Magnificent Pair Bronze Vases 19th Century Japanese Meiji

A magnificent 17th century Ceremonial Sri Lankan Kastane sword with Rhino handle and gold and silver Portuguese inlayed blade. A kasthane is a short traditional ceremonial or decorative single-edged Sri Lankan sword. The sword is featured in the Flag of Sri Lanka. The main aspect of this Kastane Hilts shows the central monster accompanied by supporting minor iconic forms and the peculiar guard arrangement incorporating Buddhist style Vajra quillons. The scabbard of this Kastane sword is made of Rhino horn and is decorated with brass, silver and gold. It is a testament to the skill of the traditional craftsmen operating in Sri Lankas ancient Royal Sword Workshops. The sword measures 75cm in length The Dutch East India Company (VOC or Vereenigde Oost-indische Compagnie in Dutch) regularly gifted swords to the Kandyan court as part of their strategy to protect their trading privileges. Many of these swords had the traditional Sinhalese decoration but with VOC-marked blades. From 1467 to 1818, Kandy was an independent kingdom in Ceylon—present-day Sri Lanka. In the 18th century, the Kingdom of Kandy was recognized for its outstanding metalwork and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, their fine metalworking came to an end when Kandy fell under British rule in the early 19th century. The kasthane served as symbols of rank and office, presented by the king to noblemen and local chieftains. The silver-mounted kasthane was reserved for the Adigar, the highest officials or feudal lords who also acted as ministers and governors. It also served as a diplomatic gift from the court to European visitors. It was a Sri Lankan tradition to wear the kasthane as a symbol of rank to mark ceremonial occasions. However, the sword type, with an animal-decorated hilt and curved blade, was of European origin. It has its roots in the European hunting swords...

Magnificent Solid Silver sauce boat in the shape of a shell Exquisite workmanship and finely detailed piece with beautifully flowing lines Rarely seen silver by this famous creator ...

A Pair of Chinese famille rose 18th century Porcelain double peacock Platters. Qianlong Hand painted in the classic pattern showing a peacock and peahen perched on rockwork in a garden growing with large, lush peony blooms alongside smaller flowers, the octagonal rims enamelled with floral sprays. Country:China Period :Qianlong (1735-1795) Material: PorcelainDimension: 32.5 cm x 23 cm It is known as the "Peacock service", due to the peacocks on the rocks and also as the "Traveler Service"It is a service known as a "traveller", because it was taken from China to Portugal, and from Portugal to Brazil, when John VI, then Prince of Portugal, alarmed by the Peninsular War...

A very rare Baroque wooden carved sculpture by the Brazilian sculptor Antônio Francisco Lisboa, known as “Aleijadinho” (1738-1814) Original polychrome detailing Circa 1790 Height 1...

A magnificent solid silver and crystal hip flask with weaved wicker half cover. The cup, colar and cork tipped stopper are all hallmarked. In very good condition. The wicker is also ...

A Rare Early Portuguese Solid Silver Sterling Tazza in very good condition, hammered silver. Circular top on a tapering flared based foot. There is an armorial to the middle of the...

A large and elegant Meiji period bronze vase with floral decoration and original patina, unsigned. Japan, last quarter of the 19th century.

A very large Meiji period bronze vase, possibly for temple use, with high relief design and elephant head handles, late 19th century, Japan. Of baluster form and unusual size, yet ...

An exceptional and stunning Japanese bronze handled mirror within a fitted black lacquered case. The mirror is polished to one side with the other s...

19th century Meiji Period diminutive bronze vase with lovely etched and applied decoration. A raised gilt bird is shown flying above etched bamboo on one side, gilt applied lilies wi...

A pair of Japanese bronze vases depicting scenes with different birds. These would make a wonderful pair of lamps.

A large and stylish antique Japanese Meiji bronze lidded twin handle urn standing on a rounded plinth base with tongue and grotesque head formed legs with dragon handles and a flat c...