19th Century Ceramics

A Japanese ceramic box with lid. The glazing has motives of flying swans. A signature at the bottom of the box.

A Showa period blue cloisonne vase by Tamura, of squat ovoid form with a band of gold, silver and white prunus blossom in gin-bari around the shoul...

Pair of 19th century Chinese ceramic harnesses. Many chips (see photos). Height 55 cm for a diameter of 38 cm. Additional information: Material: earthenware & ceramics.  

A blue and white glazed porcelain plate, decorated in the Kangxi manner. Qing dynasty.

Nice pair of Satsuma lamps with black patinated bronze mount. Gilding is somewhat mitigated locally but they are in very good condition, with no cracks or breakages. Electrical wiri...

Three Antique Japanese Works of Art An oribe "morikage" (for the display of seasonal fruits), classic green drip glaze with spontaneous ink pain...

A pair of "butterfly" Satsuma earthenware vases, Meiji period finely decorated in enamels and gilt with scenes of Samurai and retainers and high ranking female members of the househ...

the base that is shown in the pictures is not included with this vase; 6in(D) x 6in(W) x 11in(H) are the dimensions of the vase without the base

No breaks, cracks or fractures. Beautifully detailed.

Pair antique 19th century Japanese Imari porcelain octagonal bowls, Circa 1890.

Ionized red areas on leaf shaped cobalt blue Bonsai tray.

Beautiful Antique multicolored brown glazed Chinese terracotta jar, good great, warm finish and patina of the jar, very decorative object, Chi...

A pair of late 19th century French gilt bronze-mounted Chinese Canton porcelain lamps Painted interior scenes with many people, each separated by floral designs, the neck with gilded monkeys and lizards, and sitting on a bronze base. Measures: Height Vase...

A Japanese Satsuma cylindrical koro and cover, signed Gyokuzan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Raised on three supports, painted and gilt with a continuous scene of ladies and children p...

This ceramic vessel was handcrafted in the Jiangxi region of China in the spirit of ancient temple jars. The style and glaze is reminiscent of Han dynasty burial vessels designed to ...

A continental porcelain Imari style urn. repurposed as an Arita-yaki lamp. The center is a wide oval shape. The sides, top, and bottom are ornate with Ormolu detail in lush organic f...

Pair Antique Chinese ceramic porcelain lanterns made into lamps, Circa 1890-1900.

Pair of Japanese Imari chargers showing cranes and Mount Fuji.

Antique Imari porcelain jardiniere with bronze mounts, Circa 1895. A very beautiful and substantial Imari jardiniere.

Japanese Satsuma style censer and cover Late 19th century The bulbous body supported by four feet and set with two shishi han...

Pair antique Imari Porcelain fluted design vases, Circa 1880.

Handsome 19th century Chinese jar converted into lamp.

A curved ceramic urn, crafted in Morroco.

This large, glazed stoneware vessel is a Meiji-era Japanese storage jar (tsubo) used for storing rice wine, water or even tea leaves and spices. Sometimes referred to as a Martaban jar due to historic trade routes, this style of unrefined, ovoid jar was common throughout East Asia as everyday containers for liquids and foodstuffs. The large vessel is sculpted to a tapered form with broad shoulders, a narrow base, and a constrained neck flanked by two small loop handles. The interior and shoulders are drenched in a thin, iron-rich glaze that imparts a glassy, dark brown finish and drips down the unglazed sides with irregular movement. Beautifully imperfect, the jar's textured finish and subtle asymmetry honors the spirit of wabi-sabi and recalls primitive medieval Japanese...

A fine antique Chinese export porcelain tea caddy. Made for the European market. Likely Qianlong period. With puce painted cartouches d...

A Highly Rare Pair of Monumental Qing Dynasty Rouleau Porcelain "Dragon" Vases A Masterful Display of 19th Century Chinese Artistry: The mid-19th century Qing Dynasty marked a period of artistic innovation and imperial grandeur, as exemplified by this rare and monumental pair of Rouleau vases. These exceptional porcelain works, notable for their commanding size and vibrant palette, are a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship that flourished during this era. Embellished with a dynamic tableau of dragons rendered in bold hues of red, green, blue, brown, and yellow, these vases embody both artistic brilliance and the deep cultural symbolism woven into Chinese decorative arts. Artistic Excellence and Symbolism: At the heart of these magnificent vases lies a visual narrative that channels the power and mystique of the dragon, a central motif in Chinese culture symbolizing imperial authority, strength, and cosmic energy. The intricate depiction of dragons in motion, intertwined amidst stylized ocean waves, conveys a sense of fluidity and dynamic movement. Each color used—the crimson reds, verdant greens, striking blues, earthy browns, and golden yellows—has been meticulously applied, reflecting a mastery of the high-fired, polychrome enameling techniques perfected during the Qing Dynasty. The Rouleau form, with its cylindrical body, short neck, and slightly flared mouth, was a favored shape for large-scale vases in the 18th and 19th centuries. The form’s structured elegance allowed for expansive decorative panels, serving as an ideal canvas for intricate, multi-layered designs. This pair demonstrates how artisans skillfully balanced the flowing movement of the dragons with the rhythmic motifs of waves, resulting in a harmonious composition that engages the viewer from every angle. Craftsmanship and Technique: These vases represent the pinnacle of porcelain artistry achieved under the Qing Dynasty, showcasing techniques that reflect centuries of refined craftsmanship. The precision in the application of overglaze enamels and the expert manipulation of kiln temperatures to achieve vibrant and consistent coloration are indicative of the expertise within the imperial kilns. The dragons' scales, rendered with remarkable detail, create a textured effect that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, undulating waves, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the design. The depth of color and the crisp delineation of each element point to a rigorous and time-intensive process. These qualities signify the involvement of highly skilled artisans who adhered to the imperial standards set by the royal court, ensuring that each piece was a fitting representation of the empire’s wealth and cultural prowess. Historical and Cultural Significance: Vases of this caliber were not merely decorative; they were imbued with profound symbolic meaning and often commissioned for imperial use or gifted as prestigious diplomatic offerings. The dragon motif, deeply embedded in Chinese folklore and philosophy, was associated with the emperor himself—known as the "Son of Heaven"—and symbolized his divine right to rule. These vases also reflect the Qing Dynasty's flourishing export trade and the global fascination with Chinese porcelain during the 19th century. European collectors and royal patrons prized such pieces for their artistry and the exoticism they represented, contributing to a legacy that elevated Chinese porcelain to a revered status in the annals of decorative art history. Provenance and Collectability: The extraordinary scale, exceptional craftsmanship, and rarity of this pair establish them as museum-quality works. Such vases would have held a place of honor in a palace or wealthy estate, reflecting not only the owner’s status but also an appreciation for the profound cultural and artistic traditions of China. Their provenance—potentially tied to an imperial commission or significant historical collection—underscores their importance as objects of study and admiration. Provenance: Private American Collection, acquired in London, circa 1905. Thence by descent to the current owners Solomon Treasure...