Spoils of Time Asian Ceramics and Works of Art
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All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1920 item #1490725
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A Hirado blue and white porcelain bowl. Dragon decoration on the interior center. Flowerhead in mokkogata reserves decoration along the interior below the rim with pale iron oxide wash. Intricate dragon and phoenix decoration around the exterior. The unglazed bottom and foot with the smooth biscuit characteristic of the kiln. Taisho period. Good condition. Diameter, 5 1/2 inches. Height, 2 1:8 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1930 item #1490724
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A Hirado blue and white porcelain censer with pierced lattice work cover and sides. Lion masks in relief on opposing sides. Decoration of aromatic flowers and wisps of burning incense. Three feet elevate the censer above surfaces. Early Showa period. Good condition. Lion mask to Lion mask nearly 4 inches in length. Height, covered, just over 3 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1490722
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A good Hizen-yaki, Arita kilns octagonal blue and white porcelain bowl. Shonsui ‘three friends if winter, decoration in roundels among shape patterns. A single Minogame decorates the interior center. A Fuku mark appear center of the bottom, inside the unglazed ring foot. 19th century. Good condition. 5 inches at widest points. Little more than 3 inches at highest points.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1837 VR item #1490720
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A Hizen-yaki, Arita kilns dish in the Kakiemon style. Probably after design examples from the latter kiln. The cavetto with delicate shironuki decoration of sakura blossoms on waves of water. The center undecorated save a single chrysanthemum blossom. Brown rim induced by iron oxide. The exterior with karakusa around the unglazed ring foot centering a spurious mark suggesting the Chinese Ming dynasty. Early 19th century. Good condition. Diameter about 7 3/4 and a little more in places.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1837 VR item #1490718
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A fine Hizen-yaki, Kakiemon type, small foliate dish. Chocolate brown rim in iron oxide. Unusual blue and white decoration of a samurai with shaved youth on horseback - bow drawn to ward off pursuing Buddhist monk. This appears to depict one of many tales of old Japan - perhaps The Take of the Heike as relates to Minamoto Yoshitsune and the warrior monk Benkei. A reading of the kanji may shed light. The back with auspicious symbols, key foot rim, and two character mark in underglaze blue inside the unglazed ring foot. Ca 1800. Good condition. 5 inch diameter.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1490710
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An interesting Hizen-yaki, Arita kilns foliate rimmed bowl. Center decoration of a Chinese scholar in tropical landscape. The cavetto and exterior decorated in the Kraak manner. A spurious four character Xuande mark on the bottom, inside the unglazed high foot rim. 19th century. Good condition. Diameter, about 6 5/8 inches. Height, about 2 2/8 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1837 VR item #1490707
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A fine pair of Hizen-yaki, Arita kilns blue and white porcelain dishes in the Kakiemon style. The molded, spiral foliate cavettos sporting similarly shaped undulating shonsui panels with ‘three friends of winter’ decoration and other, typically shonsui shape patterns. The Peony motif centers surrounded by a band of auspicious symbols in shironuki. Chocolate colored, iron-oxidized rims. The unglazed foot rims encircle glazed bottoms with chatter marks nearly reaching the blue underglaze Fuku marks. Four kiln spurs on the bottom of one dish, five kiln spurs on the other dish. Edo period and probably Ca 1800. Both in good condition. Diameters about 8 1/8 inches and 8 1/4 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Enamel : Pre 1900 item #1490527
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Auction
A good, small Japanese cloisonné vase. The alternating dragon and phoenix chevron panels symbolize harmony and balance. Lots of engaging, balanced color. Sparkling goldstone embellishment technique demonstrated in backgrounds below the shoulder and in decorative details around the waisted neck. Ginbari (enamel over silver foil) technique demonstrated around the shoulder with opaque sakura and karakusa decoration floating over the clear red background offset by the underlying foil. It's one of those seemingly simple objects that is immediately, visually alluring and then even more captivating as the multiple techniques and attention to detail is appreciated. Meiji era (1868 - 1912). Very good condition. Height, 4 13/16 inches (12.22 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Tea Articles : Pre 1920 item #1490421
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Auction
For the tea and cloisonné collector: A signed totai cloisonné on Kyoto ceramic cha-ire (tea jar). Decoration in red, black rose, pink, green, blue and yellow of flowers, butterfly and other motifs on blue background. The jar with both lid and cover. Late Meiji era (1868 - 1912). Good condition. Height, 3 5/8 inches (9.2 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Enamel : Pre 1920 item #1490419
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A fine, small ginbari vase with pale blue, silver background and peonies decoration; one panel with pale purple background and bird, bamboo and flowers decoration; and another panel with blue background and flowers decoration. Impressed artist's mark on the metal base. Meiji period (1868 - 1912). Good condition with tiny, oxidized pinholes in the enamel surface from the firing (not detracting from condition or presentation). Height, 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Enamel : Pre 1930 item #1490417
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The large vase with silver wire cloisonné on ceramic. Decoration of butterflies and peonies, with the blooms depicted in enamel tones of sienna, umber and dark mica, and the stems and leaves in dark green - almost black. The body of the vase covered with a dark, warm brown lacquer on intentionally course texture like tree bark - which it emulates. The Kyoto, crackle glazed greyish porcelain body visible from the foot. Taisho era (1912 - 1926). Good condition. Height: 12 1/2 inches (31.75 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Accessories : Boxes : Pre 1837 VR item #1489967
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A fine and rare Pennsylvania Dutch Amish folk art candle box carved from a single piece of yellow pine (no joining at all). The interior hollowed and the interior sides hand planed. One side with bas relief carved hex motifs. The other side with the initials, IF and IB (if read left to right, though not sure of the intended order), likely of a married couple and with other carved and incised adornment including hearts. Fitted, sliding top (the only exception to it being wholly one piece). Possibly a wedding gift. At least 19th century and possibly 18th century. In addition to the distinctly Dutch Amish carved decoration, yellow pine is typical of the Pennsylvania home to the community - used extensively in furniture of the region. Wonderful, lovingly used condition with undisturbed patina. Very good condition with expected wear and natural checking along the wood grain. Length, up to 15 1/4 inches at the longest points (with variation to about 15 inches at points)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Enamel : Pre 1900 item #1489872
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A Japanese totai cloisonne (on ceramic body) bottle vase. Blue, white, rose, green, red and yellow enamel decoration of flowers. A silver rim encasement original to the vase. Good condition. Height: 5 inches
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Enamel : Pre 1980 item #1489384
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A teal colored cloisonne enamel vase with peony and vine decoration within fine silver wire and with subtle blue on yellow hues accenting the petals and leaves. Two character signature on the silver footrim and in the box (and with printed material) accompanied when acquired. Excellent condition. Height, 8 1/2 inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Scholar Art : Pre 1910 item #1486914
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A small Chinese blue and white soft paste porcelain seal paste box and cover. "Hundred Boys" motif and an artemisia leaf blue underglaze mark centered within the biscuit ring foot. Qing dynasty - presumed late in the period. Good condition on the exterior. A chip along interior biscuit rim of the shallow bowl - fully concealed when the cover is in place. See images. 1 3/4 inches diameter. With cover in place, about 3/4 inches high.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Hardstones : Pre 1900 item #1486891
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Small Chinese Bi-form white jade ornament in the Mughal manner with cupped chrysanthemum petals in three, concentric, graduated circles surrounding a cross-hatched, pierced center. The flat verso cupped slightly toward the face along the rim, with small drilling (exhibiting hand craftsmanship) either side of the central aperture and with the surface exhibiting natural texture of the hand worked surface. Qing dynasty. Good condition. Diameter 2 1/8 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Netsuke and Related : Pre 1900 item #1486754
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A scarce and nicely formed bronze netsuke. The sculptural group depicts festival musicians playing a Taiko drum and Shinobue flute - the drum player with mask pulled back. Nicely detailed, down to the fingers and expressions of the musicians. The himmotoshi is formed by the extended arm of one figure supporting the figure atop the Taiko. Edo period, 19th century. Good condition with rich, natural patina. Height, 1 5/8 inches
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : Continental : Early : Pre 1700 item #1479775
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$1,900.00
A German, domed top chest with ornamental hand wrought iron hardware, heavily oxidized and worn original surface and paint, and marked in white “T Adam Schuch reifst nach New York”. The chest looks like 17th century work. The name and destination likely added in the 18th century upon immigration. Reasonably good decoration considering the history. Length, 35 inches. Height, 17 1/2 inches. Depth, 18 1/2 to 19 inches (varying due to movement of the wood at the joinings).
All Items : Antiques : Decorative Art : Ceramics : English : Porcelain : Pre 1800 item #1479766
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$495.00
A set of six Spode porcelain Imari pattern coffee cans with saucer dishes. Late 18th century, reign oh George III. Excellent condition. Cans height, about 2 1/2 inches. Saucers diameter, about 5 5/8 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : French : Revival : Pre 1900 item #1479751
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$675.00
A finely made and carved Louis XV style side chair, 19th century. Upholstered with fragments from an 18th century hunt themed tapestry. A charming and atmospheric interior accent. The chair in good, serviceable condition with expected wear. The upholstery simply divine - showing it’s age with conservation preserving its decorative impact. Seat height, about 18 inches. Back height about 38 1/2 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Korean : Ceramics : Pre 1492 item #1479748
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$1,150.00
A rare late Koryo dynasty Punch’ong bottle vase. Olive toned green ware glaze simply but finely decorated with off-white skip within carved pattern. Height, about 3 5/8 inches. Excellent condition and conveying with Japanese collector’s box. 14th century
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : American : Federal : Pre 1800 item #1479124
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$975.00
American Federal period mahogany lolling chair. Sparse, fine line inlay decoration. Late 18th century. Good condition. Seat height a little low from wear to legs. Seat height about 15 inches. Back height about 40 inches. Width roughly 24 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1479120
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$695.00
An attractive, light turquoise glazed porcelain jar. Anhua (‘hidden’ or ‘secret’) decoration of peonies and vine incised into the porcelain and discernable through the glaze. A six character Kangxi mark, also Anhua (incised into the porcelain), visible through the glaze centered inside the foot rim. The mark is probably apocryphal as we believe the jar is not earlier than 19th century.
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : American : Federal : Pre 1837 VR item #1479113
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$780.00
A late Federal work table of elegant proportion and lines. The narrow, almost square top on turned pedestal with three reeded spider legs. Original surface with pleasant patina. Good condition. Height 31 inches, width 16 3/4 inches, depth 15 3/4 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : American : Federal : Pre 1800 item #1479107
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$2,400.00
A classical mahogany card table. Hepplewhite manner square tapered legs and wood inlaid fine lines and decoration. Probably American Federal and likely mid Atlantic to Southern. Acquired in Virginia. Ca 1800. Good, conserved condition. Height 28 inches, width 35 inches, depth 17 3/4 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Korean : Lacquer : Pre 1900 item #1479106
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$2,450.00
A large Korean black lacquered wood box with mother of pearl inlay. The depiction of pairs of cranes and songbirds within the decorative panels likely relevant to a wedding gift.. Joseon dynasty, 19th century. Condition is fair to good, with some some light loss to inlays and minor distress from age and use. From the hardware, 19 1/4 inches wide, 10 1/8 inches deep, 10 3/4 inches high.
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : French : Revival : Pre 1900 item #1429736
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$4,700.00
This is too heavy and precarious to ship by standard mail or delivery options. Buyer need arrange with a shipper in our area.
A substantial 19th century French jardiniere. The shaped form of onyx with mellow patina. Each side with rouge marble panels supporting ormolu. The end panels round, also with champlevé and bronze doré. the side panels with cherubs decoration flanked by champlevé and bronze doré design elements. The jardiniere raised on paw doré feet. Wear on surfaces, edges and corners from use; one flanking bronze boss missing left of one of the larger ormolu side panels; but overall good condition. Length at various points ...
End to end of the decorative bosses at either end, almost 20 inches.
End to end of the base, 17 1/4 inches.
Corner to corner of the main compartment, 15 1/2 inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Baskets : Pre 1920 item #1427461
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$475.00
A Japanese woven bamboo reed ikebana basket. Of small size and fine work. Having handled a good number of ikebana baskets over time, this one strikes us as quite sophisticated. Of baluster form, meticulously consistent woven pattern, defined foot and rim, sparse and well balanced decorative intertwined bamboo shoots across the face, and confidently woven handles. Excellent condition. Height, 8 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1910 item #1426608
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$495.00
A Nabeshima blue and white dish with decoration of peonies issuing from rockery. Late Meiji era. Good condition. Diameter, 8 inches to 8 1/8 inches. Height, 2 3/8 inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Snuff Bottles : Pre 1920 item #1426221
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$4,400.00
A finely carved Suzhou school agate snuff bottle. Decoration of figures, picked out from natural colors of the stone, in landscape of hilly bluffs with overhanging pine and whispy cloud. Based on the gourd in the sash of the larger figure - possibly depicting the immortal, Le Tieguai. Nicely defined foot rim. The top rim with broad, just slightly concave surface. Very well hollowed. Height of bottle without cap, 2 5/8 inches. Height with cap, 3 1/8 inches. Excellent condition of the bottle.

The top is also in good condition but the bone spoon is a bit short and wrapped tape keeps a snug fit to the bottle. The top may be a replacement.

All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1424293
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$1,400.00
A well made 19th century Japanese porcelain haisen (sake up rinser on stem foot). Rare Shunga decoration depicting a bondage scene within the bowl. The manner of the painted decoration in comic fashion similar to that found on some shunga makimono. Shunga paintings and prints are rare enough but encountered. Edo period porcelains with shunga decoration are exceedingly rare. Good condition. Height, 4 1/2 inches. Diameter, 6 3/4 inches.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Sculpture : Pre 1900 item #1424279
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$975.00
A good Chinese boxwood carving of Budai. Three children clamor over him. A bat appears on his right hand. Bone and horn inlays detail his eyes and teeth. Rich, mellow old patina. Nice grain figure in places. Late Qing to early Republic. Ca 1900. Very good condition with typical minor distress checks in the old hardwood surface. Remnants of old label. Height, about 4 5/8 inches high.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Chinese : Glass : Pre 1920 item #1394568
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$2,600.00
A pair of boldly carved pale blue peking glass vases. Birds in flowering branches. Good condition. Height, eight inches. Early 20th century, Republican era.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1345061
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$265.00
A Kakiemon style porcelain six lobed dish. Cobalt blue underglaze and red, green, yellow, blue and black outline overglaze enamel decoration of 'three friends of winter' (pine, bamboo and prunus). Assymetry of decoration, as well as palette, typical of Kakiemon type porcelains. But the quality of decoration (though good inside the dish), potting and mark speaks to a more general 'Arita' attribution. Some kiln grit adheres inside the foot rim. 19th century. Condition is good, with a few small glaze flakes outside the rim on one lobe, and with some wobble to the potting, and minor kiln faults and light scratches. Diameter from 5 7/8 inches (15.1 cm) to 6 1/4 inches (15.7 cm) [recall the mention of "wobble"]. Height from 1 5/16 (3.3 cm) inches to 1 1/2 inches (3.7 cm).
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1837 VR item #1344327
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$550.00
A fine Arita blue and white four lobed bowl. Decoration of Sennin Chokaro with his gourd attribute in landscape, centered by extraordinary shironuki (drawn in white) decoration in the cavetto - each of four panels with a different auspicious figure and attributes. The outside of the shaped rim and sides also with simple shironuki decoration of a water border and a lotus blossom floating at each, dimpled corner. This accomplished work would have issued from aristocratic patronage rather than standard kiln production. Faint celadon tinge in the pooled glaze along the footrim. 18th - early 19th century. One flake inside the rim otherwise good condition. 5 7/8 to 6 inches (14.92 to 15.24 cm) across at the corners. About 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) high.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1800 item #1344316
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$1,175.00
A fine little octagonal blue and white porcelain kakiemon style deep dish. Chocolate brown glazed rim, white body and clear glaze over cobalt blue decoration of a primitive, raised teahouse with loose thatch roof and slung entrance screen all under a large willow tree and, conspicuously, a spiderweb (perhaps to emphasize closeness to nature) in the foreground. The interior wall and rim decorated with repeating pattern and karakusa (scrolling vine and leaf). Karakusa also appearing on the exterior wall. Blue rings around the foot, a blue ring inside the foot centering a mark - appears to read Yoshi and Ga (Ka) and possibly another stylized character from the center line. One might call it a variant on the Fuku mark in this context but it looks rather like an artist and possibly a place reference for a private kiln (which would have been Daimyo sponsored in the period). The mark on the verso is aligned with the decoration on the front - an indication of attention to detail expected also of authentic fine Chinese ceramics. An extraordinary work, finely potted and deftly painted. Very good condition with light rubbing on the interior from wear and a small kiln fault there where the glaze crawled a little. Certainly early 18th century and not implausibly reaching to the end of the Genroku era (1704). About 5 1/4 inches (13.34 cm) diamater at the sides, 5 5/8 inches (14.3 cm) diameter at the corners, about 1 5/16 inch (3.33 cm) high.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1700 item #1344279
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$1,675.00
A fine Japanese blue and white porcelain dish. The foliate rim with chocolate brown glaze, the white porcelain body and glaze, and the fine attention to detail all suggest Kakiemon type. The cavetto with decoration of flowering plants including peonies, prunus and others. The center decorated with a bird (perhaps a flycatcher) in fruited branches, rockery and bamboo leaves below. Both the cavetto and center with reverse technique where the underglaze cobalt blue forms the background of the decoration. Finely defined chatter marks inside the footrim centering five spur marks. Remnants of an old label adhere to the back. The decoration has the feel of Chinese inspiration. Emulation of traditional Chinese porcelain decoration, and certainly Chinese porcelain marks, is not without basis. I have not come upon quite this decoration before and would consider it, along with the quality of this work, to be rare and early - probably Genroku era. One hairline issues from the rim where a flake on the front has an old repair, otherwise good condition. This dish would be an excellent candidate for a proper kintsugi (gold lacquer) repair. Diameter 8 7/8 inches (22.5 cm), Height 1 1/16 inch (2.7 cm).
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1837 VR item #1343243
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$540.00
A large Tembo tsuba. The Tembo (or Tenpo) style evolved from the Saotome school and the sukashi decoration of Okiagari here (an especially nice feature) carries over. Okiagari are self righting toys and the subject was a symbol of inspiration to Samurai in aspiring to improvement and the right path in life. There is, on a curious level of interest, some minute trace of old gold decoration (long since worn off) on the surface of this tsuba. Though there are transitional examples, the present example has a drier feel more typical of Tembo iron (Saotome examples having a smoother, wetter feel.) The kozuka-ana plugged with, apparently, pewter. Edo period. Good condition with one small scratch (should be easily treatable.) Height 3 3/8 inches (85 cm), Width 3 3/16 inches (81.5 cm), and 5/32 of an inch (4 cm) thick.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1900 item #1340187
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$625.00
A well forged, handsome mokume tsuba in mokko-gata form with katakiri-bori landscape decoration on both the omote and ura. The mokume grain is large and well controlled reminding one of ayasugi hada. In fact, this tsuba is indeed a tosho (swordsmith's) tsuba, being made by [Kai Ju] Kiyonaga and dated the third year of Bunkyo (1863) believed to be the same as KIY 298 referenced in Hawley's, Japanese Swordsmiths. Our angled, side view photographs more accurately portray patina and color as well as the mokume grain. Good condition. 3 5/8 inches (8.4 cm) X 3 3/8 inches (8.1 cm) and 7/32 inches thick (.55 cm) at the raised mimi and about 1/8 inch (.32 cm) thick at the seppa-dai. The raised mimi and no taper across the plate are atypical of traditional tosho tsuba. But the present example being 19th century, and toward the end of the Edo period, allows latitude for creativity. Ex Arnold Frenzel collection. If both sensitivity and strength are conveyed in the smith's blades as they are in this tsuba, I would be tempted to acquire one of his swords.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1338182
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$435.00
A simple, four lobed armorer's tsuba with simple pierced decoration perhaps depicting a landscape with structure. The udenuki-ana (cord holes) have the effect of completing the illusion of a Sesshu-like landscape. The saotome were armorers turned tsuba makers who worked in this manner and scale. Good condition with good tekkotsu. Sengoku era. 2 15/16 (7.46 cm) inches x 2 5/8 (6.67 cm) inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1338169
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$675.00
A katchushi mutsu-gata sukashi tsuba. The six lobed, thin plated armorer's tsuba with good tekkotsu and with openwork decoration was described by Skip Holbrook (ex collection) as Saotome made and depicting three birds. The Saotome were a line of armorers (katchu) turned tsuba makers. But I think a case could be made for the sukashi decoration being a wabi-sabi flower bloom or possibly paulownia leaves (rather than awkward looking "birds".) Use of the paulownia (kiri) mon could suggest Yamakichibei as those tsuba makers, from Owari, were outfitting swords for the Oda and the Toyotomi - the latter using the kiri ka-mon. Good condition. 2 7/8 (7.3 cm) inches x 2 13/16 (7.14 cm) inches
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1800 item #1337767
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$6,800.00
A massive imari vase with decoration of the Genroku era of bijin (a beauty) and hana (flowers) on two opposing panels alternating with two more opposing panels of a structure (tea house?) in garden landscape - all in red, gold and black enamels with blue underglaze. Similar landscape decorated panels appear on the shoulder over a ground of hanabishi (flowery diamond) in repeating diamond bordered pattern. The hanabishi (sometimes also referred to as karabana, or 'Chinese flower') could be representative of a ka-mon (family crest). The prominent Takeda family and its branches used the hanabishi ka-mon onward after the Heian period. The Genroku era spanned from 1688 to 1704. The arts and luxuries reached their apex during this era of the Edo period - contributing to large, opulent expressions such as the present vase. Genroku style and influence continued for a short time after (as could this vase) while the Tokugawa Shogunate struggled with inflation after devaluing coin quality in an attempt to sustain the appearance of prosperity (sound familiar?) So in some ways the Tokugawa followed in the footsteps of the decadent Ashikaga. Good, stable condition save an old crack through the foot rim which might originate with the firing as a crazing pattern conforms along and around the crack as if from excessive heat (limited to inside the foot and the lower portion of one bijin panel.) Vase height (not including cover) is 15 7/8 inches (40.32 cm)

This vase is accompanied by a Chinese, late Qing dynasty, exquisitely carved hardwood cover. The fit is loose and the cover a bit small proportionately. As they did not start life together, we are amenable to selling the cover separately should someone have a need. The cover would best fit a large vase with interior rim diameter of no smaller than 4 9/16" (11.58 cm). The cover is 7 5/16" (18.57 cm) with the wood grain (there is substantial shrinkage of the wood against the grain with age.) The cover is in presentable condition with some glue evidence on the interior - probably from refitting after shrinkage.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Lacquer : Pre 1837 VR item #1337646
Spoils of Time
$4,900.00
This is one of the more intriguing lacquer objects we have owned. Adorned with maki-e Aoe (hollyhock) Ka-mon on nashiji ground (also known as the Kamo Aoi as it was sacred to the Kamo shrine), family crest for prominent daimyo families including the Tokugawa and the Matsudaira during the Momoyama and Edo periods. Even the drawer pull is fashioned as an open worked shibuichi Aoe Ka-mon with the surprise of a textured, kinko (soft metal) raised backing only if you look for it. More interesting yet is the unusual form of this object - perhaps an only opportunity to acquire an example. Resembling a food tray on stand, it nonetheless has a drawer (not common to the form.) And a tall cover comes with a screen (silk?) as if to permit viewing whilst keeping something either in or out. We have not found another example of the form and so are not certain if it might be a covered dining tray (though the drawer) if intended to keep bugs out. Or perhaps it is in fact an insect terrarium (someone suggested it might be a large "cricket cage" or for praying mantis - maybe even to observe mantis combat) keeping the bugs in as it were. We can only speculate at the moment and heartily welcome suggestions or insight - maybe something not yet considered. The covered stand is in rather good condition for a mid Edo lacquer object. Good condition with expected testimony of age and use. There are the usual small lacquer losses mostly to edging (not at all detracting.) There is some fading - varying to the extent exposed to light (see our enlargement comparing surfaces of exterior, screened interior, drawer interior.) There is one minutely small handle stop stud missing from the screened cover. 18th to early 19th century. 13 inches (33.02 cm) high, 9 5/8 (24.45 cm) inches wide, 12 inches (30.48 cm) long.

Since listing this item, someone has suggested its holding fireflies (hotaru) as a possible use.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1333910
Spoils of Time
$975.00
An iron, Ko-Tosho (early sword smith's) tsuba. The slightest taper from seppa dai towards rim. Pierced decoration. Purchased from Andy Quirt (ex Skip Holbrook collection) at the February 2016 Tampa show, he thought it depicted gourds. I guess the beholder might see different things. I see Japanese eggplants on leafy vine (two fruit and two leaves) supported by a bamboo trellis. An uncommon and well executed, balanced decoration. The hitsu-ana appears to be original to the tsuba. Late Muromachi. Good condition - has seen some pitting in the past but now stable (chalk it up to tekkotsu, history and character - tekkotsu attractively conspicuous on the rim), well worn to the touch, and with a good, dark patina. 2 7/8" (7.3 cm) marugata. 1/8" (3.17 mm) thick at the mimi. 3/16" (4.47 mm) thick at the seppa-dai.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1333826
Spoils of Time
$695.00
An armorer's iron tsuba, possibly for a wakizashi as it is somewhat diminuitive in size. Or perhaps more in keeping with its apparent age, an early example of a proportionately small tsuba used with an uchigatana as was first the fashion. Sukashi decoration of a conch (horagai) traditionally used for ritual practices and for signaling on the battlefield. The rare uchikaeshi-hineri rim (mimi) is significantly raised and defined almost as if to suggest a separate piece of iron around the rim (though it is one with the plate.) Though the small sukashi might suggest tosho (swordsmith), the distinct and high rim clearly indicates ko-katchushi (old armorers) work. Good condition with tekkotsu, dark patina and some inert, brown surface rust for which we are lightly applying oil when dry (we prefer not to overclean or dry out a tsuba so will not take some of the more invasive measures against only light rust.) This tsuba has an early feel - perhaps early Muromachi. 2 3/4" (7 cm) marugata. The thickness of the plate is about 1/8" (.32 cm). The thickness at the rim is about 1/4" (.63 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1333823
Spoils of Time
$575.00
A katchushi (or armorer's) tsuba, probably Myochin, with pierced decoration of ship's rudders (the significance being a comparison of rudders steering a ship to values guiding a Samurai's life choices.) The strong, homogenous, dense iron plate with only light tekkotsu and smooth to the touch. Dark patina. Momoyama to early Edo. Good condition: Lamination folds with openings evident on the surface of one side. Ex Skip Holbrook collection. 3 3/32" x 3 1/16" x 1/8" (7.8 cm x 7.7 cm x .32 cm)
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1700 item #1333535
Spoils of Time
$650.00
An armorer's tsuba, with very slightly raised rim on the strong, flat iron plate. Pierced decoration of a shrimp with pleasing, subtle swell along the antennae and legs (mostly on the ura.) Small, irregular brass inlays for the eyes (missing from one eye - not conspicuous.) The kogai-ana plugged with a copper rich alloy. Oval form about 2 7/8" (7.3 cm) by 2 3/4" (6.985 cm). Thickness at rim about 5/32" (.39 cm). Late 16th century to early 17th century - perhaps Momoyama period. Or possibly earlier with hitsu-ana added (though old). Good condition with varieagated hues in the dark, lustrous patina likely with extant lacquer adhering and accounting for some of the black color (note that the tsuba has an overall dark, mottled patina which our lighting doesn't adequately portray). Subtle tekkotsu evident - some old, worn pitting with the surface now smooth, almost soapy to the touch.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1900 item #1328475
Spoils of Time
$265.00
A good, Japanese iroe imari dish of square form with garden landscape decoration in red, green, yellow, aubergine, black and gold enamel and underglaze blue. The center panel decorated with pines, plantains and maples among rockery and below stylized clouds. The rockery employing "master of the rocks" technique of consecutive contour lines - the stylized clouds echoing the technique. Good condition. 7 to 7 1/8 inches square. About 8 1/4 inches from corner to corner. 19th century. (Five like this available: one each may be acquired at the offer price, up to four [one sold].)
All Items : Vintage Arts : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Porcelain : Pre 1930 item #1328473
Spoils of Time
$135.00
One Japanese blue and white porcelain dish. Shonsui style decoration in roundels of birds in branches with berries and of peonies, all centered by geometric decoration along the inside of the foliate rim. The back with similar decoration of roudels, blue and white band decoration above the foot rim centering a four character mark within a blue ring. Good condition. Diameter, 7 1/2 inches. Ca 1900/early 20th century. (Seven like this available: one each may be acquired at the offer price price, up to seven.)
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : American : Federal : Pre 1837 VR item #1319397
Spoils of Time
$475.00
Jerome's & Darrow Federal manner hand made shelf clock with wood works, Bristol CT. Provenance, Martin VanBuren Back, 1835-1920 (may already have been in the family for a generation.) We purchased from his direct descendant, David N. Back in the 1990s. We had the clock last serviced in 2006 and in good running order with reliable chimes. Having invested in preservation, our gain will have been our enjoyment of the clock. 2nd quarter, 19th century. Good condition. Height, about 34 3/4 inches. We will defer to a professional shipper for such an item - cost to be arranged between buyer and shipper.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1837 VR item #1319339
Spoils of Time
$265.00
Pair of Kinko (soft metal, as distinguished from iron) menuki. The soft metal copper alloy with dark patination (perhaps shakudo) depicting a pair of shishi or dogs (these are more dog like than most shishi I've seen, which are often thought to be lions.) The dogs with hair defined with fine incising. Decoration in gold including spots and pupils on the dogs, the collars each with a bell, and sprays of flowers. One of the menuki appears to have a miniature gold self-righting figure of Daruma (an 'okiagari koboshi' toy) on its back along with the flower spray. Appear to be earlier Edo. Very good condition. They were "saved" from a Cha-donsu studded with good, old menuki. So we suppose you could call these dogs "rescues" :) There is solder evidence on the back but that is never accessible when mounted on a tsuka. (These would be a good match with another of our listings - a kozuka, item #1318102.) Length, 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 inches (2.86 to 3.17 cm)
All Items : Fine Art : Paintings : Oil : N. America : American : Pre 1900 item #1318587
Spoils of Time
$1,700.00
A 19th century American folk art painting. Oil on canvas. Table top still life of bountiful agricultural harvest and a pineapple likely from port trade (pineapples were popular import produce in 19th century port cities and much can be read of pineapples in American tradition and design - most notably relating to hospitality.) Relined - otherwise good, clean and bright condition. Stretcher dimensions 30 1/2 inches x 25 1/4 inches. We acquired this in the late 90s from a long time Georgetown period furniture dealer (and Trocadero member) who had this in his own dining room for years. We have, also, enjoyed it in ours since but it is now time to lighten up as we prepare for a distant move.
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Japanese : Swords and Related : Pre 1900 item #1318223
Spoils of Time
$185.00
Two nicely matched Edo period mixed metal menuki. Each with decoration of a duck in water. Some difference in the detailing of the water and perhaps different duck species (though one could explain the lack of a crest and color on one because it was the female of a pair of mandarin wood ducks.) For the price, they would work quite well together on a tsuka (sword hilt.) Longer one, about 1 1/2 inches. Good condition.
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : American : Federal : Pre 1837 VR item #1317909
Spoils of Time
$4,400.00
An unusual and dramatic firescreen abattant. It reminds me of some of the smaller, New York classical parlor furniture I've seen in Southern house tours with late Federal drawing and music rooms furnished with pieces imported by successful merchants - almost, but not quite, over the top in their design yet direct in their function. So an argument could be made for high, New York city style. And the inlaid oval in the center, with pie crimped edge, is reminiscent of some New England work. The passive function is that of a firescreen and explains the distress to the side with inlay which likely faced the fireplace (rather than the upholstered side.) The "surprise" is the enclosed work area with the hinged top dropping to provide a writing surface (abattant [fr], "put horizontal") below the interior fitted with letter or document slots (only the back one of three dividing slats remaining - evidence of two more, and three segments which would have divided at least one of two lateral slots into three sections.) Perhaps because of the narrow profile, there appears to be no secondary wood under or behind any of the solid mahogany. Condition is quite good considering the likely heat exposure as a firescreen and probable stress to the hinged top which relies upon the case as a counter-stop. We had distress to the inlaid surface evened out, filled and finished - disturbing old finish as less as possible - to make it presentable for the decorator yet acceptable to the collector. We left the old upholstery (possibly original) alone for the next steward to decide. Our restorer (specializing in period furniture) had also never before encountered this design. Our photographs illustrate the character of the old, now serviceable inlaid surface. Ca 1800 - 1810. Height, about 42 3/4 inches. Width, about 21 5/8 inches (about 22 1/4 inches wide at the trestle base). We are offering American furniture from our personal collection while lightening up in preparation for a distant move - reasonable offers entertained.
All Items : Antiques : Furnishings : Furniture : American : Federal : Pre 1837 VR item #1317299
Spoils of Time
$3,900.00
Federal Mahogany swell front chest of drawers. Yellow pine and poplar secondary woods. Maryland, probably Baltimore, 1790 to 1810. This chest is similar in ways to an example in "Furniture in Maryland, 1740-1940", Weidman, 1984, item #77, page 123. On both, the top conforms to the bow front case, projecting a bit beyond the case. And both have nicely formed French feet, inlaid banding on the drawers and above the skirt, and inlaid chevrons centering the escutcheons. In fact, the present chest came from the estate of Dr. Harvey William Cushing (1869-1939) while the chest illustrated in the cited volume (in the collection of the Maryland Historical Society) came from a descendant of the Cushing family - with Baltimore roots going back to at least the 1770s. More history regarding the Cushing family can be found in the volume and later history in a letter we obtained from the dealer who sold the chest to us (which also mentions how they acquired the chest.) Unlike the published chest, the inlaid bands on the present chest are along the drawer edges, with oval stringing on the drawer faces, and a single top drawer atop three more graduated drawers. In good, presentable condition, it appears the chest may have had restorative work to the top and likely a later refinish, pulls appear to be replacements. One drawer pull is loose on one side and some distress to inlaid banding. Height, about 42 1/4 inches. Depth about 23 1/16 inches. Height 36 3/4 inches. We are offering American furniture from our personal collection while lightening up in preparation for a far move - reasonable offers entertained. Provenance: Dr. Harvey William Cushing, an unnamed Baltimore dealer, a Frederick Md dealer (disclosed to purchaser), ourselves.
All Items : Traditional Collectibles : Books : References : Antiques : Pre 1970 item #1316882
Spoils of Time
$55.00
The English adaption, by Burton Watson, of Chinese Sculpture, Bronzes And Jades In Japanese Collections, Yuzo Sugimura, 1966 (first English edition, hardcover.) A scholarly catalog format of important Chinese works of art in Japanese collections with sections featuring Tomb Sculpture, Buddhist Figures, Bronzes and Jades. Profusely illustrated with excellent, full bleed black and white plates and a small number of tipped color plates. Embossed, cloth bound hardcover. Ex Libris Gerald D. Schultz. We are not book specialists and are selling from our own library collection. We consider this book to be in excellent condition with unmarked pages. The dust cover is worn and with tears. Library of Congress Card Catalog Number 66-22477
All Items : Traditional Collectibles : Books : References : Fine Art : Pre 1990 item #1316879
Spoils of Time
$45.00
Bronze, Clay and Stone - Chinese Art in the C.C. Wang Family Collection, by Annette L. Juliano, 1988 (first edition, hardcover.) A scholarly catalog of 75 important early works of art in bronze metalwork, clay ceramic, and sculpted stone. Richly illustrated with color plates, the unnumbered pages include additional introduction, appendix of comparable excavated examples, and indices. We are not book specialists and are selling from our own library collection. We consider this book to be in excellent condition with unmarked pages. ISBN 0-295-96805-2 (We include in the illustrations of this volume a picture of a color plate depicting a Han dynasty bronze hu not unlike one we are offering for sale in our online catalog.)
All Items : Traditional Collectibles : Books : Pre 1990 item #1316783
Spoils of Time
$170.00
Art From Ritual, Ancient Chinese Bronze Vessels from the Arthur M. Sackler Collection, introduction and catalogue by Dawn Ho Delbanco, 1983 (first edition, hardcover.) A scholarly study of 70 important ancient bronzes from the Shang to the Eastern Zhou dynasties. 157 pages illustrated profusely with full page color plates and black and white details. Detailed, scholarly discussion of items in the Sackler collection following an informative introduction. Ex Libris Warren E. Burger, 15th Chief Justice of the United States. Including a typed note from Sonnenreich & Roccograndi (a law practice) dated May 23, 1983 to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger "with compliments of Arthur M. Sackler, M.D." We acquired this volume in the mid 1990s from Second Story Books, Rockville Maryland, which company sold the art books from the estate of Chief Justice Burger. We are not book specialists and are selling from our own library collection. We consider this book to be in excellent condition with unmarked pages. ISBN 0-916724-55-7 (Two ISBN numbers are given, one designating paperbound and the other clothbound. But the present hardcover volume has faux leather covered boards, the front with gilt embossed title. We include an additional illustration of the front board.)
All Items : Traditional Collectibles : Books : References : Antiques : Pre 1990 item #1316778
Spoils of Time
$180.00
This is Volume I of Ancient Chinese Bronzes In The Arthur M. Sackler Collections - Shang Ritual Bronzes in the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, by Robert W. Bagley, 1987 (first edition.) A must have for serious students of ancient Chinese bronzes. 599 richly illustrated pages including index and credits. Steeped in substantive historical, cultural, techniques, styles and forms, scientific analyis, and other scholarship. We are not book specialists and are selling from our own library collection. We consider this book to be in good condition with unmarked pages, slightly rubbed dustcover in good condition, light warping to part bottom of some pages from water exposure. ISBN 0-674-80525-9
All Items : Antiques : Regional Art : Asian : Southeast Asian : Sculpture : Pre 1920 item #1310276
Spoils of Time
$900.00
A set of six unusual Buddhist bronze figures, each seated upon a lotus base and generally forming a pear shape. The mustached and bearded figures with plumed head wear and flowing robes each holding a musical instrument - one reading a sutra. It appears the figures were all from the same mould while the arms and attributes were done separately and joined to the figures. The latter figure (particularly) exhibiting wear to the apparently gilt surface, revealing the bronze alloy on the rubbed stomach and sides. The underside of each bronze closed by a recessed copper plate with embossed decoration. Hasty research finds that Indonesia has along history of three dimensional mandalas of which the 9th century temple at Borobodur provides the grandest example. Small Indonesian bronze mandala figures are known to date to as early as the 10th century. The tradition has persisted or repeated into the turn of the 20th century. These figures, clearly with Asian characteristics but with South Asian qualities including longer hair and full mustaches and beards below the chin, may represent later Islamic influence (though depiction of a human form and especially an idol would be prohibited within strict interpretation of Islam.) A melding of different religious experience and culture can be observed. We have seen only a couple similar figures described as late 19th century or early 20th century and only one other set. About turn of the century, we opt for a conservative dating of "pre 1920". We arrive at a price of $900 from an average of about $150 per figure but sold as a set. Good condition though showing imperfections of somewhat provincial castings and metalwork. Each height about 4 3/4 inches (12 cm) to top of plume.