Catalog (134)

Pair of ancient paintings on cotton, with polychrome colours and gold. The first painting represents a noble man in formal attire and sitting on a throne. The second painting represents a noble lady, in formal attire, sitting on an throne . Sizes 95 X 49 cm for both paintings. Very fine details and delicate rendering of faces and textiles. China, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. Acquired from a Hong Kong antique dealer in 1987.

A pair of square belt plaques, each with a relief decor of a musician sitting cross-legged on a small platform. Each plaque is backed by a flat unadorned plaque affixed to it by four pins, for attachment to the belt. Bronze, with large remnants of its original gilding and reddish green patina in some areas. China, Liao Dynasty Period (916-1125 A.D.). Width: 1 5/16" (3,3 cm). The pair is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Good condition. A fine and rare pair. Note: this pair is part of a set...

A fine pair of gilt bronze appliques, possibly belt or harness fittings, of square shape, with well cast relief decorations of musicians sitting cross-legged and playing the flute and what seems to be a lute. China, Liao Dynasty (916-1125). Height:3.1 cm. Very good condition.

A pair of blue and white Chinese Qing Dynasty plates. The smallest one has a 24 cm diameter, and is decorated inside with a geometric design at the center surrounded by a floral decor and a series of three concentric symbols going towards the rim, the potter's mark behind, and a very good condition. The larger one has a 28.2 cm diameter, with a large character in the middle surrounded by four concentric symbols going towards the rim and, at the back, four stylised "shou" characters around the bo...

Small figurine finely cast in the shape of a human being in a crouching posture, with horn shaped hairdo. Bronze, with reddish-green patina. This particular object appears to be the support of a large bronze base, as shown on a picture of similar objects exhibited at the National Historical Museum in Beijing (cat. Bronzes, NHM, Beijing, 1995, no. 1037, p. 287), which we show on our last photograph. The piece dates back to the Warring States period (475-221 BC). Length: 4.4 cm. Height: 5.2 cm. Ve...

Intricately carved mask for the Nuo esoteric theater, representing the legendary character of Bao Gong, or Judge Bao, wearing a formal hat, his face in relief with a fierce expression, with bulging eyes, open mouth revealing fangs, and a stylised beard. Wood, with traces of the original polychrome colouring. China, 18th century. Height: 29.6 cm. Very good condition despite signs of old insect infestation (no danger).

A group of three mat weights. The first one is of circular form, with two tiger heads. Dimensions: H 35 mm, D 50 mm. The second one is oval shaped, looking like a chimera with wings. Dimensions: H 32 mm L 52 mm. The third one is a bird holding a branch in its beak, with an oval base. Dimensions: 34 mm, L 44 mm. All are made of gilt bronze, with a fine patina. Gilding partly missing, otherwise very good condition. Provenance: French provincial auction sale in the early seventies. NOTE: Origin...

Opium box of rounded rectangular shape, decorated with an embossed design all over its body representing a noble man in front of a house in the company of two women, a floral decor, Chinese characters and a geometric design. The lid itself is decorated with an embossed feminine figure (a dancer) surmounted by a bat. The box is made of copper with a fine age patina. China, end of 19th century. Height: 5.6 cm. Very good condition.