DESCRIPTION: The art of Chinese seal making developed from very ancient times. First seen as molded clay stamps, bronze seals then appeared in an embryonic form in the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600 BC – 256 BC). This pair of small bronze seals are an excellent representation of the early forms of Chinese seal making. The simple square seal pictured dates from the Han dynasty or earlier (206 BC – 220 AD), while the seal with a tortoise dates from the Tang or Song Dynasty (618-1279 AD).... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A handsome scholar's calligraphy brush, crafted from a wood shaft that has been beautifully lacquered in a swirling, wave-like pattern of red and black lacquer. The lacquer shaft is connected to the natural bristle brush by a bulbous wood ferrule. One of the four treasures of the scholar’s studio, this striking scholar’s brush would have made an attractive companion to a fine brush pot. Very good condition; most likely dating from 1900 - 1930. DIMENSIONS: 15 1/2" long... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: Four small books written in Chinese, each relating to a different discipline of Chinese works of art. Each is richly illustrated in full color with many examples of the art forms covered. In the first photo listed here, starting at the upper left and going clockwise, is a book dedicated to bamboo arts, including brush pots, baskets and boxes. Next is a book dedicated to ink stones, from simple to elaborate. The third volume richly illustrates cinnabar lacquer pieces from the Han... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A Chinese scholar's wrist rest crafted from reddish-brown bamboo, the surface covered with fifteen lines of finely carved, raised calligraphy citing a 1962 poem by Mao Zedong. Excellent condition. DIMENSIONS: 11" long (28 cm) x 3" wide (7.6 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A long, six-sided Chinese ink stick with nicely detailed dragon and phoenix curling about the surface. Short, impressed Chinese inscriptions are found on two sides. One of the four treasures of the scholar's studio, ink sticks (or cakes) would be carefully ground by the scholar and mixed with water on an inkstone to paint calligraphy or scrolls with a brush. This black ink stick is in good antique condition. DIMENSIONS: 6 1/2" long (16.5 cm) x 1 1/4" diameter (3.2 cm).

DESCRIPTION: Nearly life-sized and in the traditional frontal pose, this painting on rice paper depicts a Chinese Qing official (mandarin) and his wife seated on elaborately carved chairs in semiformal gowns. The woman's bright red robe has an embroidered insignia that proclaims the couple's rank and status. Her feet and hands are hidden and she wears an elaborate headdress of gold and pearls. Wearing an eggplant colored overcoat, the husband sits in his official hat while stroking his beard... Click for details