DESCRIPTION: A fine, large Chinese boxwood toggle in the shape of a Chinese coin with four script characters on each side surrounding the square hole. Around the edge, various plant and animal forms are carved in high relief, including a flower, bird, squirrel and bat. The suspension cord, connecting it to an object such as a tobacco pouch, would have been strung through the openings under the bat's wings. Wonderful patina, excellent condition, and dating from the 1800's or earlier. ... Click for details

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 Chinese eight-sided footed plate with raised base and blue under-glazed decorations featuring two pavilions by the water (each reversed so the plate can be viewed upright from two directions), surrounded by key-fret and floral borders. Collector's stickers on back indicate the number of the piece and the date the USA collector originally purchased it (April 14 of 1977). Excellent condition with no chips, cracks or repairs; small original firing flaws. DIMENSIONS: 9 7/8"... 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).