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

    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. Likely from a provincial area, the spout and handle are elegantly curved. The thick cobalt blue designs are set on a spotted grey ground with a chrysanthemum on each side and abstract plantain curved vertical leaf designs below. There are also bindweed vines on both sides, neck and lid and the oval above the flower. The lid’s underside is unglazed and has a lotus shaped bud atop for lifting, and the inside and lid’s underside has century old stains from soy, dried oil or other dark liquids attesting to its age and use. It is in good condition with some chips, discoloration and spotting consistent with its age and use. The bottom has a Chinese antique export seal.

  • Antique Blue and White Porcelain Miniature Teapot, China (4056A-ZOK) $175

    $175.00
    H: 5.25”  W: 4.75”  D: 2.375” | FREE SHIPPING!

    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.

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

    $450.00
    H: 22″  W: 21.5″  D: 12.25″ | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This elm storage cabinet has lacquered and painted door panels  auspicious paintings of birds, foliage, and florals.  One door panel has  a magpie on a plum tree and the other has a tree with a chrysanthemum below –  together they are wishes for double happiness, the birth of sons, and longevity.

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  • Antique Signed Meiji Kyoware Small Teapot, Japan (1136BEM) $265

    $265.00
    H: 4”  W: 5.25”  D: 3.5” | FREE SHIPPING

    This refined traditional 19th century teapot is a Kyūsu (急須) ware with a high handle mainly used for brewing green tea. Each Kyo piece is custom made and hand-painted. This small, striking teapot was fired to create a luminescent beige color with a crackled glaze resulting in a glowing radiance. It is decorated with red and blue chrysanthemums with green petals in a gold-painted woven basket, a lid with blue chrysanthemum topped by a ball with a hole to allow steam to escape. Production of Kyo ware is limited, making these pieces rare and highly collected throughout the world.

  • Rare Antique Yixing Teapot with Scene from Peking Opera, China (1148BKE) $975

    $975.00
    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.

  • 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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