Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Seal

This large ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to protect their elaborate hairstyles by elevating the head during slumber. This example dates to the early 20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with rich, cobalt-blue color. The headrest is decorated on all sides with mythical fu lion dogs playing with ribbon-tied brocade balls, a motif that evokes the idiom "may you and your descendant achieve high rank." A powerful and benevolent guardian, the fu lion (shizi) is the perfect force to protect against nightmares and bad energy. A geometric meander trims the corners and small dragon-like bats frame coin...

An opaque black glaze coats the body of this small early 20th-century kitchen jar. As evidenced by the glazed interior, the jar was once used daily in a Qing-dynasty kitchen for ferm...

A Classic Chinese underglaze ceramic lidded ginger jar with blue and yellow enamel painting depicting daisy chains, Lotus flowers and Dragon scenes. This is hallmarked for Jaiqing Dy...

A wonderfully hand-painted set of 4 Chinese blue & white ceramic spoons circa 1850. They bear double happiness signs and wonderful, sculptural shape. A g...