19th Century Scholar's Objects

On offer is a Japanese ceramic tea bowl (chawan) used in the traditional chado ceremony. The bowl was potted in clog form with a ring foot shaved extremely low. Its size and harmonious proportion make it perfect to be held in both hands during chado. Classified as shino ware...

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...

A fine antique Chinese coral glazed porcelain brush washer or inkwell decorated with a bamboo sprig and dating from the early Guangxu reign 1875-...

From our recent Japanese acquisitions with original signed box. A finely cast Japanese traditional iron teapot -chagama- with a wonderful relief band and design of summer time bam...

A Satsuma ware miniature ewer from the studio of Yabu Meizan (birth name Yabu Masashichi; 1853-1934), who was one of the most celebrated and collectible Satsuma artists from the Meij...

Exquisite Japanese signed and hand painted porcelain mizusashi/Water Jar features an attractive automn scene in warm orange and yellow on a white background and two intricate pattern in yellow and deep blue decorating the rim and base. Gold accents add another layer of elegance to this stunning piece. With its matching lid, this piece is classified as a tomobuta (matching lid) type. The exterior palette is playfully repeated on the reverse side of the lid. Mizusashi is a lidded fresh water jar used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony...

An antique Korean ritual incense burner circa 19th century, late Joseon dynasty. It was made in Bunwon Kiln in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Do, near Seoul. The ceramic container has a thickly b...

A ceramic bowl with celadon glaze from Korea, circa 14th century (late Goryeo Dynasty). The particular shape of the bowl suggests that it is likely a "Bo" (Chinese) or "Hattara" (Japanese "Oryoki"). This is a Buddhism term derived from Sanskrit word "patra", which means "vessel that contains just enough". The container was used traditionally by Buddhist monks to ask for alms (donated foods by laymen). The deep volume and the wide opening are conducive to its utility function. The bowl is covered in a jade-color celadon which has very fine and uniform crackles throughout. Upon close inspection of the exterior wall, one can detect a very light brush of white slip circumventing the body. The white slip brushing technique only became popular from 15th century on as a landmark of the Buncheong ceramics...

A set of three ki-seto (yellow-seto) ceramic altar pieces made in the period of Korean Empire (1897-1910), a short independent period after Joseon dynasty before the invasion and occupation by Japan. The set consists of a candle holder with a metal pricket, an incense burner with lid and a vase. Traditionally, there were used during ritual ceremony as the accoutrement for a small altar table...

A very fine and attractive pair of graduated Chinese turquoise glazed dogs of foo figures dating from the first half of the 20th century. The hollow biscui...

A modern Japanese ceramic tea bowl (chawan) made by potter Toyoda Katsuhiko (1945-). The bowl was potted in clog form with a short ring foot in the tradition of Shino ware...

From our most recent Japanese acquisitions Rare Hand-Painted Double Tea Master Scroll (2) entitled: Tea Ceremony Rules of Matsudaira Fumai (1751-1818) Includes a later wooden col...