Fabric Scholar's Objects

This rare antique 1920s embroidered silk Tibetan Thangka depicts images seldom seen of the greatly radicalized ones radiating divine love. The bottom left depicts Dzambhala, the Budd...

Rare antique Thangka tapestry from around 1950. Depicting Siddhartha Guatama in the Pureland when he became Buddha and his Dharma name became Shakyamu...

An extraordinary, oversize Chinese calligraphy brush with a collection of 14 jumbo marble rings divided by white satin ribbons. This massive brush weighs a whopping 4.5 lb with a gia...

A six-panel painted folding floor screen from Korea circa early 20th century. This type of screen is called Chaekgeori (books and things) which is quite unique to Korea. It became popular at the end of 18th century favored and encouraged by King Jeongjo (1752-1800) as a political tool to promote social conservatism such as the traditional Confucianism value, especially considered important in a time when waves of new ideology influx came to Korea. Initially commissioned for the royal court, they became increasingly popular with the scholars of noble and affluent households and were used widely in their halls and studies. Early screens were painted with trompe-l’oeil bookcases displaying books and arrays of collectibles. Later, the bookcases were eliminated to focus on the assemblage of neatly stacked books and objects of scholarly pursue. On this screen, the six panels were neatly presented and framed in woven brocade borders. Among the stacked volumes, one can find many fine porcelain vases with flowers, potted orchids, pen holders with brush pens and scroll paintings, incense burner, ink stone, teapot, fan with ink painting, vessels of fruits, exotic plants such as lotus, plumeria and even a pair of glasses. It feels like a pleasant visual measure hunting for the viewers. Several words in Chinese found their way into the picture as well, including filial (xiao), longevity (shou) and luck (fu). The painting was done in a meticulous way with no details overlooked and also with a rather western still-life dimensional perspective. In a rather unusual maximal but also minimalistic way, the screen exudes a historical charm with a folky flair but appears modern at the same time. Each panel is 17.5"w by 70.2"h. For general information on the subject see reference: Chaekgeori the Power and Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens...

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...

Very unique, one of a kind Chinese calligraphy brush with the fine goat hair, decorated with a beautiful natural goat tail bone. Goat hair is prized for its fine quality, essential f...

Served as a traveling cabinet as well as a shrine and carried like a backpack for the Buddhist priests and monks during long pilgrimage, this rare chest is known as Oi Japanese. In China the carrier case is known as Ji, traditionally used by the traveling scholars or monks in the ancient time to carry their belongings such as books, clothes, and stationary. The piece on offer here is of Japanese origin and dated to Edo period (circa 17-18th century), possibly older to 16th century of Momoyama or Muromachi period. It was likely reserved for the use of a high-rank priest to carry the Buddhism scripts based on its luxurious high quality. The wood frame takes the shape of a pagoda with carved bamboo design that features upturned corner cornices...

Dated from the 1920s, painted paper on silk brocade. This Thangka depicts Dharmpala, one of the three ancient treasure protectors of Buddhist teaching, this one being named Rahula. It's lineage is from the Nyugna school of Tibetan buddhism. Rahula is related to the eclipse of the sun, moon and other planets. Ruhala is portrayed with the lower body of the coiled serpent and upper body with four arms, nine heads adorned with a thousand eyes representing the nine planets...

Exceptional mid century modern hand made shag. It’s can be displayed as is or flipped over.

Calligraphy Box, XXth century. Calligraphy box with 2 brushes, dry ink, ink plate and small porcelain container with spoon in the original box. H: 4 cm, W: 17 cm, D: 10 cm.

Amazing pair of framed and signed seashell art. Purple and blue painted onto the canvas.