Antique Sino-Tibetan cloisonne enamel bronze container in the form of a kapala or skull cup. The lid has a four prong vajra finial, and is decorated with intricate enamel design of floral scrolls, lotuses, waves, and four points around the vajra finial. The container's interior is done in red enamel, and the base is done in white enamel with a red cranial fissure line to emulate a skull. With carved wooden base.

19th Century

Provenance: From the Ashby... Click for details

Rare Japanese Yonazawa Keyaki (zelkova) burl front tansu with original golden honey lacquer finish. The round lock plates on each drawer feature the emblem of the Taira clan, whose mon is the swallowtail butterfly or ageha.

The Taira were one of the four important clans that dominated Japanese politics during the Heian period (794–1185) – the others were the Fujiwara clan, the Tachibana clan and the Minamoto clan.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions:... Click for details

Chinese Peking Glass octagonal faceted turquoise vase from a San Francisco Collection.

Dates 19th/early 20th century

Dimensions: 7.75" X 4"

Peking glass originated in 18th century China during the rule of the Qing Dynasty. While China had long been a major producer of glassware, the introduction of European technologies to Asia in the 17th century caused a shift in the styles of Chinese glass makers. The principle couriers of these technologies were Jesuit... Click for details

Rare Chinese eggshell thin Dingyao porcelain bowl, the interior molded with relief details of scrolling chrysanthemums and leaves. The sides of the bowl flare widely from the small and shallow foot and the rim left unglazed.

Provenance: historic Noble family in North Berkeley, whose grandparents were missionaries in Korea in the 19th century.

Dimensions: 7" W x 2 1/2" H

Ancient Indian Jain religious shrine, the central Jina surrounded by multiple celestial nymphs with two elephants at the top on either side of the canopy. This brass with inlaid silver sculpture has ancient Devanagari script over the entire back. The Jinas eyes and central chest are silver inlaid. Rubbed and some losses.

Dated 1661 (17th Century)

Dimensions: 5.5"X 3.75" X 2.25"

Shufu is a rare Chinese white porcelain that was made during the Yuan dynasty (1206-1368) in Hutian village just outside the city of Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. Thought to be the first known porcelain ordered by imperial officials. The body of the ware is covered with a soft, white, bluish opaque glaze similar to qingbai, but contained less calcium oxide resulting in slight translucency rather than transparency. The bases are unglazed and the paste is of the typical early natural porcelain... Click for details

Bronze Buddha from Sino Tibetan tradition. Wonderful details on the robe with inscription on back. Buddha sits on a wooden stand. Provenance: From the William Ashby Estate.

Dates Early to Mid 19th century

Dimensions: 5"(without stand) X 3.25" X 2.25" (6" with Stand)

Chinese repousse silver perfumer shaped like a melon. It is divided into 6 sections with tiny flowers on a vine in each section. Clasp in back. Bottom has maker's cartouche.

Dimensions: 3"(including stem) X 3.25"

Japanese iron teapot, or tetsubin, all hand-cast iron in the shape of a Japanese house. The teapot is adorned with leaves and gourds on a thatched roof.

Dates Taisho Period c1920

Dimensions: 8" X 7.5" X 10" (with handle)

Chinese eggshell thin ding ware porcelain bowl, with celadon crackle glaze that ends just below the rim, left in bare porcelain. Inside the bowl, the well has a deeply incised outline contrasting with the inner walls of the bowl. The outer edges of the bowl are carved with delicate floral scrolls.

Song Dynasty

Dimensions: 6 3/4" w x 2 1/2" h