Scholar's Objects

Chinese, probably late 19th to early 20th century. Super heavy piece, great quality and carving to this antique scholar rock!.

Here's a wonderful find from our acquisitions trip to Japan. We were fortunate to find this Art Deco period pair (2) matching hand-carved, hand red lacquered and gilt embellished temple wooden benches. The white elephant bench and matching shi-shi komainu temple lion both originally came from a temple near Kobe. Quite sturdy, they may have been entry sitting or shoe changing benches...

We have a unique Japanese aesthetic sense. And only we can introduce unique items through our purchasing channels in Japan and the experience we have gained so far, in such a way that no one else can imitate. This is a stone carved in the image of an old Japanese male genitalia. There is a possibility that it was a natural stone that had been carved by the running water of a river for a long time, but it is more likely that it was carved artificially. In Japan, objects in the shape of male and female genitalia have been made for a long time. The materials used are stone and wood. In the case of stone, some are made from 3,000 yen to 4,000 years ago. At that time, it was used in ceremonies to pray for the prosperity of descendants. In the case of this stone, it was probably dedicated to shrines and village shrines in hopes of prosperity of descendants. This stone is believed to be from before the Edo period. Because two types of rocks are mixed, the color contrast is beautiful. I prepared the pedestal. Also, there are some shallow cracks, but there is no need to worry about breaking the stone. Wooden penises...

A fixture of the Chinese scholars' studio, the inkstone was among the "Four Treasures of the Study" and was used in calligraphy and landscape painting along with paper, ink and brush...

19th century Chinese red and black lacquer box with gilded highlights. This amazing box is a new favorite of mine. So cool! This late Qing Dynasty piece brings to mind Japanese anime...

This is collected from rivers and mountains. It is a natural stone, and only the surface has been polished. It is rounded, so I think it was probably picked up from a river. I think...

A lovely and luxurious Japanese silver incense burner of lobed melon form, akoda koro, marked jungin and signed Nomura, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The silver koro...

A lingzhi fungus table screen Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) The unusual Chinese scholar’s object, mounted natural dried and preserved lingzhi fungus. Lobed asymmetrical outline with dee...

A rare Xuan type Chinese scholar stone on a carved wood stand circa 19th century Qing dynasty. Xuan stone was traditionally collected in Xuan Zhou, Anhui Province in China. The stone...

A scholar's object intended for the workshop—most likely used as an ink drip rather than a true teapot—recognizable by its small spout opening and tightly fitting lid. The piece is c...

Antique Chinese Mother-of-Pearl Snuff Bottle, Guangzho, Circa 1850. A thin circular flattened form known as a sleeve bottle (easily kept in the sleeve of a garment). The material is...

An exceptional scholar's rock lingbi (灵璧石), traditionally intended for Chinese scholars, on a very elaborate Qing period wooden base. It is presented with the larger end above the sm...

One of the most visually arresting Chinese scholar stones (also known as Gong Shi, meditation stone and spirit rock) we have ever had on offer. A massive block of naturally formed wo...

This rare Chinese Gongshi, or scholar's stone, is a remarkable and highly auspicious item, celebrated not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural significance. Featurin...

A mounted calligraphy hanging scroll (Kakejiku) by Japanese poet and calligrapher Omachi Keigetsu (1869-1925) circa 1900s, late Meiji or Tasho period. The inkwork in cursive calligra...

Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. Carved from ...

On offer is a tall Chinese Taihu scholar rock in an upright mushroom-cloud shape displayed on a custom wood stand. Well-balanced in form, the stone is of an uncommon deep yellow colo...

A charming Korean keyaki (Japanese elm), lacquer, and mother-of-pearl inlaid personal accessory chest for a woman, Joseon Dynasty, early 19th century or earlier, Korea. The small ac...

This is an antique set of 8 calligraphic ink blocks. A Chinese, cased set of printing shapes, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Appeali...

A Truly Unique Artifact Capturing the sublime spirit of early 20th-century East Asian minimalism, this original 1930s hand-carved wooden pedestal tray is a rare, investment-grade cul...

A stunning Taihu scholar stone in an unusual horizonal balanced form perched on a custom wood stand. The stone, in a nearly pure greyish white color, display a weathered smooth surfa...

A small desk top Chinese scholar stones (also known as Gong Shi, meditation stone and spirit rock) fitted on a hand-carved wood stand circa late 19th century. The specimen is of a black Lingbi type stone in an arch form mimicking a horizontal mountain range. The wrinkles and folds on the black surface were perfectly weathered by elements for millenniums. Smooth and rugged at the same time, the mountain range shows a poetic formation that was often depicted in the ink scroll...

Chinese Qing Dynasty Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Wood Scholar's Seal Stand, 19th Century An exceptional 19th-century Chinese scholar’s seal s...

One of the finest Japanese Maki-e Suzuribakos (ink box) we have on offer, the roiro color box showcases an ambient nocturnal scene in which two shakudo inlaid crows perched on the ha...

From a private collection, a spectacular pair of solid brass enameled bookends. Each features a gilded dragon emerging from ocean waves that meet the clouds, all five talons extended...

A fine Chinese carved grayish white and green jadeite (fei cui) boulder with a mountain and grotto scene, presented on a fitted carved nanmu hardwood stand, mid to late 20th century,...

A Caitao type Chinese scholar stone presented on a carved confirming wood stand circa 1990s. Caitao, which means colored pottery in Chinese, was a newly discovered scholar stone type...

Along with paper, ink and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’...

Along with paper, ink and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’...

Along with paper, ink and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’...

Cute suiteki (water dropper) in cast bronze in the shape of a rabbit (or hare) with a gorgeous brown patina, represented with one of its two ears standing. The suiteki is a small con...

Nicely colored jade Chinese archer ring that feel oh-so-soft, heavy and cold to the touch. Jade archer rings with very soft hand polished finish that ...

Along with paper, ink and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’s creative spirit. This unusual calligraphy brush is more sculpture than tool, crafted from the curving horn of a Chinese water...

An intriguing Chinese scholar rock in vertical form presented on a custom hand-carved wood stand circa late Qing Dynasty. The greyish black stone is of Yingde type. Its upright form ...

Antique Chinese Agate Master Snuff Bottle, 19th century. Larger scale bottle of pale translucent color with varied caramel inclusions, symmetrical rectangu...

An antique Chinese snuff bottle from the late Qing period, crafted from amber glass, showcases the mysterious and intricate art of inside ...

A Rare Ottoman Book Depicting The Descendants Of The Rulers Of The Ottoman Empire Till Sultan Abdul Majid, Signed Mohammed Afandi Almuradi Alnagshabandi, 18th Century.

Gongshi (chinese)also known as scholars rocks are naturally occurring or shaped rocks which are traditionally appreciated by chinese scholars. they can be any color and are in chines...

An extremely finely carved antique Chinese Qing dynasty, Celadon green triple vase/brush washer with an Imperial Dragon from behind attacking a bird in fro...

Stone dimensions: 11 × 8 cm, thickness 5.5 cm, height on base 13 cm A natural dream stone (scholar's rock) with an organic and asymmetrical shape, pierced in its center, thus creatin...

Sculptural and unusual stone formations have long been fixtures of the scholars' studio, displayed as sources of beauty and creative inspiration. Known as gongshi, or scholars' rocks...

A Chinese Carved Inkstone, 18th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1980s. Dimensions: Height: 12.5cm. Width: 28.5cm. Depth: 17.5cm.

A natural malachite rock specimen with striking green and black colors fitted on a wood stand for viewing and meditating. The front of the gemstone features tight and small polished ...

Along with paper, ink, and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist...

Along with paper, ink and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’...

A Chinese blue color Peking glass overlay snuff bottle in globular form, on pale white ground, hand carved and decorated with four Buddhist treasures , on a slightly raised footring,...

An elegant Korean serving tray / personal dining table, carved and joined zelkova (keyaki) wood, Joseon Dynasty, mid 19th century, Korea. The elegant and sturdy tray table, known as...

Along with paper, ink and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’...

Antique Chinese Honey Quartz Dragon Snuff Bottle, a flat rectangular form with rounded shoulders and footed base of a golden coloured translucent material with horizontal striations ...

A Chinese Shagreen Glasses Case, 19th Century This Chinese spectacle case is carved from wood with a striking shagreen covering. The case dates from ...

A natural malachite rock specimen with striking bright green and black colors fitted on a wood stand for viewing and meditating. The front of the gemstone features tight and small po...

This is a grouping of three (3) authentic Chinese jade bi disc from the 20th century or older. These come from our private collection. Including Our Certificate of Authenticity ...

Fine antique Chinese Qing Dynasty silvered golden copper alloy snuff bottle of hulu double gourd form, inset with 4x carved five petal white jade p...

Beautiful Chinese Archaic Style Qing Dynasty Covered Agate Censer, with Foo Dog The censer is carved in a faceted archaistic form with a wide body rising to a stepped shoulder and a...

Exquisitely hand carved early Republic period Chinese pair of Scholar's screens. Beautiful variety of finely carved plaques displaying blossoming fruit set against a mottled backgrou...

Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Snuff Bottle – Early 20th Century A fine hand-painted porcelain snuff bottle, decorated in underglaze blue with a continuous mountain landscape feat...

A sophisticated Chinese carved and pierced hardwood scholar's tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, China. The tray of rectangular form with high sides and rounded corners. The sides...

Pair of Antique Chinese Jade and Hardstone Inlaid Plaques of Boys, 1880s This exceptional pair of antique Chinese jade and hardstone inlaid plaques, dating to the 1880s, depicts ani...

A stunning upright Chinese scholar stone (also known as Gong Shi, meditation stone and spirit rock) of significant weight and volume is gracefully balanced on the wood display stand....

This refined object dates to the first half of the 19th century, and was probably used for obi, kimono sashes, which were hung over it. The gold decorations on the black-lacquered g...