Kashmiri kangri in typical Mughal dynasty form (coal fueled warmer). Also sometimes called kanger or kangar. Used inside overcoat-like cloak (gingerly if you can imagine) or as a hand warmer if more form-fitting attire. It is difficult to imagine a metal example would have been used as such. This example may have served an alternative purpose. Metalworked examples of the form are not common - the typical materials being reed covered pottery (insulating one from burns.) Later, Raj silver services on rare occasion used the kangri form for service pieces such as creamers, sugars, tea pots, tea dumps, etc. We believe the present example should be at least early 19th century. This would make a wonderfully unusual and antique conversation piece. The whole with details crisply chiseled into the repousse decoration. The openworked, upper portion with a pair of pea fowl parading along the rim above a band of flower heads. The lower, bowl portion with similarly chiseled decoration of intricate vine and flowers among saz leaf paisleys forming a regular pattern atop a rather finely stippled ground. A flower head band again appears above a decorated, waisted foot with lattice worked, splayed rim. The beautiful verdigris patina appears to be an old, authentic patina acquired naturally over some time. We have found depth and persistence of a patina combined with an absence of metal corrosion to be a good indication of authentic, old patinas. The condition is good. A couple small areas of brighter green in the patina suggest a relatively high copper content. Color consistent with this premise shows from a minuscule 1.5mm point of disturbed patina on the side and some more along the foot rim. A bend along the foot rim suggests a commensurate degree of malleability. It could be used with potpourri or as a stand alone decorative work of art. Height: 6 5/8 inches (16.8cm)

A finely decorated Chinese famille verte porcelain plaque. Exuberant and well decorated scene of figures in architectural and garden landscape, surrounded by a band of flower, bird and precious objects adorned reserves. An inscription on the verso. Originally a component in a chair, stool, table or screen, now entirely useful as a trivet or decoration (or perhaps to complete a rare early furniture item in need of an inset). 18th century. Good condition, with some glaze wear or fritting around the rim. 13 3/4 inches diameter.

Chippendale mahogany reverse serpentine (oxbow) slant front desk. Ball and claw feet. Circa 1770. Good, old surface. Relined drawers. Original back and bottom show the age and oxidation of some original, untouched secondary surfaces. Replaced drawer brasses. Some loose, smaller pulls for slant front slide supports and interior gallery drawers retained. A locksmith need be retained to loose the top drawer. Otherwise good condition. Massachusetts, probably Boston. Height, 44 1/2 inches. Width, 41 1/2 inches. Depth, 27 inches (add another 1.5 inches for convex drawer fronts and foot returns). A rare opportunity to acquire, enjoy and conserve as steward a beautiful specimen born with our country.

This desk may be inspected at The Antique Center at Historic Savage Mill, Maryland

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.

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