DESCRIPTION: A handsome rectangular hardwood box, the four sides inlaid with silver wire in archaic designs; the top is inlaid with colored stones, carved as flowers and leaves with a swallow in flight. Originally used as a stationary box for writing implements, this box dates to the first quarter of the 20th C. and is in very good condition with all inlays intact. DIMENSIONS: 9 ¼” long (23.5 cm) x 5 ½” deep (14 cm) x 3” high (7.6 cm).

DESCRIPTION: An exquisitely carved Chinese soapstone seal in flat tablet form, carved in low relief with a Chinese scholar who is studying his texts. As if illustrating what the scholar has been reading, a long Chinese inscription of 28 lines in beautifully carved, tiny characters appears above him, probably a quote from Chinese classical writings or a poem. The seal most likely dates from the Republic Period (1911 to 1949), and is a testament to its extremely gifted carver. The impression fo... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A very appealing Chinese water dripper in the form of a frog climbing on the side of a rolled lotus leaf. Water drippers were one of the vital calligraphy tools used by the Chinese scholar to hold water and drip it onto the ink stone for the purpose of mixing the ground ink. These small but important objects were crafted so that a single measured drop at a time could be dripped to ensure the proper ratio of ink to water while mixing. This free-form, teal glazed dripper would have... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A fine Chinese mid Qing Dynasty bamboo libation cup with a rarely seen original silver liner. This cup is well carved in the form of a citron tree trunk with reticulated branches and leaves. On each side is carved a Buddha hand fruit, named for its obvious resemblance to the Buddha’s hands in prayer. This fruit is a symbol of happiness, wealth and longevity, and was often given as a religious offering in Buddhist temples or to perfume a room for weeks with its fragrance. The bamb... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: An exquisite Chinese table screen, elaborately carved with a mounted jade bi on one side and an inscription on the reverse. Stands such as these were custom made to display specific precious jade artifacts, with this bi most likely dating from the Neolithic Period (5,000 to 2,000 BC). The inner frame’s surface is carved in relief on each side with a pair of convoluted dragons; another pair of carved and pierced dragons form the supports on either side of the stand. On the reverse... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: An attractive heart-shaped scholar’s calligraphy box of solid brass that includes an ink stone within the inner lid. The outer lid has a Chinese inscription, roughly translated as follows: “You find books are good companions; you can find friends from the old scholars who teach you about behaving well as a gentleman.” Inside this lid is a thin, heart-shaped ink stone surface held in place by an inner rim. A nice portable way to carry necessary writing accoutrements, the lower po... Click for details