This Chinese plate with bats, peaches and pomegranates is about 9-1/4" in diameter, 1-3/4" high, with a slightly scalloped rim. The decoration symbolizes longevity, good  More »

This Chinese plate with bats, peaches and pomegranates is about 9-1/4" in diameter, 1-3/4" high, with a slightly scalloped rim. The decoration symbolizes longevity, good fortune, etc. There are three stylized calligraphy characters on the front of the plate, which I have not been able to translate. On the back there is a mark in iron red, which matches the color of the five bats on the back. While I am not an expert, I believe that the mark on the back dates the plate to the last reign of Hongxian, 1915-16, possibly earlier. The condition is pretty good for an item that is about 100 years or more old. There is slight wear to the glaze in the center of the plate, including the bats, a sign of use and age. There are three hairline cracks that run about 1-3/4" from the rim toward the center, illustrated in the pictures. There is also a small rim chip about 1/8" wide, also illustrated. This is an attractive and decorative plate, and it is difficult to expect perfection in very old items.   « Less

This antique Chinese export Canton blue and white pitcher is 4-7/8" high, 7" from handle to tip of spout. It dates to about 1825-35. It is decorated all over the outside in  More »

This antique Chinese export Canton blue and white pitcher is 4-7/8" high, 7" from handle to tip of spout. It dates to about 1825-35. It is decorated all over the outside in deep blue on a bluish gray background. There is a figure inside a pagoda on a lake with willow trees, a bridge, ships, rocks, mountains and other scenic features. The typical Canton rain and cloud border is present on the outside rim, along with geometric trim on the inside rim. Even the handle has vine and flower decoration. The style is charmingly naïve. The condition is quite good for its age. There is minor fritting around the top edge and the edges of the handle, with a single very small nick in the glaze on the foot. There is a faint hairline crack on the base that emanates from the small glaze nick on the rim, really quite minor. There are a couple of firing cracks inside the bottom of the pitcher, which do not continue to the outside. These are all very minor faults in a piece that is almost 200 years old, and there are no major cracks or repairs, quite unusual in this ware.   « Less

This miniature Japanese two piece celadon incense burner is 6" high, 5" in diameter. A dragon is rearing his head from the upper cup. The body is fine white porcelain with  More »

This miniature Japanese two piece celadon incense burner is 6" high, 5" in diameter. A dragon is rearing his head from the upper cup. The body is fine white porcelain with embossed designs covered in a light green celadon glaze. The color of the top and bottom match exactly, although the lighting in the picture makes some sections look darker. There are no cracks or major chips, just some minor roughness in the glaze around the edge of the cup with the dragon. The photo magnifies the appearance of the roughness. This exact piece is pictured on the website of the Daruma Museum in Japan and identified as most probably Hirado. There are no makers' marks. 19th century.   « Less

This Japanese bronze tripod incense burner or koro dates to the Meji Period, 1868-1912. It is 5.5" high, about 5" wide at the handles. The surface is decorated with raised  More »

This Japanese bronze tripod incense burner or koro dates to the Meji Period, 1868-1912. It is 5.5" high, about 5" wide at the handles. The surface is decorated with raised birds, flowers including chrysanthemum, bamboo, plum blossom, butterflies, highlighted in a gold alloy. The handles are elephant heads. There are marks impressed into the base of the burner and different marks written on the inside of the lid, but a Japanese friend was unable to definitively read them. Traditionally used to burn incense, there is residue from use on the inside. The koro is in very good antique condition, no dents or tears. There are some spots, particularly on the bottom, but I have not attempted to remove them. I acquired this piece and others from the estate of a long time collector.   « Less

This Chinese Nanking hand painted underglaze cobalt blue and white porcelain platter is 11.5" or 29.3 cm wide by 8.5" or 21.6 cm. The background is a bluish gray. The central  More »

This Chinese Nanking hand painted underglaze cobalt blue and white porcelain platter is 11.5" or 29.3 cm wide by 8.5" or 21.6 cm. The background is a bluish gray. The central scene shows a pagoda and houses with trees near a lake with two figures on a bridge. The center is surrounded by a border of scrolls, and the rim is decorated with a fine, elaborate design. The back is flat and the base is unglazed. The condition is very good, with typical minor fritting around the edge. There are no cracks or chips. There are little bumps in the glaze in the center, a common condition sometimes called "oatmeal." The platter dates to about 1780-90. I have two other similar Nanking platters, please inquire.   « Less

This Japanese Imari or Arita ware dragon vase is about 9-1/2" high. I have not been able to identify the marks on the bottom. In this clever design a dragon curls around the  More »

This Japanese Imari or Arita ware dragon vase is about 9-1/2" high. I have not been able to identify the marks on the bottom. In this clever design a dragon curls around the vase, so that the view is different on all sides as the vase is turned. Every surface on the outside is decorated and contrasts with the textured white body of the dragon that stands in relief above the surface. The inside of the opening at the top is also decorated. The rim of the top has a pleasing ogee bracket outline. I note that the top of the vase is not perfectly level, which sometimes happens in handmade ceramics. I believe that the date of this vase corresponds with or slightly predates the Aesthetic Movement in the West, which was after all, inspired by Japanese design: around 1860-1885. The condition is excellent, and I have not found any damage, chips, cracks.   « Less

This dark blue transfer plate from England is 9-1/4" in diameter. There are four plates, and you may purchase any number from 1-4. I also have one bowl in the same pattern,  More »

This dark blue transfer plate from England is 9-1/4" in diameter. There are four plates, and you may purchase any number from 1-4. I also have one bowl in the same pattern, 10-1/8" in diameter. Each plate is marked on the back Phoenix/N.Castle. After much research I found the pattern name "Wild Rose" in the Dictionary of Blue & White Printed Pottery 1780-1880, Vol. I, page 399 by Coysh and Henrywood. The name obviously refers to the border decoration. The pattern was extremely popular from the late 1830's to the 1850's and was made by many potters. This particular version was made by Bell, Cook & Co., Phoenix Pottery, Ouseburn, Northumberland and dates to about the 1840's. "The print shows Nuneham Park house on the left, the seat of Earl Harcourt.... The main feature of the pattern is, however, the rustic bridge with the lock-keeper's thatched cottage. These were part of a riverside walk planned by Capability Brown.... Nuneham Courtenay was one of the most famous of all 18th century gardens." Two of the plates are in excellent antique condition, no chips or cracks. The other two plates are in very good antique condition; one has a small rim chip that only shows on the back, and the other has a small chip on the foot on the back. The listed price is for one plate in excellent condition. Please inquire about a discount in price and shipping, if you purchase more than one plate.   « Less

Brand New Mont Blanc two fold wallet / card holder in cardboard Original Box with white textile pouch. Made in Italy, noted , with Mont blanc white button in print & glass,  More »

Brand New Mont Blanc two fold wallet / card holder in cardboard Original Box with white textile pouch. Made in Italy, noted , with Mont blanc white button in print & glass, and with booklet. box 6" x 5" x 1.5" and Wallet fold 4.5" x 3". It is Modern, and would make a fabulous gift.   « Less

I have for sale out of a private collection of fine Boston Sandwich glass a super rare Paneled Pebbles cologne perfume bottle in Clambroth. This bottle is authentic Boston  More »

I have for sale out of a private collection of fine Boston Sandwich glass a super rare Paneled Pebbles cologne perfume bottle in Clambroth. This bottle is authentic Boston Sandwich glass circa 1830 - 1860. There have been a few examples known in the Paneled Pebbles pattern but very very hard to find in this color. CONDITION: This bottle is in very fine condition with a slight nick on one of the blue flower leaves, very hard to see you have to feel it. Also the ground stopper part that slides into the bottle has a flat chip but could easily be professionally polished off. The bottle is in pristine condition with no damage. What a wonderful find in such fine condition with hardly no damage! The bottom of the bottle has a polished pontil mark. The bottle with stopper measures 7 1/2" tall. I am asking a great price!   « Less

Lovely little salt spoon with stem and finial in the Queen's Pattern. Made by Walker & Hall, Sheffield Early to mid 20th century. Measures 83 mm long. Very good condition,  More »

Lovely little salt spoon with stem and finial in the Queen's Pattern. Made by Walker & Hall, Sheffield Early to mid 20th century. Measures 83 mm long. Very good condition, just a very slight tiny crimp to the end of the bowl.   « Less