Showing 13–24 of 216 results
Many types of fine African red slipped wares (ARS) were made in ceramic centers in the Roman North Africa territory called Africa Proconsular and distributed across the Mediterranean and North…
Dating from the 4th century B.C.E., this miniature pottery vessel was wheel-thrown in the Greek colonies, Apulia, Magna Graecia in Southeastern Italy. Called Xenon ware, it’s elegant shape has a curved body, small neck with flared rim and handle and is decorated with painted orange geometric designs. Its diminutive shape indicates it may have been made for use by children or as a votive vessel. Common for pottery of this age there is some fading of the painted decoration and small chips. With no discernible repairs or restorations it is in very good shape for its age and use.
Artisans who were commissioned by family members to carve an ancestor figure they often emphasized positive personal features as well as their high status (or wish to enhance it). So,…
This exceptional Qing carving portrays a seated official ancestor wearing traditional official’s attire, a red and black official’s hat and black boots. His inset glass eyes and high cheekbones frame a large curved nose, a strong projecting chin and forehead wrinkles indicating a man of importance with the wisdom of age who demands respect. The top two robe layers have wide borders with marvelous raised lacquer decorations that include beautiful cloud forms, flying phoenixes with spread wings and floral sprays.
This lovely carving of a beautiful young woman represents an attendant that would have been housed in a wealthy home or a community shrine to accompany an enlightened Buddhist or Taoist figure at whom she modestly gazes. Her hands, covered by a draped ritual cloth, extend to hold offerings and the swirling ribbon implies her power, weightlessness or being in the heavens. This truly elegant and forceful statue has winding ribbons reflecting the auspicious phrase “May longevity bring blessings.” Its lustrous patina adds to its depth, softness and grace which enhance the energy in any space it occupies.
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.
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.
This is unusual piece was likely on a scholar’s desk along with pots, brushes, water droppers, boxes, ink stones and other daily used objects used for a variety of tasks: a brush holder, a paper weight and more. With its round body covered with the landscape of a Chinese village, mountains and seas and the calligraphic name of the scholar owner Shu Dai Ji (舒逮吉) it would be perfect for placement on any style desk or in a study.
Hand made in a folder style, this Bolivian religious document holder possibly used for priests’ sermons or other important documents, is decorated on each side with brocaded purple fabric with gold thread. The finely brocaded stylized and symbolic passion flower designs are framed by geometric and curved gold borders and the inside and ends are lined in red fabric. Our images do not do it justice as they cannot capture light flickers from the interwoven gold threads and vibrant gold floral patterns.
This antique brocaded document or bible cover from Bolivia is decorated with symbolic stylized flowers widely used in Christianity: passion flowers and roses. Nicolas Monardes, a 16th century Spanish doctor…
This charming carved and lacquered multi-use box opens from the top and has a side drawer with a metal pull. It is decorated with auspicious carved symbols for a good, healthy, prosperous and long life Carved fu lion heads with flowing manes adorn the front and plum blossoms and a fan the front and frame. Painted calligraphic phrases refer to a wish for many sons. It was likely a wedding gift to newlyweds and still for that or other purpose.
Hand carved coconut cutters were commonly used in Asia to facilitate the difficult task of extracting all parts of a coconut which were routinely used. Carvers made unique and functional folk art tools using local artistic motifs in nature. This carving with its intricate circular patterns surrounded by florals impart a warm and rustic feeling that would be a special decorative addition to any style kitchen and an interesting conversational piece.
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