Chinese Floral Apothecary Mortar, circa 1900

This vintage cast iron mortar from China's Shanxi province is patterned in low relief with a simple floral design. Originally used in a traditional ap...

This vintage cast iron mortar and pestle from is from China's Shanxi province and is patterned in low relief with floral motifs. It...

Cast in iron with a raised floral design, this vintage mortar was originally used in a traditional apothecary to create herbal medicines. The swelling shape allowed free movement of a pestle to effectively grind, mash, and macerate herbs and seeds in preparation of healing remedies. Beautifully aged with a rich patina, this iron mortar...

This vintage iron mortar from China's Shanxi province was cast in low relief with a delicate chrysanthemum in bloom. Originally used in a traditional apothecary to create herbal medi...

A small and interesting cast bronze archaistic scholar vase with loose ring handles and taotie mask design, late Ming or early Qing Dynasty, mid 17th century, China. The small vase of archaistic hu form, and cast with archaistic designs. Sitting on a tall splayed ring foot, the round body is cast with a large band featuring a ferocious taotie (ogre) mask. The taotie mask in this case id decidedly feline, with a ruyi shaped snout above a whiskered mouth. Two flanges stick out to either side of the mask, reminiscent of ears. A wide, tall neck rises from the body, terminating in a slightly everted mouth. The archaistic cast design on the neck is not as clear, but most likely represents Fusang, a mythical island in the Eastern Sea where the legendary Fusang tree grows. The Fusang tree, home to the mythical Sun Bird...

A fine small archaistic scholar's vase in the form of a zun, Ming to Qing Dynasty, 17th century, circa 1650, China. The small vessel of elegant proportions and wonderfully cast. T...

Large Tibet bronze and copper vase with handles: exceptional and perfect. Sizes: diameter at the top cm. 52, with handles cm. 61. Base 35 cm. High cm. 43....

8-270Japanese brass decorative vase/incense burner Unknown makers mark on bottom.