Ernest Johnson Antiques Scholar's Objects

This beautiful sculpture realized in China in the 18th century depicts Guanyin, a Bodhisattva associated with compassion. The female form holds a pot in her hands. She appears draped...

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 stones for appreciation are collectively called "suiseki". Suiseki means "water" and "stone". The name comes from the fact that I enjoyed pouring water on the stones and changing the color of the stones. And this item is also Suiseki, but it is for viewing without splashing water. It is made with the image of a mountain view. The flow of the river...

An exquisitely hand carved bone Chinese dignitary standing figure portraying a lavishly dressed bearded male. Difficult to date, in our opinion last quarter of the 19th century. ...

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. It is a ve...

An extraordinary specimen created by nature millions of years ago, this large and stunning Chinese black chrysanthemum stone features white crystalline mineral (calcite and chalcedon...

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...

Antique 19th century Chinese carved gold gilt and painted wood wall panel or plaque with scholar and warrior figures scene. Signed on back as p...

A Chinese scholar rock carved from a natural lapis stone and displayed on a brocade wrapped stand circa late 19th century Qing Dynasty. The brightly blue lapis was considered as am exotic gemstone in China and mostly imported from Persia through the silk road. While not a conventional rock types of materials for scholar stones, it is occasionally carved and polished into smaller Gongshi to be displayed and meditated upon in the scholar's study. Similar approaches were also done with jade, malachite and turquoise, even petrified wood, Chenxiang Agarwood, roots in spirited form, porcelain and even bronze in rock forms. The lapis was carved into a mountain form with stacked rocks...

A sublime and rare pair of Chinese white glazed porcelain figures of Guanyin, attributed to Tang Ying (1682 - 1756), Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, China. This ethereal pair of white glazed porcelain figures depict the revered Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. Guanyin is portrayed standing, wearing heavy robes that drape beautifully around her figure. Bare feet peek out from under the hem of the robes. Her hair piled in a high chignon and covered by a cowl. The treatment of the hair, finely textured, unglazed, and with remnants of darker pigment, is typical of works by Tang Yin (1682 - 1756), who was the head of the imperial porcelain works at Jingdezhen. Guanyin's beatific face is set in a serene smile, with a small, flat nose, and downcast, heavily lidded, almond shaped eyes. A simple beaded necklace graces her chest. Her hands held out, and may have once held attributes. The hands were originally removable, but have since been permanently attached. The figures crafted of a fine porcelain and glazed all over in a supple white glaze. One figure bears a label from the Rafi Mottahedeh collection to the back. Provenance: Chinese Porcelain Company...

A sublime Japanese parcel gilt copper hand warmer, hibachi, with chrysanthemum design, Edo Period, 18th century, Japan. The hand warmer, called a...

Rare find: Ancient Japanese design gilt censer of a good luck elephant- signed Japan This model elephant sculptural LED candle holder and censer was crafted in a handsome gilt finish iron of an effigy of an ancient elephant...

Such stones for appreciation are collectively called "suiseki". Suiseki means "water" and "stone". The name comes from the fact that I enjoyed pouring water on the stones and changin...