Scholar's Objects

A tall Chinese scholar stone (also known as Gong Shi in Chinese; meditation stone and spirit rock in the West) of significant weight and volume is gracefully balanced on the wood dis...

Chinese cricket cage with cloisonne enameled decoration and applied dragon heads. Of unusual form with two tiers of cages each with their own slid...

This sublime Chinese scholar stone was collected from the Jade Peaks in the Kun Mountains, Jiangsu Province. Known sometimes as "the magic stone" in China due to its unique formation...

An exquisitely hand carved bone Chinese dignitary standing figure portraying a lavishly dressed bearded male. Difficult to date, in our opinion last quarter of the 19th century. ...

Chinese scholars rock, Qing dynasty, circa 1900 or earlier, mounted on a custom carved hardwood base. This is a large scale rock is a fine example, with beautiful striations of light...

SUISEKI, KAMUY KOTAN STONE – Kamuy kotan stone from the canyon called ‘Kamuy-kotan’ (‘Whereabouts of God’ in the Ainu language) in the western part of Asahikawa city in Hokkaido, Jap...

This elegant container is a 19th-century Chinese document box, once used by a Qing-dynasty scholar-official to store stationery accessories such as brushes, seals and ink sticks. Cra...

A ceramic bowl with celadon glaze from Korea, circa 14th century (late Goryeo Dynasty). The particular shape of the bowl suggests that it is likely a "Bo" (Chinese) or "Hattara" (Japanese "Oryoki"). This is a Buddhism term derived from Sanskrit word "patra", which means "vessel that contains just enough". The container was used traditionally by Buddhist monks to ask for alms (donated foods by laymen). The deep volume and the wide opening are conducive to its utility function. The bowl is covered in a jade-color celadon which has very fine and uniform crackles throughout. Upon close inspection of the exterior wall, one can detect a very light brush of white slip circumventing the body. The white slip brushing technique only became popular from 15th century on as a landmark of the Buncheong ceramics...

Experience the allure of this Republic period snuff bottle, a vibrant piece that embodies the rich artistic tradition of the time. Crafted with a deep red glass overlay, well imitati...

A fine and unusual carving of a mythical animal, possibly a pixiu, of celadon and russet nephrite jade, Ming Dynasty or earlier, China. The mythical animal masterfully carved as a...

A Chinese Inside-painted Glass Snuff bottle with Silver Metal, Early 20th Century Description: The scene depicted is a version of the famous classical Chinese painting "Along the Ri...

A stunning carved and pierced Chinese jade vase, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. The vase is carved with a design of birds, flowers and trees, each rife ...

Ghurid Rulers Of India, Mu'izz Al-Din Muhammad B. Sam (567-602h). Gold 10-Mithqals/Dinars, Balad Ghazna 601h. Obverse: In Field: La Ilaha Illa Allah Muhammad Rasul Allah Al-Nasir Li-Din Allah Amir Al-Mu'minin; In Field (Above, And To Left And Right): Allah A'la; (Below): Ornament Of Two Intertwined Tendrils; In Margin: Qur'an Ix, 33. Reverse: In Field: Al Sultan Al-A'azam Mu 'Izz Al-Dunya Wa Al-Din Abu'l-Muzaffar Muhammad Bin Sam; In Field (Above, And To Left And Right): Allah A'la; (Below): Ornament Of Two Intertwined Tendrils; In Margin: Mint And Date. Weight: 44.82g. Published: The Shah Firzan Heritage Of Islamic Coins...

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-dynast...

Our calligraphy brush stands are made of solid wengé wood, a prized, sustainable, exotic wood with beautiful grains. Top of the stands are deco...

A large Chinese export hardwood scholar's brush pot or vessel crafted in a beautifully restrained and minimal cylindrical form. The pot is crafted from a dense red-brown rosewood, an...

A Spinach Jade Snuff Bottle, Qing Dynasty. The flattened ovoid form symmetrically rendered from a waxy spinach green speckled nephrite stone having a high shoulder and short stout ro...

This circa 1900 Chinese bamboo brush pot is beautifully carved in low relief with pavilions in a mountainous landscape. With applied rosewood rim and footed rosewood base. The gourd ...

Dubbed as production of the "Chinese Modern Official Kiln", a small group of porcelains of the highest standard were produced in Jingdezhen from 1962-1967, The production was aimed as a revival of the Chinese porcelain after the foundation of the Republic in 1949 in order to serve the purpose of decorating the meeting halls for the newly renewed diplomatic relations around the globe. The best available materials and artists, including the painters and potters, were employed to achieve a high quality that rivaled the pieces produced during the pinnacle years in the porcelain production in the previous Qing dynasty. Due to the breakout of the Cultural Revolution, most of the pieces failed to be used as intended. Most if not all signatures, such as found on this vase, were added later as a hallmark to distinguish them. "Zhong Nai Hai Huai Ren Tang Treasures Porcelain Research Bureau year of 1962". Zhong Nai Hai is the residential and working compound for Chinese political elites in Beijing and Huai Ren Hall being an important meeting hall. The pieces from "Modern Official Kiln" ubiquitously showcase perfectly balanced forms with precision in symmetry. The use of very high quality Gaolin clay resulted in a semi translucent body, often quite thinly potted. The superbly underglaze paint were sandwiched between a pre-applied glaze and then an overglaze, and the elaborate designs were drawn by master painters. Often, there is a hidden red Chinese National Emblem on the interior wall. These features were all well reflected in this piece. The decoration of the blue paint on the vase is of a classic regal composition and the cobalt blue is of a vivid radiating color. Blooming peonies, an old laurel tree with blossom and scholar rocks provide the background and anchor for a pair of pheasants. One raises its head to crow while the other one looks down. These motifs are commonly found in classic Chinese scroll paintings, a genre called "Flower and Bird Painting". On the back of the vase, there are Chairman Mao's head portrait watermarked in the glaze as well as a cursive poem with a collection number as shown. For a pair of blue and white vase of the same production, see sale by Singapore International Auction PTE ltd on July 21st, 2019 lot 2014. For a pair of blue and white urns...

A Chinese scholar stone of Lingbi type presented on a carved wood base. This stone takes a singular vertical form with one convex side that is largely flat, and the other side slight...

The Chinese scholar rock on offer here is a wonderful example of Ying (also known as Yingde stone), a less common type than Lingbi or Taihu. Gray in color, it has an extraordinary up...

A Japanese lacquered wood Naga Fubako (a long box used to store document or large scroll painting), circa 19th century Meiji period. The rectangular box features an unusually deep lipped lid with slightly rounded corners, a conforming lower box with bronze medallion rings with tasseled...

A rare and beautifully illuminated Quran manuscript from the Timurid period, dating back to the 15th century. The manuscript features intricate floral motifs, vibrant colours, and el...

A finely carved Chinese brush pot made from a single section of bamboo, dating to the late Qing Dynasty. The exterior is decorated in deep relief with a detailed scene of figures set...

Among the many esteemed objects of the traditional Chinese scholar’s studio was the scroll pot, a large container for storing one's collection of landscape paintings, poetry and work...

This is a stone mined in Japan. Measure: w 22cm. Not only in China but also in Japan from ancient times, rocks in the mountains have been shaved and stones for viewing have been qua...

An impressive Chinese scholar Lingbi stone (also known as Gong Shi in Chinese; meditation stone and spirit rock in the West) of substantial height and mass on a carved wood display s...

A six-panel painted folding floor screen from Korea circa early 20th century. This type of screen is called Chaekgeori (books and things) which is quite unique to Korea. It became popular at the end of 18th century favored and encouraged by King Jeongjo (1752-1800) as a political tool to promote social conservatism such as the traditional Confucianism value, especially considered important in a time when waves of new ideology influx came to Korea. Initially commissioned for the royal court, they became increasingly popular with the scholars of noble and affluent households and were used widely in their halls and studies. Early screens were painted with trompe-l’oeil bookcases displaying books and arrays of collectibles. Later, the bookcases were eliminated to focus on the assemblage of neatly stacked books and objects of scholarly pursue. On this screen, the six panels were neatly presented and framed in woven brocade borders. Among the stacked volumes, one can find many fine porcelain vases with flowers, potted orchids, pen holders with brush pens and scroll paintings, incense burner, ink stone, teapot, fan with ink painting, vessels of fruits, exotic plants such as lotus, plumeria and even a pair of glasses. It feels like a pleasant visual measure hunting for the viewers. Several words in Chinese found their way into the picture as well, including filial (xiao), longevity (shou) and luck (fu). The painting was done in a meticulous way with no details overlooked and also with a rather western still-life dimensional perspective. In a rather unusual maximal but also minimalistic way, the screen exudes a historical charm with a folky flair but appears modern at the same time. Each panel is 17.5"w by 70.2"h. For general information on the subject see reference: Chaekgeori the Power and Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens...

A well-chosen stone is the focal point of both a traditional Chinese garden and a scholar's studio - evoking the complexities of nature and inspiring creative thought. In the spirit ...

Antique Chinese Crystal Agate Snuff Bottle. This bottle is in a a stout rounded form, with countersunk base, short thick neck, concave lip with a sharp edge and narrow mouth, in a we...

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-dynast...

A striking Chinese bronze incense burner rendered in an archaistic style, inspired by the powerful ritual bronzes of ancient China. The vessel stands on four dramatic clawed feet, gi...

Antique Chinese Moulded Tangerine Skin and Wood Snuff Bottle. A pear shaped hexagonal form with relief character design on each side possibly translating to “good” - “fragrance”. Th...

On offer is a vertical Chinese scholar rock balanced on a carved wood display stand. The specimen is a wonderful example of Ying (or Yingde) stone, one of the four famed stone types known to Chinese literati and a less common type than Lingbi or Taihu. Gray in color, it has an extraordinary upright form rising from a small stem, like an "Avatar Mountain" peeking out of the mist. Visually it feels impossible for the stone to balance on its thin stem and the wood base. The illusion is due to the thickness of the depth which is not immediately visible from front or back. This type of exotic form was highly desired by the collector. The surface is remarkable with pronounced schisms, gullies, folding lines, with several formation of openings that give it a grotto and airy feel. Different sceneries are revealed when viewed from different angles, making this one of the most intriguing stones in Tishu Gallery...

China, a large jade Bi disk measure: 14.75” diameter and .75” thick Beautiful Display Decor. Including Our Certificate of Authenticity The thick round heavenly ritual jade of a me...

Japan, a fine and elegant antique Kanon Guan Yin standing in a classic compassionate mudra- a superb work of art cast in solid bronze with original traces of old gold gilding. Signe...

This calligraphy brush is distinguished by its faux turquoise handle. Hand cut and polished, exhibiting a beautiful turquoise color with naturalistic black veining, very much approxi...

Rare one-of-a-kind collection Japanese Connoisseurs Collection of Five (5) Fine Antique Smoking Pipes, Kiseru. You dont need to be a conn...

Antique Chinese Smokey Quartz Snuff Bottle. A beautiful flattened rectangular form with sloping shoulders of a desirable smokey quartz material, footed oval base, round neck, narrow...

A vertical Taihu scholar stone in a wonderful grotto form perched on a custom wood stand. The stone, in a nearly pure grey color, displays a weathered surface with visually arresting...

Along with paper, ink and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’...

This is a set of two (2) very fine quality (2) authentic Chinese jade bi disc from the 20th century or older. These come from our private collection. Quality: very fine translucen...

This finely carved Chinese tea caddy dates to the late Qing period and was likely produced in the Canton region, where intricately worked bamboo objects were highly prized both domes...

A Chinese scholar stone originated from Wuling Mountains, Hunan Province in central China. A type of geological wonder, formed through wind erosion and polishing by the elements of t...

This is a stone mined in Japan. Not only in China but also in Japan from ancient times, rocks in the mountains have been shaved and stones for viewing have been quarried. Such stone...

A Chinese Hardwood Miniature Table Form Stand, Late 19th century Dimension: Height: 11.5 cm Length: 32 cm. Depth: 12 cm. Provenance: Old Melbourne Chinese Collection.

Old Korean garment brush used for hemp textile as scarce exposed type without covered grip, early 20th century, approx. L 24cm (9.44in), in used conditio...

An immense and rare large-scale Chinese scholar's limestone Lingbi rock or water stone presented on an intricately carved hardwood display stand. The monumental form of the stone is ...

19th or 20th century Chinese Qing hand crafted bamboo brush pot carved in deep relief with various scenes against the background of a bamboo forest. Two scholars standing on the pati...

Antique Chinese Qing Molded Infinite Huiwen Ruyi Scepter with White Jade Medallion A beautiful Chinese Qing ruyi scepter with carved white jade medallions. The scepter is decorated ...

Fine Antique Chinese Carved Fluorite Libation Cup. Beautiful natural striations through the piece with vibrant colors photographed under light. No chips or unnatural cracks.

We have a unique Japanese aesthetic sense. And only we can introduce unique items through our purchasing channels in Japan and the experience we have gained so far, in such a way that no one else can imitate. This is a stone carved in the image of an old Japanese male genitalia. There is a possibility that it was a natural stone that had been carved by the running water of a river for a long time, but it is more likely that it was carved artificially. In Japan, objects in the shape of male and female genitalia have been made for a long time. The materials used are stone and wood. In the case of stone, some are made from 3,000 yen to 4,000 years ago. At that time, it was used in ceremonies to pray for the prosperity of descendants. In the case of this stone, it was probably dedicated to shrines and village shrines in hopes of prosperity of descendants. This stone is believed to be from before the Edo period. Because two types of rocks are mixed, the color contrast is beautiful. I prepared the pedestal. Also, there are some shallow cracks, but there is no need to worry about breaking the stone. Wooden penises...

Chinese Baijiu bottle made in blue-glazed stoneware with hand-painted Chinese calligraphy on both lid and body. Baijiu translates as “white spirit” and is China’s national liquor, s...

Antique Chinese Moss Agate Snuff Bottle, 19th century. The bottle of a deep forest green color overall with white and brown inclusions. The finely carved rounded square form well ho...

Large Chinese export carved soapstone foo dog scholars seal, nicely carved, in two color soapstone, with large seal at base. The inscription reads: ...

A fixture of the Chinese scholars' studio, the inkstone was among the "Four Treasures of the Study" and was used in calligraphy and landscape painting along with paper, ink and brush...

A rare Xuan type Chinese scholar stone on a carved wood stand circa 19th century Qing dynasty. Xuan stone was traditionally collected in Xuan Zhou, Anhui Province in China. The stone...

Here's a wonderful find from our acquisitions trip to Japan. We were fortunate to find this Art Deco period pair (2) matching hand-carved, hand red lacquered and gilt embellished temple wooden benches. The white elephant bench and matching shi-shi komainu temple lion both originally came from a temple near Kobe. Quite sturdy, they may have been entry sitting or shoe changing benches...

This is collected from rivers and mountains. It is a natural stone, and only the surface has been polished. It is rounded, so I think it was probably picked up from a river. I think...

A lingzhi fungus table screen Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) The unusual Chinese scholar’s object, mounted natural dried and preserved lingzhi fungus. Lobed asymmetrical outline with dee...