An early Thai, Sukhothai period Celadon-glazed stoneware figure of a mother, shown chewing an ancient form of Narcotic drug known as Miang.

The figure dates to approximately 1400 A.D. and was produced in Thailand's Ancient Si Satchanalai Kilns. The depiction is one of a woman, shown seated with her left leg internally rotated and her right leg to the side. She has large protruding breasts and clutches a stylized child close to her body. She appears relaxed with a large bulge in the corner of her mouth. These extremely rare figures are known to depict the chewing of Miang; a mild narcotic composed of fermented tea leaves.

Almost identical figures can be found in the British Museum, London (no. 1997,0326.8), in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford and other important institutions.

Glen R. Brown has written a fascinating account of these "Miang-chewing" figures in his work, SiSatchanalai Celadons of the 14th-16th centuries. Si-Satchanalai (pronounced, see-satch-en-alai), is an Ancient Kiln site located in North-Central Thailand. The Sisatchanalai Kilns produced some of the most magnificent ceramics in Asia from the 15th-16th Centuries.

Height: 4 1/2 inches.

Shipping included.

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Pair of Qing period Chinese wood carved Foo Dogs     795 $ 

Take a look at this pair of magnificent Chinese antique wood carved Foo Dog (lion) statues. They are made of camphor wood and show very detailed hand carving works.

According to historical books, lions were introduced into Mainland China firstly as tributes to the Emperors. They are symbols of justice in bureaucratic officialdom and loyal guards in front of Emperors or Princes' palaces. They also are the Guardians of Fa (law) in Buddhist realm and stay in front of the temples. There lied people's fear, admiration, expectation and trust. Therefore, people also call them "Foo Dog" means bring you peace and lucky. You can see from the pictures that they are very well carved and you will love them when you get them.

The foo dogs date from the middle of the 19th century, Qing Period.

No repairs. Only expectable age wear.

Size: 13,1" H x 5 1/2" W x 8,3" D each.

Shipping included.

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Japanese Sake kettle (Choshi) with relief of Ebisu - Edo Period -        1200 $

Japanese stunning cast iron Choshi (Sake kettle) from the Edo Period around 1750.

It is designed with a great relief, showing an Ebisu. Ebisu, also transliterated Yebisu or called Hiruko or Kotoshiro-nushi-no-kami, is the Japanese god of fishermen, luck, and workingmen, as well as the guardian of the health of small children. He is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, and the only one of the seven to originate purely from Japan without any Hindu or Chinese influence.

The lid is as much stunning as rare, because it is made of wood and golden laquer. The handle is made of copper.

This choshi is in great condition with no repairs and no water leak.

A similar one (only with a different lid) is exhibited in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London ( please click www.vam.ac.uk/users/node/15581 )

Iron kettles of this type, with their distinctive flattened spout, were used during the cold winter months for heating sake.

A real proof of Japanese history and culture.

Size: 6,4'' height, 7,2'' width.

Shipping included

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Chinese Embroidered Male Rank Badge Qing Dynasty     495 $

A Mandarin square dating from the 19th century. Male back badge (buzi) with an appliqued wild goose bird denoting the 4th civil rank.

Silver and gold thread couching and embroidery in blue on dark silk ground, the sun disk is made of small coral beads. Backed with blue silk. Condition: faded, wear, splits, thin areas, lining with stains.

Dimension: 32.9 cm high x 33.9 cm wide.

Shipping included.

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Japanese cast iron tetsubin by famous Kibundo     1400 $   sold already

Up for sale is this wonderfully textured 19th century Japanese cast iron tea kettle made by noted Kyoto-school tetsubin craftsman Kibundo ( 1812-1892 ).

It is cast in high relief with the image of a landscape and plants.

This fine kettle bears the body-mark “Kibundo zo” and a remnant of the square seal mark of Kibundo on the bottom.

The quality of the relief casting is superb. A peculiar punching technique called “oshinuki” was applied to the body, producing its unique skin-texture surface.

The lid is made of copper and fits perfect.

Fine ornamental tetsubin of this type were preferred by the upper classes for the sencha style tea ceremony. A common characteristic of sencha kettles was that one side more heavily decorated than the other. In the sencha tea ceremony a tetsubin, held by the host in his right hand, is looked at by the guest with the spout pointing to the right. This is the side of the tetsubin which is usually more ornately decorated in order to enable the guest to admire the kettle’s “best” side. High relief ornamental tetsubin like this one are magnificent examples of Japanese ironwork which are very much sought after by collectors today.

Condition is excellent with normal interior rusting consistent with age and usage. Ready for use.

Size: Width 6.5 '', length 5.7'', height 8.3'', weight 1620 g.

Shipping included.

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