East Asian Metalwork

Tibetan traveling shrines, known as Gau, were believed to offer protective powers and were used to hold and carry sacred objects during long journeys. Crafted over a century ago, a B...

Fine Qing Dynasty Chinese Silver Dragon Box – Late 19th Century Description: An exquisite antique Chinese silver box from the late Qing Dynasty, sho...

Antique Japanese Samurai Suit of Armor, Edo period, 18th century. A complete matching set of lacquered iron work; the cuirass with dragonfly decoration and blue lacing, a Kaga schoo...

An antique Japanese brass enamel ceremonial food container with a cover adorned with a pointed finial. Characterized by cloisonne floral designs...

This petite Chinese bronze mirror has the simple beauty and undeniable texture of an ancient object. Though an exact date is unknown, the mirror's round form, double ring edge and un...

45 pieces of vintage Japanese metal letterpress movable type, ‘Katakana’ (Angular form of Japanese syllabary, primarily used for words of foreign origin). Showa period, 20th century,...

A vintage Russian Orthodox silver-tone priest's cross. The front side is decorated with a relief depiction of Jesus Christ. Inscription in Church Slavo...

A fine pair antique Chinese Qing cloisonne standing Kylin Dragon figures with fine enamel detailing dating from the latter 19th century or possibly earlier. The standing figures have...

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING ON ALL OUR COLLECTION - MORE IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)  From our Japanese collection we are delighted to present this exceptio...

Presenting a supper large and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg with intricated patterns of "hundred birds" made by hand seating on a tripod bronze stand, from the Mid-20th Cent...

A fine antique late 18th century Chinese archaic style bronze censer with a Xuande mark. The censer made of cast bronze is very finely modeled, the flared mouth with a key pattern, t...

Iron bird sculpture. Removable vented piece, perhaps for burning incense or flower arrangements, 1960s.

An interesting bronze sculpture or okimono with a brown patina depicting a snail in a very original pose. Its angular form indeed suggests that it can be displayed in a way that give...

A Chinese enamel over brass vase. It has a classic, rounded body that tapers to a narrow neck. Adorned with polychrome enamel in foliage and floral motifs made in the Cloisonne techn...

This is an old iron hanging bell believed to have been made over 100 years ago. It is highly likely that it was manufactured in Japan, though the possibility of Korean or Chinese ori...

Impressive antique Meiji period Japanese bronze vase with brown patina with a ferocious eagle in relief plus birds flying above ocean waves. 20 inches tall and 43 lbs. Apparently un...

Antique Chinese cloisonné enamel round box with lid depicting floral patterns all around, blue, yellow, pink, yellow, and red flowers and leaves, cyan, green and yellow leaves, 19th ...

Japanese steel teapot with nice design. Age: Japan, Showa Period, Mid-20th Century Size: Height 20.8 C.M. / Width 21 C.M. Condition: Nice condition...

Large Chinese Cloisonne enamel bowl, Qing Dynasty Exceptional and finely decorated Chinese cloisonne punch bowl with gilt metal foot and rim. The bowl has slightly flaring sides ...

A pair of beautiful bronze warrior motif knockers. The mythical warrior has large bulging eyes above wide open mouth. Curly hair surrounding the face, repeated in the eye brows which flanks the prominent forehead. Heavy cheekbones echoes the forehead, highlighting his masculine feature. Antiqued finish with mellow gold patina. Fantastic as door knockers or hand towel rings...

A fine & rare antique Imperial Chinese Qing dynasty solid gold & cloisonne enamel snuff bottle, Qianlong mark & period, 1736-1795, tests as 16k gold. It is rare to find a cloisonné e...

Bronze Vase by TAKAMURA, Toyochika (1890 - 1972) Period: 　Early Showa period, circa 1950s–60s Size: Dim 14.5 × H24 cm (Dim 5.7 × H 9.5 inch ) Weight: 1580 g (2.8 lb), with box 2410...

A Magnificent Japanese Meiji Period Silver-Wire Cloisonné Enamel Vase with Pheasants and Maple Leaves, Attributed to Inaba An exceptional Japanese cloisonné enamel vase from the Mei...

An antique Japanese late Meiji era decorative enamel over copper plate or charger. The interior of the plate is adorned with a polychrome design of sparrows and frogs in blossoming f...

A pair of Japanese silver wire enamel vases. The vases have an urn shaped body and a fluted neck. Each ware is enameled with a polychrome image of dragons on the dark blue ground mad...

Pair of Sino-Tibetan Silver Ritual Lamp Stands Tibet / Himalayan Region, Late 19th–Early 20th Century Pair of Sino-Tibetan Silver Lamp Stands, Late 19th–Early 20th Century A finely ...

MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912) From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to introduce this good size Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase. The Vase of gently tapered form with a pinched n...

A finely executed Japanese cloisonné enamel plate measuring 12 inches in diameter, distinguished by its exceptional level of craftsmanship and richly layered decorative program. The ...

A large Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enameled vase with a scene of birds, butterflies, and flowers on the pink background and borders with colorful decoration. Collectible Orienta...

By the 18th century, opium use had become as central to Chinese social life as taking tea or smoking tobacco, fostering a subculture rich with its own customs, traditions, and exquis...

This colorful striking pair of antique Japanese bronze vases from the Meiji period are decorated with enamel using the cloisonne technique. Two matched vases with a relief pattern of...

A Monumental Gilt-Lacquered Bronze Ornamental Buddha Sculpture of Vajravidarana: A Masterpiece of Sino-Tibetan Craftsmanship, Late 19th Century, Qing Dynasty This monumental gilt-lacquered bronze ornamental sculpture of Vajravidarana is an extraordinary and commanding piece of art, showcasing the pinnacle of Sino-Tibetan craftsmanship from the late 19th century. The figure of Vajravidarana, a powerful purification deity in Tibetan Buddhism, is meticulously sculpted to embody both spiritual authority and artistic excellence. Vajravidarana is primarily known for his role in removing spiritual impurities and negativities. Unlike other deities associated with wisdom or compassion, Vajravidarana’s function is centered on purification and healing. He is typically depicted holding a vajra and a bell, symbolizing the cutting away of delusions and the resonance of divine truth. In this striking sculpture, Vajravidarana is shown holding a vishva vajra (the double vajra), a unique and powerful variation of the traditional iconography, which signifies ultimate protection and the dispelling of negative karma. Vajravidarana: The Supreme Purifier and Protector Vajravidarana is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the deity of spiritual purification, called upon to cleanse practitioners of defilements and negative influences. His vajra represents the indestructibility of truth, while his bell signifies the wisdom that resonates through purification rituals. In this sculpture, the presence of the vishva vajra, or double vajra, enhances his association with supreme protection, ensuring the destruction of all spiritual obstacles and afflictions. The figure’s powerful yet composed expression conveys a sense of unwavering resolve and divine authority. His posture, along with the carefully sculpted details of his robes and ornaments, highlights his function as a guardian against impurity. The inclusion of the vishva vajra rather than the usual single vajra reinforces his role as a supreme protector, capable of dispelling all forms of negativity and restoring balance. Symbolism of the Mantras and Aureole: Unlike deities that embody wisdom through duality, Vajravidarana’s iconography is centered on purification and exorcism. The aureole surrounding him is inscribed with sacred purification mantras rather than depictions of a consort. These mantras emphasize his function as a remover of obstacles and impurities, reinforcing his role in Buddhist healing rituals. The presence of the sacred inscriptions elevates the sculpture’s spiritual significance, making it a focal point for meditation and ritual purification. Practitioners often visualize Vajravidarana radiating purifying light, dissolving afflictions and negative karma. This theme is mirrored in the sculptural repetition of the purification symbols on the aureole, reinforcing the deity’s role as a divine cleanser. Gilt-Lacquered Bronze: The Artistry of Sino-Tibetan Metalwork: The craftsmanship of this monumental figure reflects the expertise of late 19th-century Sino-Tibetan metalwork, where traditional Tibetan themes were infused with Chinese artistic sensibilities. Cast in bronze and finished with a rich gilt lacquer, the statue has an otherworldly glow, giving it an ethereal, almost divine presence. The gilding process—applied with exceptional skill—gives the sculpture a striking luminosity that enhances the fine details of the facial features, flowing robes, jewelry, and other elements of the deity’s attire. The technique employed to create this figure speaks to the high level of craftsmanship that flourished during the late Qing Dynasty and early modern Tibetan art. The ornate details of the robes and the fine texture of the sculpture highlight the exceptional skill of the artisans who brought this work to life. The use of gold and lacquer not only reflects the preciousness of the sculpture but also its spiritual significance as an object meant to inspire reverence and meditation. An Ornamental Sculpture of Monumental Scale: Unlike smaller devotional objects, this sculpture is designed as an ornamental masterpiece, intended to make a grand visual and spiritual statement. Its monumental size allows it to dominate any space, offering a commanding presence that is both physically and symbolically impressive. In Buddhist practice, large sculptures of this nature are often placed in temples or meditation halls, where their imposing size and serene presence would encourage contemplation and devotion. The grand scale of the statue further amplifies the spiritual power it is meant to convey. As a representation of Vajravidarana, it is not only a physical object of beauty but also a conduit for meditation, purification, and enlightenment. The scale of the sculpture also emphasizes the divine stature of the deity, highlighting his importance in the Buddhist tradition as the ultimate force for spiritual cleansing and protection. Provenance: Acquired in China in circa 1900 1905 Private Buddhist Temple, Northeast, USA Private Sale Solomon Treasure...

Antique iron bird sculpture with a nice patina. Removable vented piece, for burning incense, 1960s.

A stunning large Ando Jubei (1876-1956) rose vase set against delicate cream yellow Musen-jippo background. In classic form with hand-finished silver metal rims. Soft pink contrastin...

Japanese bronze vase with artist sign, used to decorate single flower arrangement in Japanese traditional tea ceremony. Artist signature is on the last photo. Age: Japan, Showa Pe...

Despite common belief that water pipes such as these were used to smoke opium, water pipes such as these were more commonly used for smoking Tobacco. The h...

A set of Japanese bronze animal monkey with artist sign. Age: Japan, Showa Period, 20th Century Size: Height 6.2 - 12.8 C.M. / Width 5 - 10.2 C.M. (size excluding stand) Condition: ...

Finely modeled and cast antique (19th century) Meiji period Japanese bronze censer (incense burner) featuring a cover with wonderful details of an eagle and dragon stalking an exotic...

A Japanese Meiji Period Silver-Wire Cloisonné Enamel Vase with Chrysanthemums on a Midnight Ground, Attributed to Inaba A magnificent Japanese cloisonné enamel vase from the Meiji p...

Japanese bronze vase with artist sign, used to decorate single flower arrangement in Japanese traditional tea ceremony. Artist signature is on the last photo. Age: Japan, Showa Pe...

This stunning Koro was crafted in Takaoka, Japan where craftsmen use intricate tooling and expert kills to create the delicate details found in this piece. Crafted of bronze, this Ko...

Antique Chinese cloisonné enamel round box with lid depicting floral patterns. A white base tone and colorful floral all around, from the 19th century.

Quality work, Antique 2 Japanese Cloisonné Meiji Period Vases, Signed opm one vase. Dimensions; Larger: 4" Dia x 4.25" H with imperfect shape but no enamel lost Smaller: 3" Dia x 6" H

A large pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Double Dragon Vases, 19th century. Japanese cloisonne enamel dragon vases are highly ...

A pair of identical antique Japanese copper vases with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Elongated baluster shape with pronounced neck. Floral ornament against...

An antique Japanese silver wire enamel Kogo box for incense. Early Meiji period. The oval shaped box is covered with polychrome medallions representing a pair of Phoenix birds and fl...

This three-tiered container is a 19th-century white brass incense clock, once used as a relatively accurate method to mark the passage of time. Incense c...

Colorful 20th century Japanese bronze champlevé vase with a vibrant enamel decoration. Adorned with zoomorphic motifs in an Art Deco style...

A lovely and luxurious Japanese silver incense burner of lobed melon form, akoda koro, marked jungin and signed Nomura, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The silver koro...

A refined Japanese cloisonné enamel tray of elegant oval form, measuring 12 inches wide by 9 inches high, signed on the reverse by Gonda. The composition is set against a luminous tu...

An antique Japanese, Early Edo period, enamel copper tray. The oval shaped tray is enameled with a polychrome image of a Phoenix bird with flowers and leaves made in the Cloisonne te...

19th century Japanese bronze vase of classic form with a lovely rich patina. The vase has been drilled for wiring as a lamp. It will make ...

This slender metal container is a 19th-century white brass incense burner, used for storing and burning incense sticks. The small box has a rectangular form and a removable sliding t...

A small and elegant Chinese cloisonné vase for incense tools, Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th century, China. Made for the scholar's studio, this small refined vase, was used to hold incense tools, including a small pair of tongs or chopsticks and spoon. The tools no longer present. Of miniature baluster vase form, the vase beautify proportioned and decorated in the cloisonné enamel technique, with gilt wires forming the cloisons, or partitions. Within the cloisons, colorful enamels have been expertly laid. The small incense tool vase...

This is believed to be a bronze "tsurube" (water bucket) made in Japan or East Asia. It was likely used to draw water from wells. The base shows dents, possibly from repeated impacts...

An antique Japanese copper vase with wireless cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji era, before 1912. Round shape with pronounced base. The piece is decorated with a stork or crane bir...

An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, covered enamel over brass jewelry or trinket box. The exterior of the ware is enameled with polychrome images of blossoming flowers surrounded by...

This is an old rubber glove mold made in Japan. It was made in the Showa period (1940s-1960s), and the material used is aluminum. Although it is a practical item that has been used f...

Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Enamel Vase, likely from the Meiji period (1868–1912) or possibly the early Taisho period (1912–1926). The vase features a dynamic depiction of a Japanese...

Presenting a very large and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg with intricated patterns made by hand seating on a wood stand, early 20 century. It's measured about 17" x 10" with...