret border. Lots of varied technique harmonizing to form the whole. 19th century. Must rotate the top a bit to find the optimal fit. Good condition. 3 1/2 inches diameter. 3 3/4 inches height to top of finial.

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)

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

A teal colored cloisonne enamel vase with peony and vine decoration within fine silver wire and with subtle blue on yellow hues accenting the petals and leaves. Two character signature on the silver footrim and in the box (and with printed material) accompanied when acquired. Excellent condition. Height, 8 1/2 inches

For the tea and cloisonne collector: A signed totai cloisonne 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)

The small, scalloped bowl with persimmon, light teal and yellow floral decoration with red and black outline. A molded decoration of dragon with jewel in the center. A nicely executed chocolate brown rim consistent with tradition. The verso plain and exhibiting impurities and open bubbles in the white glaze. Raised on a ring foot exposing a relatively refined clay. This could be work from another Arita kiln, but perhaps as likely relaxed Kakiemon production after collapse of the supporting export market. We estimate later 18th century. Good condition. Diameter, 5 1/2 inches. Stands about 1 and 1/2 inch from the foot.

A good, small Japanese cloisonne 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)

A pair of Japanese, Edo period, copper alloy menuki depicting buffalo. Horns, hooves and spots highlighted with gold hirazogan overlay. Good condition. Each about 1 1/8 inches.

A small bidri stem or bud vase. East Indian. Early 20th century. 6 1/2 inches high. Good condition.

A small Japanese porcelain footed dish. Chrysanthemum sprays in the cavetto, issuing from the rim. Butterflies further adorn the bowl. Probably late 19th century Koransha production. Some Nabeshima characteristics are used including the deep form of the dish, the tall foot with comb pattern, precious objects decoration around the outside, partial blue underglaze decoration in the bowl finished with polychrome enamel, and cash motif along the flattened rim. Departure is made from Nabeshima style, however, with the prolific use of various colors and abundant details. Excellent condition. Dimensions will be added later.

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).

A well made Japanese cloisonné vase. The alternating dragon and phoenix chevron panels symbolize harmony and balance. Areas of flower, vine and pendant decoration. Lots of engaging, balanced color. Sparkling goldstone embellishment technique demonstrated in dark green background on the shoulder. Some interesting areas of mottled color enamel details. Meiji era (1868 - 1912). Very good condition. Height, about 7 1/4 inches (18.4 cm)

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.

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.