DESCRIPTION: A very fine and deeply carved Chinese export ivory card case, 19th C. The unusually thick, domed and pierced lid is expertly carved with a three dimensional profusion of flowers surrounding a center cartouche featuring a Chinese garden scene. On close inspection, you marvel at the delicately carved ivory leaves and tiny flower petals, all placed above a carved diaper-patterned ground.

Covering the side... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A unique early to mid 19th C. carved ivory brush pot (possibly Jiaqing Period) with a continuous scene, each side having a pair of twisting, confronting dragons in flight among the clouds, chasing the pearl of wisdom. Not a decorative item, this brush pot was actually used for its intended purpose by a scholar, as evidenced by the ink that has been absorbed into the ivory rims and interior. The base, with its mellow darker patina, shows its age, having been spared the bleaching e... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: The tradition of carrying perfumed sachets in China can be traced back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Chinese Taoists believed that extraction of a plant's fragrance (or heang) represented the liberation of its soul. Beginning in the 7th century AD Tang dynasty, the Chinese upper classes made lavish use of fragrance. Their bodies, baths, clothing, homes and temples were all richly scented, as was ink, paper, cosmetics and sachets tucked into their garments. This continu... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: An exceptional Chinese cricket box (or cage) with finely molded gourd body, ivory rims, and an intricately carved tortoise shell cap. This outstanding box has virtually invisible seams, a complex design, and crisp mold impressions fully covering the body. The design includes vines, flowers and leafy borders, and two cartouches depicting garden scenes.

The gourd’s rim and cap are fitted with wide bands o... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese carved ivory toggle in the form of Chan Chu, the magical three-legged money toad, with his hind leg curled like a tadpole, and circular “warts” lining his back. A toggle such as this would not only have been used as a counterweight for objects hanging from a man’s sash, but also acted as a good luck charm to bring wealth into his life. Strung with a grey agate bead, this toggle has a wonderful aged patina and was obviously handled fondly. The patina and wear would indi... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A petite etched ivory seal with engraved scene and tiny Chinese inscription in the upper right corner. The scene depicts a deity in the clouds pouring oil from a double gourd onto a brazier below which is surrounded by a group of men. The top is pierced with two holes through which a silk cord is threaded and secured by a dark stone bead. Inset on the side to the right of this scene is a silver diamond. The seal base leaves a positive (or red) impression when inked. Dating from t... Click for details