Antique Ceramic Dragon Fish

A temple roof tile fashioned in a dragon-fish motif with a truncated body and a large grinning mouth. Most often found along roof ridges, its presence is said to guard inhabitants against the elements; such as fires, floods and typhoons. This dragon-fish can be likened to the Western gargoyle, warding off evil.

From Southern China during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Circa 1750-1800.

Dragon-fish Roof Tile during Ming and Qing Dynasties: 1750-1800

Opium Pipe and Accessories

We are featuring a Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) opium pipe with a bamboo stem, ivory mouth-piece, silver fitting known as the "saddle", and ceramic pipe-bowl. The opium pipe requires an opium lamp in order to function (which is shown on the tray)

The lamp was a highly specialized part of the pipe and was designed to channel the right amount of heat upon the pipe-bowl so the opium could vaporize and allow the smoker to inhale the intoxicating fumes.

Also shown are, the octagonal opium tray crafted from copper and designed with meticulously hand cut patterns. In the background is a small cricket cage kept as a leisurely keeping was a leisure pastime for the bourgeois.

This completes the set that belonged to a typical bourgeois during the Qing Dynasty.

Kasu Fragrance Pouch Necklace.

   An intricate kasu fragrance pouch incorporated into a necklace. Adorned with fresh water pearls 

   and semi-precious stones.

    Old ivory "family lock" pendant. circa 1840.

Kasu Lady's Robe: Butterfly motif

  Elaborate pattern of a butterfly motif adorned throughout a Kasu lady's robe.

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Ceramic Garden Stool

Our white glazed drum shaped garden stool with a rope and coin motif are perfect for 

any garden party. We have garden stools in various sizes, colors, and designs.

Bamboo Parson Table

Delightfully elegant is our long Parson Table with bamboo lattice construction and a black lacquer table top.

Han Dynasty Soldiers

Two free standing on-guard painted pottery figures of soldiers, dressed in blue suits of armour over a white tunic and wearing puff above-knee paints with their right hands away from their body in a gesture of holding something now missing. Small figurines  were made in the image of soldiers to accompany and serve their masters in their life after.

Ancestor Paintings

Images that never fade away and memories of an older generation still treasured by their descendants. I would like to emphasize that the original illustration was applied with mineral pigments which preserve its vividness and brightness.

Circa 1860

Decorative Wooded Plaque

This is nice wooden panel I would like to share with you. A feminine representation 

of a wall hanging piece in a fabric scroll bordered by an intricate floral design.  

Reading from right to left: "Bamboo Shoot" representing 

the coming of Spring the beginning of a prosperous year.

# 1 Red lacquer with gold accent wood decorative panel Qing Dynasty Circa 1870

Han Dynasty Ware

We would like to showcase some of our Han Dynasty earthenware.

The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China which lasted between 206 BC to 220 AD. The Han Dynasty was an era in which great emphasis was placed onto the sciences and art. Great achievements were made in astronomy, engineering, mathematics, medicine as well as astronomy during this time.

"The Han Dynasty was an age of economic prosperity and saw a significant growth of the money economy first established during the Zhou Dynasty (c. 1050–256 BCE)." [1]

Han Dynasty earthenware are prized for their beautiful silvery iridescent finish that coalesces amazingly well with the elegant and soft green hues. The original gazes undergo chemical changes in the copper-green lead-silicate glaze to attain this beautiful exterior that is only possible through the passage of time. Today we are showcasing four pieces - two pottery Hu jars and two pots.

Han Dynasty Pottery Hu

The compressed body raised on a tall, waisted base below a tapering neck rising to the flared, galleried rim.
It is covered with a dark green glaze now almost completely altered to a silvery-gold iridescence.

Pottery Hu with a taller rim and darker hued original base glaze. featuring horizontal bands along the neck.

Notice that the glazes have great variance in shape, form, reflectiveness, 
and texture which adds to the charisma and allure of these Han wares.

Han Dynasty Pots

A well proportioned Han Dynasty pot with a spheroidal body that tapers to a smaller foot. 

The glaze takes on dark green, light green, silver, white, and earthen hues.

This pot features a glaze that takes on a light hue, which, infrequently such as in
this case the glaze has almost completely altered to a silvery iridescent exterior.

[1] Adshead, Samuel Adrian Miles. (2000). China in World History. London: MacMillan Press Ltd. New York: St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0-312-22565-2.

A Touch of Rustic Elegance

Warm hues of green, browns, and creamy whites will delight you this holiday season. Ewer jugs are paired with a ceramic bird a top a hand carved wooden buffet table. Behind is a hand painted screen of birds and flowers, creating a dreamy elegance.

Ewer Jugs circa 1700 : Hand Carved Buffet Table 1880 

Our little green parrots are chatting about their plans this holiday season! Each delightful ceramic parrot are hand made and one of a kind, each with its own character. They range in sizes and green hues. Also shown are lacquer wooden boxes with designs which range in sizes and colors.

Green Parrots Circa 1860 : Red Leather Gold Gilt Boxes 1880

Wood Carving Architectural Elements

Architectural elements are salvaged pieces with great stories behind them. If only we could hear their stories and all that they have seen. We have a great assortment of one of a kind elements ranging in all sizes and subject matter.  We have wall decorations, lattice windows, lattice doors, and wooden panels to fit your fancy!

Magical Environments

Sometimes we come upon things so magical, it must be shared. Carved wooden birds playing a game of hide and seek with their meal (in this case, a feisty praying mantis) a top lotus leaves.  We carry many more architectural pieces like these ranging in all subject matter so if you are interested, please call to inquire!