Storage Pot

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...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynasty society, the practice provided an opportunity to display one's refined aesthetic through collectible snuff bottles. This decorative snuff bottle has a simple ceramic form and a colorful finish of overglaze enamels atop white glaze. The bottle has an oval shape, with flattened sides and rounded edges. The shoulders are accented with a door knocker motif and the sides are painted with birds amid plum blossom...

As evidenced by the interior glaze, this wide-mouth jar was once used in a Provincial Qing-dynasty kitchen for storing food and condiments. The vessel has a gently tapered form, with...

As evidenced by the interior glaze, this vessel was once used in a provincial Qing-dynasty kitchen for storing food and condiments. The vessel has a gently tapered form, with wide sh...

A thick, light brown glaze coats the stout body of this early 20th century terra cotta kitchen jar. As evidenced by the glazed interior, this wide-mouth jar was once used daily in a ...

During the 18th century, Europeans provided an eager market for Chinese export porcelain, especially the colorful and fanciful ware known as “famille rose.” Named for a palette of op...

19th C decorative antique Spanish glazed pot. 1890. Dimensions 12 inches (30 cms) high 11.5 inches (29 cms) diameter.      

19th C decorative antique Spanish pot with red glaze. This is missing a handle as photographed. Reference: 7479 Dimensions 11 inches (28 cms) H...

Decorative antique Spanish glazed pot. Reference: 7477 Dimensions 11 inches (28 cms) High 11.5 inches (29 cms) Diameter.

19th C decorative antique Spanish glazed pot with unusual decorative handles. 1890. Reference: 7484 Dimensions 18 inches (46 cms) High 12 inches (30 c...

Mid-century squat pottery with abstract glaze.

An original Scheurich Keramik Rumtopf pot. Decorated with various summer fruit designs which run all the way around the pot and on the lid. Rumtopf is written on both sides and the p...