Chinese Handheld Ink Block, c. 1900

Scholarly pursuits such as painting, calligraphy, and poetry were a highly respected and revered subculture in ancient China, and demanded their own set of tools that were not only f...

Scholarly pursuits such as painting, calligraphy, and poetry were a highly respected and revered subculture in ancient China, and demanded their own set of tools that were not only functional, but also beautiful. One of the "Four Treasures of the Study," inkstones such as this were used to mix dry ink with water for use in calligraphy painting. This 19th century inkstone is guarded by a mythical fu dog, or shizi, depicted with open jaws and a long mane of flowing curls. Resembling a Buddhist fly whisk...

This monumental lacquered elmwood sign of honor was carved in northern China during the mid-19th century. The large central characters read as "Wu Zheng Ever Green", and loosely tran...

Dated to the 19th century, this flat wooden panel is curiously etched with geometric patterns, simple leaf motifs, and a triangle-work border. Its original use remains unknown - perh...

A rectangular Qing Dynasty period shop sign panel from the 19th century with calligraphy and distressed dark brown patina. Crafted during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century, this r...

Remarkable Chinese honorary plaque featuring a large four character inscription and intricately carved geometric wan fret border with bats on all four corners and center. Traces of green lacquer pigment color still remain on borders with blue and red on the center and gilt decoration on the bats. The panel has additional smaller inscriptions all around the sides and bottom. Highly unusual and rare antique piece from Guangx period. The sign was constructed using forged...

A black carved Chinese inkstone with an conforming oval cover circa early 20th century (late Qing to Republic period). The inkstone appears to be slate stone and was likely a She type (SheYan), one of the four famous inkstones in China that comes from She County (Anhui Province) and Wuyuan County (Jiangxi Province). It features a slight scalloping edge with elaborate surface carving that depicts the Sanxings (three beloved gods): Fu, God of Fortune (top right), Lu, God of Prosperity (top center holding a Ruyi staff) and Shou, God of Longevity (center on the lid who is holding a magical peach and a staff with a gourd with a deer at the back) . A towering evergreen pine was placed on the left with scrolling clouds and bats (the sound of bat in Chinese is Fu, the fortune). A famous Chinese couplet...

Chinese bone stamp, 18th-19th century Measures: H. 7 W. 10 cm H. 2.7 W. 3.9 in.