Danish Scholar's Objects

Vintage Large "Kokeshi" by Kyutaro Ogura. This large size is very rare. With signature. Kyutaro Ogura (Ogura Kyutaro: 1906-1998) Master: Hisashiro Ogur...

This mid 20c, 5/6/7 period carved rose quartz snuff bottle is a delicate and exquisite artifact, reflecting the refined aesthetic and skilled ...

A remarkable 19th century Japanese Meiji cast bronze gourd incense burner with a pierced top with stem handle and supported on three legs, each being a branch with leaves and one with lotus pod.

Dubbed as production of the "Chinese Modern Official Kiln", a small group of porcelains of the highest standard were produced in Jingdezhen from 1962-1967, The production was aimed as a revival of the Chinese porcelain after the foundation of the Republic in 1949 in order to serve the purpose of decorating the meeting halls for the newly renewed diplomatic relations around the globe. The best available materials and artists, including the painters and potters, were employed to achieve a high quality that rivaled the pieces produced during the pinnacle years in the porcelain production in the previous Qing dynasty. Due to the breakout of the Cultural Revolution, most of the pieces failed to be used as intended. Most if not all signatures, such as found on this vase, were added later as a hallmark to distinguish them. "Zhong Nai Hai Huai Ren Tang Treasures Porcelain Research Bureau year of 1962". Zhong Nai Hai is the residential and working compound for Chinese political elites in Beijing and Huai Ren Hall being an important meeting hall. The pieces from "Modern Official Kiln" ubiquitously showcase perfectly balanced forms with precision in symmetry. The use of very high quality Gaolin clay resulted in a semi translucent body, often quite thinly potted. The superbly underglaze paint were sandwiched between a pre-applied glaze and then an overglaze, and the elaborate designs were drawn by master painters. Often, there is a hidden red Chinese National Emblem on the interior wall. These features were all well reflected in this piece. The decoration of the blue paint on the vase is of a classic regal composition and the cobalt blue is of a vivid radiating color. Blooming peonies, an old laurel tree with blossom and scholar rocks provide the background and anchor for a pair of peasants. One raises its head to crow while the other one looks down. These motifs are commonly found in classic Chinese scroll paintings, a genre called "Flower and Bird Painting". On the back of the vase, there are Chairman Mao's head portrait watermarked in the glaze as well as a cursive poem with a collection number as shown. For a pair of blue and white vase of the same production, see sale by Singapore International Auction PTE ltd on July 21st, 2019 lot 2014. For a pair of blue and white urns...

An extremely finely carved antique Chinese Qing dynasty, Celadon green triple vase/brush washer with an Imperial Dragon from behind attacking a bird in fro...

A 19th century Chinese Inkstone. The upper part decorated with floral lotus motives serving as water basin. The Inkstone was one of the four principal ele...

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 finely carved zitan wood display stand in the form of a round table, China, Republic Period, mid 20th century. The circular display stand carved from rare and precious zitan wood. Fashioned as a classical Chinese round table...

This mid 20th-century Chinese glass overlay snuff bottle is a fine example of the intricate overlay technique. The bottle, of tapered rectangular form, features a captivating design ...

An elegant vase made in Kyoto, Japan, circa 1920s. With a graceful elongated Mei-Ping form, it was likely used as a flower holder during the tea ceremony. The stoneware body has an incised and raised design of Irises in an over glazed indigo blue, an subject matter and composition found in the contemporary paintings and screens, cherished by the literati of the Kyoto society. The vase has a white glazed background sprinkled with dust for a rustic effect. The blue glaze displays some burst of bubbles upon close inspection, suggesting its age. Under the base, there is a small impressed mark of Ninsei (born Nonomura Seisuke) a famous potter from the 17th century, who was considered the founder the Kyoto ware...

Excellent pair of mid century modern Russell Woodard spun fiber glass plant stands. Displays a tantalizing hourglass shape with a minty green finish.

A Chinese Glass Snuff Bottle, 20th Century Dimension: Height: 9 cm Diameter: 9 cm. Provenance: Private Western Australian Collection.