Victoria - Asian Art and Furniture

A Japanese Wooden Carved Bear, 20th Century Home decor, interior design and collectibles. Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 37cm Width: 32cm Depth: 27cm

A Chinese Tea-dust Glazed Baluster Vase with Yongzheng Mark, 20th Century Home decor, Interior design and collectibles. Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in Local M...

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

This rare rice grinder table comes in two pieces; top and the body. It was carved from solid organic wood with its natural wound and texture which is unac...

A large Hollywood Regency lamp with stylised decoration, standing 32 inches tall to the top of the shade. In keeping with the 1940s-1950s decorative style which saw large lamps move into the domestic market, this lamp is influenced by the scale and themes of Hollywood blockbuster set design. These make fabulous lamps for cocktail lounges or theatres of public entertainment such as bars, restaurants or cafes. They are pure expressions of maximalism and mid-20th century Hollywood glamour...

A Famille Verte Baluster Jar, 19th Century Decorated with shaped panels of landscapes and mythical beasts reserved on a floral decorated black ground. Height: 45 cm Diameter: 37 cm...

An impressive depiction of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of compassion, whose name bears the meaning ‘One who hears the cries of the world.’ The rather androgynous figure is adorned with beaded jewellery and the princely regalia of a dhoti, draped across her body and spilling out over to partially obscure what she is resting upon. The goddess’ profile exhibits idealised features of Asian artistic convention; her face is soft and rounded, with full lips and relaxed eyes that provide a serene quality of youthfulness to the figure. Adhering to Chinese iconography of Guanyin, the figure is marked by an urna on her forehead, denoting her own enlightenment, as well as a diadem displaying Buddha Amitabha, the spiritual teacher of Guanyin. Seated in the Lalit asana pose, translated as ‘royal ease’, the figure exudes a fine example of the relaxed majesty typical in the characterisation of Guanyin. Whilst the figure’s left hand is placed restfully upon the left leg pendant, the right is raised in the gesture shuni mudra, the second finger held gently against the thumb. Otherwise known as the seal of patience, this gesture indicates the figure as one intended to bestow this virtue, along with compassion and understanding, upon the beholder. Notes on the item: Guanyin is the Chinese interpretation of Avalokiteshvara, the Indian Bodhisattva of compassion. The term “Bodhisattva” is derived from the Sanskrit “Bodhi”, meaning ‘awakening’ or ‘enlightenment’, combined with “Sattva”, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘being’, referring to one on the path to achieving enlightenment. Bodhisattvas in Mayahana Buddhism are recognised as figures who have effectively achieved enlightenment yet relinquish their accension to nirvana in order to remain amongst mankind in the ultimate act of compassion to aid as spiritual guides. As such, the Bodhisattva inhabit a liminal space between samsara and nirvana; enlightened beings that maintain a relationship with humanity that buddhas cannot, as attaining Buddhahood necessitates the abandonment of all worldly attachments, including mankind. Guanyin’s very name, ‘One who hears the cries of the world’ highlights this role as a compassionate figure who acknowledges the suffering and strife of man. Along with Mahāsthāmaprāpta, a fellow bodhisattva, Guanyin serves as an attendant to Buddha Amitabha, with these three deities recognised as the Three Sages of Western Pure Land Buddhism, a sect of Mayahana Buddhism popular in East Asia. Avalokiteshvara is commonly posited to have been adopted from Indian Buddhism into China as Guanyin around 200-400 CE, however it was the Tang dynasty (618-907) which saw the popularisation of the deity. By the Ming (1358–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, Guanyin held the position as the most popular female deity in China. The unique state of religion in China held no monolithic canon regarding Buddhism and saw the assimilation of several belief systems, primarily Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Consequently, Guanyin became a deity to be revered beyond Buddhism alone, appointed as both an official imperial deity and Daoist deity in the 12th century. Guanyin may also be seen to fulfil the role of idealised femininity as prescribed by Confucianism, with the scarcity of female Chinese deities perhaps accounting for the gradual gender shift Guanyin underwent. The Indian Avalokiteshvara is unequivocally recognised as male, whilst the supposed gender of Guanyin remains contentious. Although there is a clear shift from the masculine Avalokiteshvara towards a more feminine representation, it is unclear if Guanyin is understood to be entirely feminine, to inhabit qualities of both genders or to be elevated beyond gender entirely, embodying neither. Depictions of Guanyin are highly androgynous, which some believe lends credence towards Guanyin symbolising the unity of dualistic forces as recognised in Daoism, displaying the anthropomorphism of yin and yang. Comparative Analysis: Market comparisons of similar Qing Dynasty polychrome figures of Guanyin include lot 767 (no.2) From Christies ‘Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art,’ New York, 25 March 2022, with the price realised USD 52,920 (Estimate USD 20,000 – USD 30,000). Christies also auctioned a comparable polychrome Guanyin...

A remarkable, delicately hand-painted Kutani porcelain vase with a decoration of camellia blooms, with original paulownia storage box, signed, by Yoshiaki Yamada. Kutani ware has a long history dating back to the Edo period, over 350 years ago. It was featured in the 1873 World Exposition...

A Chinese Brass Etched Lock with Key, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimension: Height: 2.5cm Width: 10cm Depth: 2cm.

A Chinese Cloisonne Tray with Qianlong Mark, Early 20th Century Home decor, Interior design and collectibles. Provenance: Private Victoria Collection. ...

A Chinese Red Lacquer Lidded Jewelry Box, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimension: Width: 19cm Height: 22.5cm Depth: 21cm.

A wonderful example of the work of master Japanese potter, Shunichi Inoue. This vessel dates from his Australian residency. We love the potency of this very simple form - it has a powerful presence, connoting stillness, composure. For some reason it makes me think of the moon. It has the same still, calm, abiding presence. Shunichi Inoue studied ceramics at Kyoto City University of Arts 1969-75. He travelled to Australia to lecturer in ceramics at the Bendigo College of Advanced Education in Victoria, Australia where he stayed for three years. He returned to Australia in late 1984 as a visiting professor and again in 1993, when he made an extended stay. He was an active exhibitor and had an important influence on Australian pottery...

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: The cavity in...

A Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer with Handles with Ming Xuande Mark, 19th Century Home decor, Interior design and collectibles. Provenance: Private Sydney C...

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: The cavity ...

A Pair of Wooden Clogs (Namaskin), Korea, Joseon Dynasty, 19th Century with curved tips. Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 12.5cm. Width: 28cm. Depth: ...

A Chinese Red Lacquer Baby Bath with Mark, Late 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Diamension: Height: 14cm Diameter: 42cm.

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: A devotional...

A Set of Four Chinese Carved and Reticulated Door Panels Late Qing Dynasty Each with reticulated window segments to the top, and low relief decoration to the center section. Proven...

A Japanese Fluted Imari Vase with Mark and Metal Cover, 19th Century Provenance: Private Melbourne Collection. Description: The fluted Imari vase wi...

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: The cavity in the back...

Rare and highly unusual antique Japanese statue of the esoteric deity 'Dakini Ten,' a Buddhist goddess who was associated with the agricultural...

A Chinese Blue & White Brush Pot Depicting Figural & Landscape Scenes, 19th Century Provenance: The Collection of Dr. John Yu AC Dimension: Height: 9cm Diameter: 5cm. Dr. Yu was t...

A Chinese Imari Style Plate with Chenghua Mark, 19th century Provenance: Private Victoria Collection. Description: the central design comprising an unfurling blossom in hues of cob...

Rare and highly unusual Japanese Folk Art wood carving depicting the folk heroine and good luck figure Otafuku with a finely painted erotic design on the interior and a carved inscri...

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in the Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: The cavity in the ba...

Shino pottery vase in deep murasaki and white by contemporary Japanese ceramic artist Tamaoki Yasuo. The vase is an iconic representation of his style. I...

A Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Vases, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: Each on rolled foot with undulating standard rising to a tape...

A Chinese Carved Inkstone, 18th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1980s. Dimensions: Height: 12.5cm. Width: 28.5cm. Depth: 17.5cm.

A Pair of Imari Hexagonal Jardinieres, 19th Century Provenance: Private Melbourne Collection. Description: The flat lip of each decorated with lotus cartouche panels, the tapering...

A Chinese Hand-Carved Red Lacquered Basket with Handle, Late 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimension: Height: 31cm Width: 27cm Depth: 30cm.

A Chinese Two-Tiered Bamboo and Rattan Lidded Dessert Basket with Handle, Mid 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimension: Height: 18cm Width: 15.5cm Depth: 1...

An Unusual Chinese Cloisonne Vase with Elephant Shaped Handles, 19th Century Home decor, Interior design and collectibles. Provenance: Private Perth Collection. Dimension: Height: ...

A Round Chinese Red and Black Lacquer Box, 19th Century Provenance: Private Old Melbourne Based Chinese Collection. Description: The shaped lid of equal proportions to the base an...

A vintage Japanese Tsuzuri bako, writing box. with an unusual, deeply carved relief of Japanese sarcandra glabra, a woody herbal sub-shrub native to Asia with deep green glossy leave...

One Chinese Black Lacquer Rectangular Lidded Jewelry box, Late 19th Century Provenance: Private Melbourne Collection. Dimensions: Width: 37cm Height: 10.5cm Depth: 20.5cm.

A Tibetan Prayer Book in Wooden Casing, 19th Century Aged leaves bound with leather strapping between hard covers. Length: 53.5 cm Width: 13.5 cm...

A volume of prints and paintings by Japanese artist Kono Bairei (1844-1895), well known practitioner of the Ukiyo e school during the Meiji period. He was born and lived in Kyoto, sp...

A Chinese Brass Lock in the Form of a Turtle, Early 20th Century The lock in the form of a turtle with moving legs, the lock mechanism beneath work...

A Pair of Chinese Double Groud Vases, Late 20th Century Home Decor, Interior Design and Collectibles. Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimension: Height: 35cm Diameter: 2...

A Chinese Brass Fish Shaped Lock, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimension: Length: 10cm Height: 1.5cm Depth: 6cm.

An Antique Bronze Figure of a Standing Buddha, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: The figure standing upright and exhibiting a serene facial exp...

A Chinese Metal Lock with Key, Late 19th Century Provenance: Private Brisbane Collection. Dimension: Height: 5cm Length: 14cm Depth: 2cm.

An exhibition quality dry lacquered ikebana flower vase by Masayo Koiwa. This highly unusual organically shaped vase has a sculptural feel, it sensual curves are hand-carved and lacq...

A Chinese Brass Etched Lock with Key, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1980s Dimension: Width: 11cm Height: 2.5cm Depth: 1.5cm

One Blue and White Dish, Yongzheng Period, Qing Dynasty Painted figures on bridge in landscape Diameter: 11.5cm Height: 2cm Provenance: Made in Imperial China Porcelain from the C...

Pair of antique Japanese Nagasaki School paintings by Yanagisawa Kien (1704-1758), depicting classical ikebana flower arrangements. Each painted on silk in mineral pigments and beari...

One Blue and White Dish, Yongzheng Period, Qing Dynasty Painted figures on bridge in landscape Diameter: 11.5cm Height: 2cm Provenance: Made in Imperial China Porcelain from the C...

Rare Japanese antique statue of a Chinese child performing Tai chi capturing the pose in motion. Middle Edo period, circa 1750. Made from polychrome on carved ...

Exceptionally fine Japanese porcelain blue and turquoise striped Studio Vase by Atsushi Miyanishi. This stunning contemporary bowl is a statem...

A furo tearoom brazier by Raku Kichizaemon XI Keinyu (1817-1902) decorated in bold style over a brick red glaze. The classical scene depicts men in ‘mino’ straw raincoats pulling a barge up river under the overhanging branches of an ancient willow tree. With makers mark to base and sold with its original paulownia wood storage box. Overall the piece is in excellent condition but has sustained several stress cracks in one corner due to heat encountered during continual use. This is typical of Japanese raku ceramics...

This is a beautifully worn late Edo period small chest of drawers for sewing. Made of Cedar with iron handle and hinge. The whole look is rustic, blackened and simple, with refined d...

A Chinese Brass Jewellery Lidded Box, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1980s. Dimension: Width: 11cm Height: 7cm Depth: 9cm.

A Japanese Wakasa lacquer folder to carry poems and paintings. It has a silver raised Togidashi maki-e design of cherry blossom, created by lay...

A distinctive pair of Japanese black lacquer ikebana flower troughs. The two sections, designed in harmony, allow a generous opportunity for creative arr...

A Pair of Chinese Gilded and Lacquered Cabinets, Qing Dynasty Rectangular, decorated with bat and cloud motif to body, with gilded and relief car...

A Chinese Red Lacquer Lidded Box, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Melbourne Collection. Dimension: Width: 16cm Height: 9.5cm Depth: 10cm

A Chinese Brass Double Fish Shaped Lock with Key, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimension: Width: 13cm Height: 1cm Depth: 7cm.