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Collectors of Chinese and Japanese lacquerware will usually be familiar with a lacquer technique known as nuri-guri – see below for a full explanation of the technique. Over our 25 years of collecting we have had 4-5 examples of nuri-guri items – always either tea caddies (natsume) or small covered boxes( kogos). These small items usually are priced in the area of $350- $750. Here we have a truly rare and exciting nuri-guri lacquer table...

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Collectors of Chinese and Japanese lacquerware will usually be familiar with a lacquer technique known as nuri-guri – see below for a full explanation of the technique. Over our 25 years of collecting we have had 4-5 examples of nuri-guri items – always either tea caddies (natsume) or small covered boxes( kogos). These small items usually are priced in the area of $350- $750. Here we have a truly rare and exciting nuri-guri lacquer table...

A superb schist sculpture from the 2nd-3rd Century A.D. Typical of Gandharan sculptures of this period are the finely arched eyebrows, almond-shaped half-closed eyes, straight nose, and undulating moustache and the "enlightenment-elevation" - "Usnisha" on the top of the head. This is a bump atop the head signifying his expanded wisdom enlightened saint...

A rare 2nd-4th century Gandharan terracotta head of a Bodhisattva. This terracotta head of a Bodhisattva is beautifully modeled and had very little damage. Excellent detail to the Graeco/Roman style hair and the mustache - the overall effect is one of serenity. It would appear that it was buried for centuries – probably resting on the left side of the face as that side shows some light burial degradation...

This Gandharan schist head likely represents Prince Siddhartha, the Buddha, prior to his enlightenment, which accounts for his princely garb. He is adorned with a crown that has a shell shaped emblem, as well as earrings. Typical of Gandhara sculptures of this period are the finely arched eyebrows, almond-shaped half-closed eyes, straight nose, and undulating moustache. The piece measures 6 1/2" high by 3 3/4" wide by 3 1/2" deep...

This is one of the most unusual Japanese lacquer pieces we have ever seen or had in the collection. The box is a Tobacco Box – “tabako ire) made in the shape of an eggplant. It is a papier mache form made over a mold and then coated with multiple layers of black roiro lacquer with overtones of purple. As a result of the method of making the box, it is quite light and rather delicate. The process of making it is best described in the book “A Sprinkling of Gold” – see later paragraphs...

This is a superb ivory netsuke with very delicate and intricate carving throughout. The netsuke portrays Hotei. (Budai (Chinese: Bùdài), pronounced Hotei in Japanese), is a Chinese folkloric deity. His name means "Cloth Sack," and comes from the bag that he carries. Budai in folklore is admired for his happiness, plenitude, and wisdom of contentment. One belief popular in folklore maintains that rubbing his belly brings wealth, good luck, and prosperity...