Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum (ju 菊) is a symbol of intellectual pursuits, immortality and, especially, a happy long life (longevity) due to its many legends and health-providing properties and because it is a homophone of “forever” (yongjiu 永久). Flowering in the ninth month and symbolizing both the number nine (jiu 九) and autumn, it represents longevity. Its blossoms resemble the sun and wine and tea made from its petals are said to extend life, encourage good health and lower ones blood pressure and cholesterol. The joy of growing them in middle or old age and, returning to nature and a serene life has been a widespread Chinese poetic theme for over 1600 years. The Chinese drink these teas and wines on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month to prolong their lives and to replicate Ming dynasty “Chrysanthemum Moon” historical celebrations. The flower had a large presence in imperial gardens, appears in all forms of art and is still believed in China to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

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  • Antique Blue and White Porcelain Miniature Ewer, China (4056B-DKM) $135

    $135.00
    H: 5.25″ W: 4.625″ D: 2.375″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This charming miniature ewer or small pitcher was made during the Tongzhi Period and probably used in a restaurant or home kitchen as a dispenser for soy sauce, oils or other liquids. With an elegantly curved spout and handle it is covered with chrysanthemums, plantain curved vertical leaves and bindweed vines. The lid has a lotus shaped bud for lifting, and the bottom has a Chinese antique export seal.

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    Antique Blue and White Porcelain Miniature Teapot, China #4056A

    Original price was: $175.00.Current price is: $115.00.
    H: 5.25”  W: 4.75”  D: 2.375” | FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL US!

    This elegantly shaped small teapot has finely painted cobalt blue chrysanthemum and bindweed designs in the center and upper registers and plantain leaf designs at the bottom, popular underglaze design elements were widely used in late 19th century in domestic and export wares. Below the short neck is a chain of roundels with nineteen spirals, and the lid is covered with bindweed and wave designs, the latter indicating a sea or lake. The lid is topped by a ball handle topped with a four-line star and the bottom has an abstract plantain leaf design. It is in very good condition with two small chips on the lid and a small chip on the end of the spout. The inside has been stained by more than a century of tea brewing.

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    Antique Lacquer Cabinet on Carved Stand with Interior Drawer, China (16445LME) $450

    Original price was: $450.00.Current price is: $325.00.
    H: 22 ”    W: 21.5 ”    D: .12.25 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This small elm cabinet is from Fujian province known highly decorative vernacular for the new wealthy merchant class. Vernacular furniture was often red lacquer with auspicious symbols. The left door has a magpie on plum tree branch and the right  a magpie with a chrysanthemum. The magpie is the bird of joy and happiness and the magpie and chrysanthemum mean “May the whole family be happy,” The a plum symbolizes longevity) and when they have 5 leaves are a wish for the Five Joys/Happinesses: health, wealth, longevity, a life of virtue and a peaceful death. These cabinets were perfect gifts for newlyweds as a desire for double happiness, a long and fruitful marriage with sons

     

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    Antique Signed Meiji Kyo Ware/Kiyomizu Ware Small Teapot, Japan #1136BEM

    Original price was: $265.00.Current price is: $215.00.
    H: 4” W: 5.25” D: 3.5” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    This delicate Meiji single serving Kyo Ware teapot with a high handle ,like all antique Kyo pieces was hand thrown and hand-painted. This small, striking teapot was fired to create a luminescent beige color with a crackled glaze resulting in a glowing radiance and has the Kiyomizu  kiln seal where it was made on the bottom. The chrysanthemum (kiku in Japanese) in a basket in blue and red on the body and lid symbolizes longevity and rejuvenation. . Production of Kyo ware is limited, making it highly collected worldwide.

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    Rare Antique Yixing Teapot with Scene from Peking Opera, China #1148BKE

    Original price was: $975.00.Current price is: $695.00.
    H: 6”  W: 8.5”  D: 6.125” | FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Yixing stoneware teapots are praised as the best in the world for tea infusion. This gorgeous, extremely rare antique teapot with tight-fitting lid and elegant spout is finely decorated with a brown wash and hand applied bright painted enamel designs designs of a scene from the Peking opera Romance of Three Kingdoms. The  floral images are a wish for a long and healthy life, perfect metaphors for those sharing a fresh pot of tea with those they love. Kiln seals are impressed in the body, bottom and lid.

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  • SOLD Song Dynasty Tile of Vase with Flowers, China (3347BLE) $995 with Acrylic Stand

    $995.00
    H: 11”  W: 9.5”  D: 1.65” | FREE SHIPPING

    This earthenware brick tile bordered with a deep scalloped frame depicts a vase with a bouquet of propitious flowers: a chrysanthemum and a peony wrapped with an elegant ribbon. Tiles like this were made to decorate the large numbers of buildings created during the prosperous Song dynasty and to adorn tombs. This elegant brick is in good condition for its age with expected chips and cracks, some restoration of background and a re-glued frame break on each side. It has earth adherents from its burial in a tomb.

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