Ancient Artifax

Welcome to the Asian Art Gallery. Offered here are ancient artifacts and antiques from Japan and China as well as rare antiques from throughout Asia. This gallery will be regularly updated so check back often. Please ask if you would like additional photos or more in-depth descriptions. Enjoy your treasure hunt...

NOTE: International sales are welcome but require payment via PayPal. All items shipped outside of the United States must be fully insured, no exceptions. All shipping costs, insurance and import fees are the responsibility of the buyer.

Warring States Olla — China

475 BC - 221 BC

Massive Warring States terracotta olla-form vessel. Construction is typical grayware with a fabric impressed surface design as is common. The olla also has a mark or "Chi" symbol carved into the upper shoulder. Marked pottery from this period is extremely rare. Found broken upon excavation, as would be expected, but condition is good for a vessel of this size. "Field" assembled from approximately two dozen original sherds. All the pieces are present and it is complete. Has no additional restoration or overpainting. Excellent provenance. Previously owned by Geoff (Dr. G) Smith, then by Robert (Bob) Caldwell of Anthro-Arts. A very large and impressive example with a classic, elegant shape.

15" tall x 15" across

$1500

Balinese Carving of Garuda — Bali

Early 20th Century

Lovely antique Balinese wood carving of the Hindu God "Garuda" dating to the first half of the 20th Century. One of the most important Hindu Gods, Garuda is the King of the birds and acts as a messenger between the Gods and men. Garuda has the head, wings and talons of an eagle with the body and limbs of a man. This example is well carved, the front is covered in gold pigment along with inlaid mirrored glass tiles of silver and green. Condition is very good. Several of the glass tiles are missing and there are a few cracks in the wood. The cracks are stable and do not distract from the overall appearance. The gold surface color has darkened slightly over time. Some minor scrapes and dings consistent with age. A large and visually stunning piece that displays dramatically on a custom metal stand which is included.

Approx. 14" tall x 8" across. Approx. 17" tall on the display stand.

$350

Neolithic Pottery Vessel — China

2300 BC - 2000 BC

Nice Chinese Neolithic Period terracotta vessel dating to the Machang Phase of the Majiayao culture. Squat rounded body with a wide flared rim and two strap handles. Constructed from orange buff earthenware decorated with brown pigment applied in linear and geometric patterns. Condition is excellent. No cracks, chips, breaks or repairs. Light earthen deposits as would be expected.

Approx. 4.5" tall x 4.5" across

$225

Neolithic Vase — China

1200 BC - 500 BC

A fine Chinese Neolithic polychrome painted, two handled vase dating to the Tangwang Phase of the Xindian Culture. This pottery type was made during a relatively late Neolithic period and overlaps with the Chinese Bronze Age. Tangwang pottery is quite rare and generally not as coarse in its construction as some other Xindian vessels. This example is thinly potted and has an elegant form. The elongated body is topped by a flared spout and has two wide strap handles. The orange terracotta is decorated with deep reddish-brown underpaint overlaid with black linear designs. Condition is near choice, two small, stable stress cracks at the rim, minor paint loss and earthen deposits consistent with age. A lovely example.

Approx. 4.5" tall x 3.5" across

$250

Ban Chiang Vessel — Thailand

500 BC - 250 BC

Very large, late period Ban Chiang footed vase from northern Thailand's Udon Thani Province. Ancient Ban Chiang cultural centers were not discovered until the mid 20th Century and are now thought be among the earliest of Bronze Age civilizations. Nice form with a large rounded body atop a footed pedestal base and a wide flared rim. Bright orange surface with red linear swirled decoration as is typical. Condition is fair. Assembled from approx. 35-40 pieces, but all original. No over-paint and the breaks are unrestored.

Restoration of the breaks is optional and available for additional costs.

Approx. 11.5" tall x 10" across

$375

Tang Dynasty Figure — China

618 AD - 907 AD

Lovely Tang Dynasty tomb attendant. Dressed in typical attire with long flowing robes and head covering. Hands are held to the chest, one hand has a hole as is common. It is thought the hole in the hand would have originally held a small candle or a stick (symbolic of a torch) that would allow the attendant to light the way and help the deceased through the darkness to the afterlife. Condition is near excellent. Two small chips on the base, otherwise intact. No cracks, breaks, or repairs. Ample earthen and mineral encrustations consistent with age. Overall an exceptional example of the type. Displays beautifully on a circular custom metal display stand which is included.

Approx. 8.5" tall

$350

Jin Dynasty Figure — China

317 AD - 420 AD

A rare Eastern Jin Dynasty tomb figure. He wears thick clothing and a head covering as is typical of the type. Arms are across the chest with hands tucked into the sleeves. A pleasant smile on his face. Condition is near choice. Completely covered in white pigment. Remarkably, much of the original (cold-painted) pigment remains. Considerable earthen deposits as would be expected. Some small dings and scrapes, but completely intact, never broken. No repairs of any kind. A simple custom metal display stand is included. A fine example.

Approx. 9" tall

$425

Tang Dynasty Warrior Figure — China

618 AD - 907 AD

Standing terracotta warrior figure dating to the early Tang Dynasty. Nicely detailed with some red pigment remaining. Condition is generally very good. Stabilized stress cracks along the mold line that joins the front and back halves. Another horizontal crack across the back with small chips missing. Otherwise the figure is completely original, intact and has no restoration. Displays well. A near choice very early example.

Approx. 8.5" tall

$275

Ming Dynasty Tomb Offerings — China

1368 AD - 1644 AD

Three Ming Dynasty food offerings. These miniature bowls of food were placed in the tomb to accompany the deceased and provide nourishment in the afterlife. One bowl contains a bird; most likely a duck (one half inch tall). Next is a bowl of five round objects, probably melons (3" tall). Last is a a bowl of stacked rectangles, possibly bread (1.75" tall). All are in very good condition. The duck has had a small chip restored. The bowl holding the melons has minor chipping around the rim. All have deposits, tiny dings and very minor glaze loss consistent with age. Overall a nice assortment.

$250 for all three. Not sold separately.

Ming Dynasty Tomb Figures — China

1368 AD - 1644 AD

Two nicely detailed Ming Dynasty tomb attendants. Both holding offerings and covered in green and gold glazes. Each has earthen and mineral deposits as would be expected.

Figure #1, to the left - Approx. 7.25" tall. In very good condition. Small chip on the back of the base, minor glaze losses and surface crazing.

Figure #2, to the right - Approx. 7.5" tall. In near excellent condition. Small chip on the base, very minor glaze losses and light surface crazing.

$300 each or $500 for both.

Tang Dynasty Plate — China

618 AD - 907 AD

Tang Dynasty pottery sancai-glazed plate. Rare pink terracotta ground with alternating green and brown sancai glazes around the inner and outer rim. Sits on a low ring-type base. Condition is fair. Assembled from original pieces with areas of replacement and restoration, mainly along the rim. Displays well despite considerable repairs.

Approx. 10" across x 1.5" tall

$225

Han Dynasty Bronze Belt Hook — China

206 BC - 220 AD

A nice Han Dynasty bronze belt hook with serpent (dragon) head. Heavily oxidized bronze surface. Intact and choice. A fine example.

Approx. 4" long

$250

Song Dynasty Bronze Mirror — China

960 AD - 1127 AD

Small Song Dynasty bronze mirror decorated with stylized text. In good condition with some wear consistent with age and use. Nice example.

Approx. 1.75" across

$225

Machang Neolithic Vessel — China

2300 BC - 2000 BC

Chinese Neolithic period Machang pottery vessel. Small vase-form terracotta vessel with linear and circular designs in black against a tan-orange (buff) background. Flat bottom, rounded body and gently flaring spout. Overall condition is very good. A few scrapes and dings along with two very small rim chips and areas of paint loss. Some dirt and light deposits remain, as would be expected.

Approx. 3" across x 4.25" tall

$125

Han Kneeling Figure — China

206 BC - 220 AD

Small Han Dynasty funerary attendant. The male figure is dressed in robes, kneeling with arms outstretched. In each hand he once held offerings, now missing. Overall in good condition. The face is somewhat eroded, but retains small areas of white stucco. The head and both arms are reattached with restored breaks. The back corner of the base is also restored. Some earthen and mineral deposits remain, especially on the lap and upper legs of the figure. Generally a nice and expressive example.

Approx. 6" tall

SOLD

Sawangalok Vessels — Thailand, Cambodia

1300 AD - 1400 AD

Two small 14th Century Sawangalok pottery vessels from what was formally Siam. Each of slightly bulbous form with low ring base, widened body, and tapered shoulder with slightly flared rim. Each has two tiny handles and are glazed from the rim to the the upper base. The lower portion is unglazed. One with dark brown glaze, the other with celadon. Condition is very good. Both have minor (invisible) repairs, but appear choice. Ex. private German colection.

Each approx. 4.5" tall

$95 each or $175 for both

Han Granary Model — China

206 BC - 220 AD

Large Han Dynasty greyware granary model. Typical of the type, but larger than most and in near excellent condition. Heavily encrusted on some areas but completely intact with no breaks, cracks or repairs. A few small scrapes and dings as would be expected, but overall a fine example

10.5" tall x 5.5" across

$250

Machang Neolithic Bowl — China

2300 BC - 2000 BC

Chinese Neolithic period polychrome painted Machang bowl. Rather small, but has a nicely painted interior with a simple exterior rim decoration. Red and black stripes on a soft orange ground. Flat bottom and gently tapered sides. Condition is generally good. A few repaired rim breaks and light paint touch ups, but all original. Some minor paint losses, dirt and light deposits remain.

Approx. 5.25" across x 3.25" tall

$150

Ban Chiang Footed Bowl — Thailand

500 BC - 250 BC

Large, late period Ban Chiang footed olla from northern Thailand's Udon Thani Province. The Ban Chiang culture was not discovered until the mid 20th Century and is now thought be among the earliest of Bronze Age civilizations. The large rounded bowl sits atop a gently flared pedestal base. Originally the bright orange surface would have been painted with complex designs. Some of the red linear decoration is still visible, but is somewhat eroded and obscured by heavy deposits. Condition is generally good. Considerable encrustations and dirt remain. It has several excavation dings, minor chips and a small hairline crack at the rim. Never cleaned, no repairs or restoration. Intact and completely original, in as-found condition. The upper bowl is slightly tilted; the bowl slumped before or during firing. A common occurence in very early pottery, especially with large, heavy vessels such as this one. Overall a nice example and substantial in size.

Approx. 8" x 8"

$195

Meiji Bronze Dragon Vase — Japan

Meiji Period, 1868-1912

Lovely late 19th Century Japanese bronze vase. Beautifully cast with fine detail and superior craftsmanship. Footed base with stylized waves around the bottom executed in very high relief. The neck of the vase is tall and slightly corseted, flaring at the top to a stylized lotus flower design, the petals gracefully curling downward. A large, realistically sculpted, three dimensional dragon clings to the vase. The dragon holds a rock crystal sphere which represents the pearl of wisdom. The surface is the original very dark patina almost black with a hint of green. Generally in excellent condition. The dragon is slightly loose, but otherwise is a choice example. Signed on the bottom. A rare and exceptionally beautiful example of Meiji artistry.

Approx. 17" tall x 8" across

$3500

Meiji Bronze Vase — Japan

Meiji Period, 1868-1912

Spectactular Japanese bronze vase dating to the late 19th Century. Very large and heavily cast, it is executed in exquisite detail. By far the best example of the type I've ever seen. The lower portion of the vase is round bodied with a footed base. There are two dragons around the bottom, cast in high relief along with stylized waves. The neck of the vase flares gracefully to a wide rim. A large three-dimensional dragon wraps around the neck, it holds a large rock crystal sphere, representing the pearl of wisdom. Another smaller crystal sphere is in the claw of one of the lower dragons. The dragons are realistically crafted in delicate detail. Overall in near excellent condition. There are a few minor imperfections around the flared rim and the upper dragon is slightly loose, but the vase is generally intact and pristine. It has never been cleaned and retains its original finish, a very dark almost black patina. There is a crisp engraved signature on the bottom. A superb example of Meiji craftsmanship.

Note: This vase has been examined by Mr. Anthony M. Lee of the "Asian Art Research Institute". He translated the mark as the signature of the casting artist, it reads "Kan U Sei, made by Kan U". He also mentioned that the "nake" (signature) is unusual in that it was engraved by the artist as opposed to a studio name that would have been cast into the piece. Very rare and beautiful Meiji Period vase.

Approx. 16" tall x 11.5" across

$4500

Large Ban Chiang Bowl — Thailand

2000 BC - 1000 BC

An unusually large Ban Chiang bowl from Thailand. The Ban Chiang culture, located in the Udon Thani Provence, was only recently discovered in the mid 20th century and is now thought to be among the earliest Bronze Age culture on earth. Their culture began around 3600 BC and mysteriously ended around 250 BC. This large terracotta bowl dates to the Middle Period, 2000 BC - 1000 BC. Rounded bowl with a thick flat rim and concave bottom. Bright orange surface with some staining and moderate to heavy deposits, mostly on the interior. A lovely example in near excellent condition. Two repaired stress cracks and a couple of restored rim chips. A few minor dings and scrapes, otherwise choice.

Approx. 9.5" across x 4" tall

$175

Tang Granary Model — China

618 AD - 907 AD

Nice Tang Dynasty terracotta lidded vessel in the form of a granary. More commonly seen are Han grayware granaries, this is a rare Tang era orangeware granary model. Round bodied vessel with matching lid decorated with bands of applied (pinched) clay. The lid still retains some green glaze. On the lower portion, the granary door is indicated on one side with additional appliques above the door. The lid is somewhat mis-shapened, but it is nicely "form-fitted" to the top of the vessel. Therefore, I stongly believe the lid is original to the piece making it a seldom seen matched set. Overall in near excellent condition, no breaks, cracks or repairs. A few tiny chips here and there, but otherwise choice. A fine example.

Approx. 8" tall x 6" across

$275

Bone Carving of Rangda — Bali

Age unknown - Probably 20th Century

Incredible bone carving depicting the Balinese God "Rangda" the witch, a common and popular character in Balinese mythology. She is part of the Barong dance and dances opposite the Lion/Dragon "Barong" in a mock dance/battle. Intricately detailed all around. Beautifully executed. In excellent condition, but does have a 1-inch stable stress crack near the top. I have owned this piece for several years and bought it for its superior quality and asthetic beauty. A lovely item that shows exquisite workmanship.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Todd Zieseniss of the "The Shaman Gallery" for providing additional information on this piece. Thanks Todd!

5.5" tall

SOLD

Yayoi Vessel — Japan

200 BC - 100 AD

Extremely rare and highly coveted terracotta pottery vessel from the Yayoi Period of ancient Japan. Almost impossible to find outside select museums, seldom seen in the antiquities market. This important piece is in excellent condition. Only tiny chips missing at the base and rim. Beautiful and scarce.

5.5" tall x 7.5" across

$2250

Han Dynasty Figure — China

206 BC - 220 AD

Nice Han grayware funerary attendant. Wearing long robe with arms folded. Some white slip remaining and has moderant encrustations. Head broken at the neck and reattached with restoration over the cracks.

11.5" tall x 5" across the base

$225

Warring States Bowl — China

475 BC - 221 BC

Fine Warring States pottery bowl. Orange terracotta covered in a warm blue-gray slip. Impressed with a stylized crosshatch design. Excellent condition with only minor chips and dings as would be expected.

6" tall x 7.5" across

$375

Han Dynasty Well Model — China

480 BC - 221 BC

Han grayware model of a Well. Encrusted with dirt. Reassembled from several large pieces.

12" tall x 6" across

$225

Japanese Hina Emperor & Empress — Japan

Meiji Period, 1868-1912

Beautiful pair of royal Hinas. Small and delicate pair, ornately dressed in fine silk and seated on gilded lacquerware thrones. Nicely carved heads & hands. In good condition with minor losses and slight fading. Hair is partially detached on the female, but still a nice older pair that display well.

Each approx. 7" tall x 8" across

$475

Japanese Hina Empress — Japan

Meiji Period, 1868-1912

Nice Hina Empress. Dressed in silk, holding a wooden fan and seated on lacquerware throne. Beautifully carved head & hands. In fine condition with minor fading. Pretty!

Approx. 7" tall x 8" across

$175

Gilded Carvings — Indonesia

Late 19th - Early 20th Century

Two rare and unusual carved wood corner ornaments. Female torsos attached to feline bodies. Nicely carved and gilded with inlays. Both have minor breaks and losses.

Approx. 7" tall x 6" across

$425