DESCRIPTION: This large, boldly decorated early 19th century Japanese Arita sometsuke (blue and white) porcelain dish in square form (“kaku-zara”) is hand painted in deep cobalt blue with a center floral design against thin parallel lines. This center ground is bordered by diaper designs around the raised rim with floral cartouches at each corner. Such a dish was used in Japanese tea ceremonies for serving raw fish or shellfish. The reverse is hand painted with stylized decorations in... Click for details

An attractive antique Chinese porcelain plate, hand painted with a large, leaping blue carp with russet colored cross-hatched scales. The carp was an auspicious fish in China and a symbol of perseverance and success, often applied to success in business enterprises and state examinations. In excellent condition (no cracks, chips or hairlines), this deep-dish plate would have served as a large shallow bowl as well. Dating from the Yongzheng to Qianlong Periods (AD 1723 - 1795), this plate is... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: This dynamic and colorful Alebrije goat (or ram) is carved as if in a full run, its long front leg folded under its body in mid-stride. Two huge white horns curl from the top of its head to its ears. His green speckled body is accented with vibrant red "stripes" running down his back, tail and legs, while a purple design covers his belly. This large, delightful animal is signed on the underside, "Narcisco Gonzalez Ramirez, Arrazola, Oaxaca Oax., Mexico." Excellent condition. ... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: An antique Chinese toggle (guajian), carved from boxwood in the form of a Buddha's hand fruit (or fingered citron), a symbol of happiness, longevity and good fortune in China. The fingered citron is unusually shaped with bright yellow fruit segmented into finger-like sections, resembling a human hand. Highly fragrant, it is used predominantly in China for perfuming rooms and personal items such as clothing. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha prefers the "fingers" of the... Click for details

An attractive pair of antique Chinese porcelain plates, each hand painted with a large, leaping blue carp with russet colored cross-hatched scales. The carp was an auspicious fish in China and a symbol of perseverance and success, often applied to success in business enterprises and state examinations. In excellent condition (no cracks, chips or hairlines), this pair of deep-dish plates would have served as large shallow bowls as well. Dating from the Yongzheng to Qianlong Periods (AD 1723 -... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: From the jacket: “Art of Japan brings us a sweeping view of the long-lived Japanese culture in all its brilliance and beauty. Never before have all of the major arts been available in a single volume.” This large tome (622 pages) is in beautiful, like new condition. The book covers Japanese history and religion as it specifically relates to its art forms and architecture, and spans time from prehistoric ages through the Meiji Period. A first edition, 1985 Abrams hardbound... Click for details