20th Century Scholar's Objects

This is a very good Chinese cameo or overlay glass snuff bottle, which we date to circa 1920s. These overlay glass cameo snuff bottles are very decora...

A rare and authentic vintage Gucci document case crafted in rich tan leather, featuring the house’s iconic green and red web stripe across the front. This classic folio-style piece e...

For centuries, the suanpan, or Chinese abacus, served as one of the world's most sophisticated calculating devices. Long before the arrival of electronic calculators, merchants, scho...

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...

This is an old vermilion suiseki from Japan. Not only in China but also in Japan, rocks from mountains have been quarried and shaped for appreciation since ancient times. These deco...

On offer is an extraordinary Chinese scholar rock of Taihu type in a vertical mushroom-cloud form. Impressive in size, texture and grotto-filled shape, the well-balanced stone is pre...

A set of 3 beautiful porcelain handle Chinese calligraphy brushes. The handles with hand painted round and oval porcelain balls of longevity motifs and basketweave, in classic, timeless blue and white...

A magnificent and unusually large matched pair of vintage Chinese structural seal blanks (chops), masterfully carved from substantial blocks of natural mottled red and sage-green soapstone. Standing at an impressive 7 ¼ inches tall with a robust 2-inch square profile, each monumental block is topped by a meticulously detailed, deeply pierced high-relief carving of horses interacting across an architectural mountain landscape. Together, the pair forms the complete, highly auspicious "Eight Horses of King Mu" (Ma Dao Cheng Gong) motif, a traditional Chinese symbol of rapid success, vitality, and career advancement. The long vertical side panels and square bases remain entirely smooth, unengraved, and free of cinnabar ink, highlighting the pristine, untouched nature of the stone. Beautifully balanced with an excellent structural heft, this pair serves flawlessly as premium library bookends or standalone desk sculptures for a curated interior. Excellent vintage condition with no cracks, no chips, and completely free of any restoration or repairs. The natural soft mineral surfaces are beautifully preserved, with pristine, sharp geometric edges on the uncarved base blocks. Note:With their substantial 7-inch presence and bold oxblood palette, this matching pair serves as the perfect sculptural punctuation mark for a lacquered library étagère, an executive desk, or flanking a collection of rare art books...

Antique Vietnamese Shell Inlaid Tea Tray (Khay, go kham trai) a rectangular raised footed tray having four kneeling legs connected with bottom elbowed stretchers. The legs, skirt, interior and railing all decorated on the exterior surface with inset shaped mother-of-pearl shell pieces in subtle shimmering hues of flora and fauna motifs with Chinese key fret and flora vignettes with butterflies and birds. The galleried and footed tray crafted entirely of rosewood with mortise and tenon joinery. Minor inset shell losses, evidence of previous cracks, restored condition. Measuring: 4 in. high x 12.25 in. wide x 7.5 in. deep. (102 x 312 x 190mm) Weight 1 lb. 12.1 oz. (797g.) Nguyen Dynasty, 19th - 20th Century. Provenance: Copper Red, Bangkok L’Asie Exotique, Palm Springs, CA For similar examples see: Co Vat Viet Nam: Vietnamese Antiques...

A Chinese scholar stone in an upright mushroom form displayed on a custom wood stand. Wonderful and well-balanced, the ocher and cream color stone is likely of the Taihu type. It sho...

In Japan, there are stones for viewing called suiseki. The same culture has existed in China since ancient times. Suiseki is a Japanese culture and hobby of appreciating stones indoo...

A rare, beautiful pair of antique Chinese bookends. Showcasing the beauty of translucent white jade with clarity almost to transparency, hand-carved dep...

A fantastic Chinese scholar's stone, called gongshi, of gray lingbi limestone, mounted on a hardwood stand, late Qing or early Republic, early 20th century, circa 1910, China . The ...

A finely carved zitan wood display stand in the form of a round table, China, Republic Period, mid 20th century. The circular display stand carved from rare and precious zitan wood. Fashioned as a classical Chinese round table...

A fine Chinese scholar's stone. Made of nephrite jade from the Hotan (Hetian) region of China. Scholar's rocks (gongshi, 供石) are naturally occuring rocks that are appreciated for t...

This rare 29" long calligraphy brush features a beautiful handle made from Buddha's Belly Bamboo, a prized variety known as Bamboo Ventricosa. Revered for its unique bulging form, th...

Amazing vintage glass vase. Displays a back a red glass exterior with an orange interior.

An exquisite late Qing dynasty display Stand of longyan wood, carved as a miniature "kang" table. The center panel features an amazing grain that delights the eye, while a soft glo...

A remarkable straits Chinese (also known as Peranakan or Nyonya) carved hardwood and bamboo inlaid and embellished table-form stand, originally for dis...

A visually arresting tall vertical scholar stone of Lingbi type balanced on a fitted wood base. The rock formation features an elegant slender form of highly sculptural surface with ...

One of a kind, extra large, rare blue serpentine gemstone brush in bamboo form with carved bamboo leaves. Serpentine is a beautiful stone highly valued for its similarity to nephrite...

This circa 1900 Chinese bamboo brush pot is beautifully carved in low relief with pavilions in a mountainous landscape. With applied rosewood rim and footed rosewood base. The gourd ...

This enormous figural fountain pen store display is unsigned, but presumed to have been made by the Waterman Co. of France in approximately 1965 and d...

One of a pair No. 2– Stunning Chinese handcrafted Bonsai Tree/Flower in white and green / gray white and green jade (for the leaves) and agate/hardstone (for the pink and yellow flow...

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 malachite rock specimen with intense green and black colors fitted on a wood stand and displayed as a Chinese scholar stone. The gemstone in t...

Chinese Scholar's Carved Hongmu Hardwood Qilin Paperweight, Possibly Zitan, Qing Estate of John Loring of Tiffanys An exceptional Chinese scholar's desk paperweight (zhenzhi), finel...

An exceptional, deeply spiritual masterpiece of Japanese 水石 (Suiseki / Viewing Stone) art: a naturally formed "Sugata-ishi" (Figure Stone) that reveals the serene silhouette of a med...

Spectacular Chinese 'Taihu' scholar's stone. Naturally formed limestone mounted on gorgeous carved hardwood stand. Scholar's stones are limestone from Lake Tai in China which natura...

Chinese Jade, Bone & Horse hair Calligraphy Brush, Hand-Carved, 15 in. A refined vintage Chinese calligraphy brush, distinguished by its sculptural, segmented handle composed of ...

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’...

Large-Scale Islamic Astrolabe with Five Rolling Celestial Globes India or Persia, Early 20th Century Reproduction after Medieval Islamic Originals An impressive early 20th-century Is...

A tall Chinese scholar stone (also known as Gong Shi in Chinese; meditation stone and spirit rock in the West) of significant weight and volume is gracefully balanced on the wood dis...

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 ...

A tall and rare treasure This is a beautiful example of an old white antique Chinese Taihu viewing stone or scholar rock mounted in a custom hand-carved hard wood base. Dimensions:...

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 large Chinese export hardwood scholar's brush pot or vessel crafted in a beautifully restrained and minimal cylindrical form. The pot is crafted from a dense red-brown rosewood, an...

Chinese cricket cage with cloisonne enameled decoration and applied dragon heads. Of unusual form with two tiers of cages each with their own slid...

Experience the allure of this Republic period snuff bottle, a vibrant piece that embodies the rich artistic tradition of the time. Crafted with a deep red glass overlay, well imitati...

This sublime Chinese scholar stone was collected from the Jade Peaks in the Kun Mountains, Jiangsu Province. Known sometimes as "the magic stone" in China due to its unique formation...

A beautiful Chinese calligraphy brush with blue and white porcelain. Handle with hand painted blue and white porcelain balls of "double happiness" characters, hand polished and crafted. Bone ferrule and horse hair. This is a great brush for painting and calligraphy art...

Rare find!: 24 feet long Zen monk Mala Prayer Bead String plus original wooden alms bowl with its original attached triangular shaped stone ojime. A huge...

This is a stone mined in Japan. Measure: w 22cm. Not only in China but also in Japan from ancient times, rocks in the mountains have been shaved and stones for viewing have been qua...

Vintage hand-carved soapstone seal - mythical beast to the top - original presentation/padded fabric covered box - signed - China - mid 20th century. E...

Immerse yourself in the luxury of the past with the Vintage Green Onyx Marble Pedestal Scalloped Sink. This exquisite sink features a richly veined green ...

A Chinese Wooden Black Painted Pillow Box, Early 20th Century Description: The box features a black finish adorned with hand-painted golden garden scenes and floral patterns. Prove...

Chinese scholars rock, Qing dynasty, circa 1900 or earlier, mounted on a custom carved hardwood base. This is a large scale rock is a fine example, with beautiful striations of light...

A six-panel painted folding floor screen from Korea circa early 20th century. This type of screen is called Chaekgeori (books and things) which is quite unique to Korea. It became popular at the end of 18th century favored and encouraged by King Jeongjo (1752-1800) as a political tool to promote social conservatism such as the traditional Confucianism value, especially considered important in a time when waves of new ideology influx came to Korea. Initially commissioned for the royal court, they became increasingly popular with the scholars of noble and affluent households and were used widely in their halls and studies. Early screens were painted with trompe-l’oeil bookcases displaying books and arrays of collectibles. Later, the bookcases were eliminated to focus on the assemblage of neatly stacked books and objects of scholarly pursue. On this screen, the six panels were neatly presented and framed in woven brocade borders. Among the stacked volumes, one can find many fine porcelain vases with flowers, potted orchids, pen holders with brush pens and scroll paintings, incense burner, ink stone, teapot, fan with ink painting, vessels of fruits, exotic plants such as lotus, plumeria and even a pair of glasses. It feels like a pleasant visual measure hunting for the viewers. Several words in Chinese found their way into the picture as well, including filial (xiao), longevity (shou) and luck (fu). The painting was done in a meticulous way with no details overlooked and also with a rather western still-life dimensional perspective. In a rather unusual maximal but also minimalistic way, the screen exudes a historical charm with a folky flair but appears modern at the same time. Each panel is 17.5"w by 70.2"h. For general information on the subject see reference: Chaekgeori the Power and Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens...

A striking Chinese bronze incense burner rendered in an archaistic style, inspired by the powerful ritual bronzes of ancient China. The vessel stands on four dramatic clawed feet, gi...

Chinese Baijiu bottle made in blue-glazed stoneware with hand-painted Chinese calligraphy on both lid and body. Baijiu translates as “white spirit” and is China’s national liquor, s...

Japan, a fine and elegant antique Kanon Guan Yin standing in a classic compassionate mudra- a superb work of art cast in solid bronze with original traces of old gold gilding. Signe...

This is a stone mined in Japan. Not only in China but also in Japan from ancient times, rocks in the mountains have been shaved and stones for viewing have been quarried. Such stone...

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...

Dubbed as production of the "Chinese Modern Official Kiln", a small group of porcelains of the highest standard were produced in Jingdezhen from 1962-1967, The production was aimed as a revival of the Chinese porcelain after the foundation of the Republic in 1949 in order to serve the purpose of decorating the meeting halls for the newly renewed diplomatic relations around the globe. The best available materials and artists, including the painters and potters, were employed to achieve a high quality that rivaled the pieces produced during the pinnacle years in the porcelain production in the previous Qing dynasty. Due to the breakout of the Cultural Revolution, most of the pieces failed to be used as intended. Most if not all signatures, such as found on this vase, were added later as a hallmark to distinguish them. "Zhong Nai Hai Huai Ren Tang Treasures Porcelain Research Bureau year of 1962". Zhong Nai Hai is the residential and working compound for Chinese political elites in Beijing and Huai Ren Hall being an important meeting hall. The pieces from "Modern Official Kiln" ubiquitously showcase perfectly balanced forms with precision in symmetry. The use of very high quality Gaolin clay resulted in a semi translucent body, often quite thinly potted. The superbly underglaze paint were sandwiched between a pre-applied glaze and then an overglaze, and the elaborate designs were drawn by master painters. Often, there is a hidden red Chinese National Emblem on the interior wall. These features were all well reflected in this piece. The decoration of the blue paint on the vase is of a classic regal composition and the cobalt blue is of a vivid radiating color. Blooming peonies, an old laurel tree with blossom and scholar rocks provide the background and anchor for a pair of pheasants. One raises its head to crow while the other one looks down. These motifs are commonly found in classic Chinese scroll paintings, a genre called "Flower and Bird Painting". On the back of the vase, there are Chairman Mao's head portrait watermarked in the glaze as well as a cursive poem with a collection number as shown. For a pair of blue and white vase of the same production, see sale by Singapore International Auction PTE ltd on July 21st, 2019 lot 2014. For a pair of blue and white urns...

19th or 20th century Chinese Qing hand crafted bamboo brush pot carved in deep relief with various scenes against the background of a bamboo forest. Two scholars standing on the pati...

This exquisite Chinese Hand Painted Fish Bowl Vase features intricate floral designs in vibrant colors. The black background enhances the delicate paste...

A Chinese Inside-painted Glass Snuff bottle with Silver Metal, Early 20th Century Description: The scene depicted is a version of the famous classical Chinese painting "Along the Ri...

Old Korean garment brush used for hemp textile as scarce exposed type without covered grip, early 20th century, approx. L 24cm (9.44in), in used conditio...

Fine Antique Chinese Carved Fluorite Libation Cup. Beautiful natural striations through the piece with vibrant colors photographed under light. No chips or unnatural cracks.

This calligraphy brush is distinguished by its faux turquoise handle. Hand cut and polished, exhibiting a beautiful turquoise color with naturalistic black veining, very much approxi...