Antique Japanese bronze sutra container of a pagoda form with very tall finial and calligraphy inscription. The bronze shows beautiful green patina inside and on the foot and the lid shows old corrosion. The burial of sutras in sutra mounds began in 1007 when Fujiwara no Michinaga had a gilt bronze sutra container inscribed upon its burial at the Kinpusen sutra mound in Yoshino. It is apparent that a variety of reasons lay behind the creation of these sutra mounds. Clearly these mounds... Click for details

Unusual Japanese hardwood low shop desk tansu. Original red lacquer finish with heavy iron plates and mounts. The table surface is hinged with three doors that open to interior compartments for papers and other merchant's effects. The middle door has a lady's portrait with calligraphy inscriptions detailing the piece is from a merchant business in "Ume-yashiki, Tokyo" with the merchant name "Shimbashi Kotatsu" and dated 25th year Meiji 1893. The right side of the chest holds four small drawers... Click for details

Antique Japanese 3 drawer gyosho bako or merchant's box, with original red lacquer finish. The top of the box has a carrying handle and the 3 drawers are opened by hirute shape iron pulls with square locks and corner hardware.

Dates Edo age c1800 Dimensions: 17" x 14" x 15 1/2" H

Antique Chinese hardwood altar table with hand carved lingzhi spiral apron joined in upturned flanges. The feet are spanned by an openwork of hand carved panels with drapery motifs. Original warm finish. Very sturdy, condition consistent with age.

Mid 19th Century

Dimensions: 63 1/2" L x 15" D x 33 3/4" H

Unusual Japanese Kiri (paulownia) tansu with 8 drawers and a lift away panel opening to a shelved interior with spacious room. The 8 front drawers feature small round locks and warabite pulls. Original finish and condition.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 25" L x 12 1/2" D x 19 1/2" H

Chinese porcelain vases with red enamel five clawed dragons with motifs of floral scrolls and waves. These vases are of a highly thin Meiping form with six character mark on the recessed foot.

The meiping was first made of stoneware during the Tang dynasty (618–907). It was originally used as a wine vessel, but since the Song dynasty (960–1279) it also became popular as a plum vase and got its name "meiping". It is tall, with a narrow base spreading gracefully into a wide... Click for details

Japanese tenmoku ware ceramic vessel with ribbed handle, short front spout, and wide open top. The thick oil slick glaze stops just short above the foot left in buff. Tenmoku glaze is made with feldspar, limestone, and iron oxide. The more quickly a piece is cooled, the blacker the glaze will be. Tenmokus are known for their variability. During their heating and cooling, several factors influence the formation of iron crystals within the glaze. A long firing process and a clay body which is... Click for details

Chinese large monochrome peking glass bowl in a pale green color similar to jadeite. The rim flares out slightly from the flattened circular body, and stands on a short foot with recessed middle. With carved wood base.

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.... Click for details

Japanese lacquer suzuribako or calligraphy writing box. The box is wood with lacquer, gold gilt sprinkled lacquer, and inlaid shell on the lid, adorned with scrolling leaves, floral medallions and motifs of sparrows. The box interior is red lacquer with gold lacquer patterns. The inside box contains an attached inkstone, a brush, and a small brass water dropper. Underneath is a shallow compartment for the storage of calligraphy papers.

18th-19th century Edo... Click for details

Antique Indian bronze figure of the Goddess Durga. The goddess represents the Self within and she is the divine mother of all creation. She stands atop the body of the slain buffalo demon Mahishasura, pulling at his hair. Durga holds various weapons given to her by male Hindu deities such as a javelin, discus, and dagger. These weapons symbolize self-discipline, selfless service to others, self-examination, prayer, devotion, remembering her mantras, cheerfulness and meditation. The faces are... Click for details