Catalog: Sold Items (421)

An ancient southeast Asian (Thailand) pottery bowl from the Ban Chiang culture, dating to approximately 500 B.C. A wonderful piece measuring approx 10" x 8.5" in excellent ancient condition a small hair line at the top edge. This a distinctive vessel with a bold form and individualistic style, the body rises from a rounded base. The piece is adorned with exuberant painted curvilinear forms This striking earthenware vase was produced at the site of Ban Chiang, Thailand, and is typical of works attributed to its later phases. A site of remarkable social complexity, Ban Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in southeast Asia. It marks an important stage in human cultural, social and technological evolution, presenting the earliest evidence for farming and complex metallurgy in the entire region. Its long cultural sequence, size and economic status has no parallel in any other contemporary site. Representing a seminal point in the history of human development in its region, it is unusual for vessels of this type to survive undamaged and in such excellent condition.

Han Dynasty Cocoon Jar (206 BC-220 AD). The distinctively plump, ovoid form of this jar, imitating the shape of a silkworm cocoon, has a fair amount of the original paint remaining on the body. Characteristic swirling cloud / scroll designs in reddish-pink and white cold-paint pigments decorate the surface. This jar is in very good, “as excavated” condition with no visible repairs, one chip to the rim of the mouth (see photos), as well as some burial dirt still attached. Authenticity guaranteed. Measures approx. 12 1/2” wide x 10 1/2” high x 8 1/2” thick. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: During the time of Han Emperor Wudi (140-87 B.C.), fascination with the idea of the afterlife and the search for immortality reached a pinnacle. This preoccupation was given physical form in the distinct swirling decorations of painted Han earthenware vessels. Along with a variety of other earthenware objects such as domestic animals, soldiers, and attendant figures, richly decorated vessels of this kind were placed in the tomb and intended to serve the spirit of the deceased in the afterlife.

An ancient panel relief depicting Buddha and Bodhisattva gathered around him. The sculpture is deeply carved from a single block of schist. Measuring 24 x 13 x 3 cm. in antique condition. Such schist friezes such as this were some the walls of Buddhist shrines, together making up large story panels telling tales from the Buddha's life. These stories would have been read, either casually or ceremonially by Monks and lay Buddhists alike. So-called Gandharan Sculpture was produced in parts of modern-day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan from the first century A.D. In the second century BC these areas were ruled by the Graeco-Bactrians, the farthest flung people of the Greek World, who brought with them the beautiful Hellenistic Greek Artistic tradition. This tradition became incorporated into the art of the region, resulting in a kind of "Graeco-Buddhist" Art from the 1st to the 3rd Centuries A.D., persisting for centuries later.

An Ancient Greek Pottery Ewer Mycenaean era polychrome designs of mythological lions c. 1000 BC.-1030 Measures approx. 7.5 inches tall in good antique condition.

An exquisite Olmec culture pre Columbian Mexico Jade hard stone mask. Measuring 8" x 6" x 3". A beautifully carved image with bold facial features. In ancient condition with centuries of deterioration of the stone matrix from being buried in an acidic soil, leaving the harder Jade intact authenticating the age. From a Stanford collection.

A fine Ban Chiang pottery bowl in very good condition no restorations original polychrome decorations. Measuring approx. 5 inches tall a museum quality piece.

An Antique Pre Columbian Mayan sub culture pottery bowl c. A.D. 800-1000 Macaracas style central America. A round shaped bowl with lobed rim painted with images of birds on a museum stand. Measuring approx. 6 inches in diameter.

A beautiful antique carved stone statue of a Hindu deity 10 - 11th century. Of a red sandstone measuring approx. 18.5 inches tall. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.

A Beautiful and rare Song Dynasty 960-1279 A.D. Celadon tea bowl of very delicate form featuring intricate incised designs of dancing children and vines. Measuring Approx. 7.5 inches by 3 inches, In very fine condition to chips or cracks. A museum quality example.

Pre Colombian pottery figure of a standing man holding a basket over his head from the Nayarit area of west Mexico, dating between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. Measuring approx. 11.5 inches tall in excellent antique condition with some minor professional restorations. Formerly purchased from the Seal and Bear Trading co. has been in a private collection for several years.

Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907) Chinese poly chrome pottery figure of a female musician with old hongmu rosewood stand. 6" L x 4.5" W x 6" H. In antique condition.

A fine Mayan Jade classic period pectoral chest ornament plaque. From a Stanford collection measuring 11.5" x 7".

This finely burnished blackware effigy vessel comes from Peru and dates c.a.1000-1470AD. It is a beautifully constructed representational of a squirrel measuring approximately 7 inches in length In excellent condition a minor restored chip to the spout (see close up) i. A beautiful and unusal piece for any collection. Provenance From The Late Phillip Kirkeby Collection.

A Beautiful and rare Song Dynasty 960-1279 A.D. Celadon tea bowl of very delicate form featuring intricate designs of dancing boys and vines. Measuring Approx. 4.5 inches by 2 inches 12 x 5 cm. in very fine condition to chips or cracks. A museum quality example.

Anasazi culture corrugated drinking vessel circa 1300 AD a grey pottery with smooth interior and handle with corrugated exterior design. Measuring approx. 5 inches tall in very good condition some minor chips on the rim. A fine piece of ancient Native American Pottery from a old collection found in the 1930s.

Pre Columbian Olmec Jade hardstone figure of a seated man. Mesoamerica Circa: 1200 BC to 500 BC. The material is a variegated pale green nephrite with oxidation to the matrix of the stone due to interaction of soil minerals over several centuries. The dimensions are 8"H x 5"W x 4"D.

A fine Chinese Ming dynasty period large storage jar with dragon design the top has loops to tie the wooden top for long term storage. Beautiful museum quality example large in size and fine in form measuring approx. 35.5 inches.

A fine Song Dynasty period East Asian celadon vase measuring 5 inches or 13 cm tall. In excellent condition a fine example.

Chinese ceramics of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) constitute perhaps the foremost expression of ceramic art, not only in China but in the entire world. During the Song period, a unity of the essential components fundamental to the art: vessel shape, potting techniques, glaze, decoration, firing processes, and aesthetic theory were all combined in a high standard of excellence. In general, the shapes of Song Dynasty are simple and sedate by comparison to what preceded them and what was to follow. Likewise, the glazes tend to be monochromatic and subtle, a fluid, integral part of the form of the vessel they cover, with a depth of color and texture that invites the spectator to both touch and contemplate.