One glazed plain white Xing ware ewer in the form of an elongated globe. Vessel is surmounted by a narrow neck and out-turned lip and gradually tapers to a shallow narrow base. One side of the ewer presents a slender handle joining the shoulder to the lower neck. On the opposing side is a short cylindrical spout.
One glazed sancai ware figure of a camel standing on a shallow rectangular unglazed base. Camel bears saddle bags moulded in the form of fearsome masks. Dominant glaze colours are brown white green-ochre and blue.
One unglazed brown and tan earthenware figurine of a crouching animal mounted on a thin slightly warped and approximately rectangular base.
One glazed ceramic oil lamp in the form of a bowl with a broad rim and a flat narrow base. Lamp inner surface glazed blue and creamy white; underside glazed red-brown and yellow. Small handle attached to the rim.
One small globular glazed blue-grey incense burner surmounted by a short neck and wide mouth and supported by three stubby equidistantly-spaced feet attached to its underside. Lower half of vessel exterior presents moulded rib pattern.
One globular glazed red-brown Ding ware vessel in the form of a pomegranate with a moulded leaf attached and a hole at the top.
One small circular glazed blue-grey incense burner. Presents a short wide body narrowing slightly above the shoulders to a thick neck and wide opening. Wide flat base is supported by three short equidistantly-placed feet. Exterior base and feet are unglazed. Rim of incense burner chipped in a few places.
One irregularly shaped, red, white, brown and green glazed earthenware sculpture of a figurine, from the Sung Dynasty (960-1279). Figure is standing with hands together holding something infront. Details have been painted on.
Six ceramic figurines four of which are depicted standing one seated and one lying prone. Five of the figures are dressed in flowing robes whilst that lying prone is swaddled in cloth. Each of the figurines is glazed white with hair and facial features detailed in dark brown or black. Costumes are detailed in black orange-red olive green and ochre.
One rectangular red-brown wooden candle mould in four sections held together with two multi-coloured braids of cord and fabric. Interior faces of mould components present carved decorations comprising a botanical pattern bordered above and below by geometric friezes.
One yellow-brown vessel fashioned from a gourd.
One box-shaped red-brown wooden geomantic compass or luopan contained within a lacquered box. Upper part of front face contains a rectangular grid populated by Chinese characters in black and red pigment. Lower part of front face presents a minutely divided radial array occupied by Chinese characters in black and red pigment surrounding a central compass needle inset under glass. Underside of lacquer case exhibits gold-pigmented decoration comprising a rectangular border within which are contained the Chinese characters 皖休萬安街 老吳魯衡涵記製 (Anhui Province Wan-an street made by Wu Luheng).
One approximately triangular tablet-like tan-coloured carved stone mould. Each face presents four cavo-rilievo designs. On one side the juxtaposition of a leaf a lotus blossom and a figure riding a fish echoes traditional Chinese symbolism for good fortune in the New Year.
One light-brown jade ornament. Darker brown-flecked vein. Comprises two linked discs in a figure eight configuration. Upper disc is smaller than the lower. Both discs present circular central holes of approximately equal size. Two small projections at top and two larger projections at base.
One circular dark grey jade slotted ring (jue). Medium-sized central hole. Radial slot at the top tapering in width towards central hole. Obverse and reverse present similar carved linear pattern. Two holes near the outer circumference either side of the slot. Cut out detail along left-of-centre and right-of-centre outer circumference.
One oval translucent grey-white jade sword-guard. Blue-brown and orange vein. Central circular hole. Obverse presents annular concave bevel around central hole and five inscribed Chinese characters along lower face.
One leaf shaped green-white jade pendant. Brown vein. Small hole pierced in top with red cord threaded through.
One adze-shaped jade object. White with orange-brown vein. Left and right edges present three carved teeth pointing upward. Obverse and reverse exhibit incised pattern of criss-crossing horizontal and diagonal lines.
One adze-shaped jade object. White with brown vein. Obverse presents small hole near top. Reverse presents seven small holes.
One circular roughly cut brown-flecked white jade bi. Four equidistantly-spaced projecting lugs on outer circumference. Medium-sized circular central hole.
One oval-shaped white jade ornament. Green and brown vein. Circular central hole. Obverse and reverse present ten incised circles.
One blade-shaped translucent green-white jade pendant. Green-brown vein. Obverse presents vertical line of four Chinese characters 漢軍司馬 meaning ‘Minister of War of Han Army’. Small hole pierced at top with white cord threaded through.
One ring-shaped translucent green-brown jade pendant. Dark green-brown vein. Ring presents relatively large off-centre circular hole. Obverse and reverse present carved serpentine patterns in shallow relief. Red cord threaded through.
One translucent green jade scabbard chape or qiao. Brown-green vein. Flat top edge widening to curved base. Obverse and reverse decorated in three bands; upper and lower bands exhibit incised serpentine pattern; central band exhibits relief-carved grain pattern. Three holes in top with pink cord threaded through.
One bi-shaped yellow-white jade pendant. Brown vein. Slightly off-centre small circular hole threaded through with orange cord. Obverse and reverse present incised Chinese character.
One translucent mottled yellow-white jade tablet. Yellow-brown vein. Obverse presents nine rows of incised archaic characters in Bronzeware script that copy 'Stone Drum with Poetry' 石鼓文. Reverse presents pattern of stylised leaves. Two small holes pierce blade-shaped cut-out at top.
One U-shaped white jade pendant. Blue-brown vein. Lower edge exhibits semi-circular cut-out. Obverse and reverse present opposing pairs of incised animals.
One triangular white jade pendant. Blue-brown vein. Pendant presents two birds sitting back to back on a tortoise. Birds cut in shallow relief; markings on tortoise incised.
One short blade-shaped translucent white jade gui. Brown-flecked vein. Hole at the top. Upper third of body exhibits three incised lines; upper line intersects hole.
One yellow-brown carved stone pendant in the form of a square tablet. One side of the pendant presents two small holes piercing opposing corners and threaded through with orange cord.
One elongated jade knife. White with light brown vein. Obverse exhibits green patch.
One adze-shaped jade object. Green with darker green vein. One round hole at top.
One broad flat rectangular green-white jade sui. Brown-grey vein. Profile exhibits rectangular slot through middle of object and a hook at one end. Plain cord threaded through slot.
One rectangular green-brown jade daigou. Dark brown vein. Obverse and reverse present incised serpentine patterns.
One adze-shaped jade object. White with blue-brown vein. Small hole pierced at top with blue cord threaded through.
One dimaond-shaped green jade pendant. Darker green vein. Small circular central hole.
One yellow-brown jade ornament in shape of a sunflower.
One circular grey-white jade bi. Brown-flecked vein. Medium-sized circular central hole. Narrow recess around outer circumference in pulley fashion. Obverse presents narrow rectangular radial incision.
One circular translucent white jade yuan. Brown vein over two thirds of obverse and reverse circumference. Large circular central hole.
One circular mottled grey and brown jade bi. Medium-sized circular central hole.
One circular semi-translucent brown and grey jade bi. White-streaked vein. Small circular central hole.
One circular brown jade bi. Brown-flecked vein. Medium-sized central hole.
One circular translucent grey-blue jade bi. Small circular central hole. Obverse and reverse present image of a fish in the sea contained within plain narrow outer border.
One circular brown and white jade bi. Small circular central hole. Obverse and reverse present arabesque relief patterns defining four double S-shapes and a cruciform contained within plain narrow outer border.
One elongated circular glazed dark brown ceramic vase. Vessel presents narrow mouth over high shoulders and a body that gradually tapers to a short narrow slightly out-flaring base. Upper third of vase body presents moulded relief design of a ship and fishes.
One sancai ware figure depicted with the body of a squatting animal and a more anthropomorphic head adorned with large flaring ears and a crown that tapers into an elongated point. Figure's body is glazed brown and green whilst its head is unglazed and uncoloured apart from patches of red pigment on lips earlobes and eye sockets.
One circular earthenware boshanlu lid. Obverse coated in red-brown glaze with stylised designs of running human and animal figures moulded in relief. Reverse unglazed.
One elongated blade-shaped green jade gui. Dark green vein.
One rectangular yellow-brown jade sui. Darker brown vein. Obverse presents carved dot pattern in low relief. One end has been broken off.
One adze-shaped jade object. White with brown vein. One round hole at the top.
One rectangular unglazed light tan earthenware model of a stove/brazier. Model presents cut-out in the front for air circulation and clearing ash. There also are three enclosed fire boxes on top of the stove and a retaining lip along the rear edge.
One rectangular translucent white jade pendant. Obverse and reverse present engraved continuous wave pattern. Carved ornamentation of upper extremity is laterally inverted mirror repetition of that at lower extremity. Likely Hetian jade from Xinjiang
One unglazed black and tan earthenware figurine in the form of a pig.
One unglazed tan-brown earthenware figure in the form of a horse's head. Fragment of a larger piece. Horse's head presented in rearing posture with ears pricked and mouth open. Details of head and bridle moulded in relief.
One glazed sancai ware figure in the form of a double-humped camel standing on a shallow rectangular unglazed base. Camel bears saddle bags moulded in the form of fearsome masks. Dominant glaze colours are brown white green-ochre and blue.
One unglazed painted figure of an armoured warrior standing erect on a ram with his right leg raised to rest on the ram's head. Figure strikes an assertive pose with left hand on hip and the right fist raised as if brandishing the shaft of a now-missing weapon. Figure exhibits remnants of colourful decoration.
One tinted purple blown glass brush rest in the form of the head of a trident with rounded points - those on the sides curving inwards. Interior of object contains air bubbles.
One adze-shaped jade object. White with blue-grey vein on obverse and brown-flecked vein on reverse.
One circular glazed green orange and white Jun ware bowl with a shallow narrow base. Bowl interior and exterior present loosely executed botanical designs with a bird motif on the interior base. Exterior base of bowl is unglazed.
One glazed white pale green and light ochre ceramic figurine. The figure is presented standing in flowing robes and bearing a relatively large vase-shaped vessel. Facial features are detailed in traces of black. The back of the figurine presents a small hole beneath its left arm.
One circular glazed blue-white ceramic bowl with a slightly flaring lip and a shallow narrow base. Bowl interior embellished with blue circumferential lines immediately beneath rim and around the base. Interior base presents circular blue serpentine design of fishes.
One circular glazed blue and white ceramic bowl with a shallow base enclosed inside a wicker case with a metal rim. Bowl interior presents a botanical motif on the base and a band of botanical patterning just beneath upper rim. Middle interior of bowl exhibits moulded dot or leaf pattern. Upper section of wicker exterior covering exhibits blue and cream band of geometric patterning.
One plain circular ceramic bowl with a shallow base. Glazed light blue. Undecorated apart from darker blue interior and exterior circumferential lines and a Chinese character on the interior base. Underside of base encrusted with grit.
One small glazed Cizhou ware vessel in the form of a flattened globe with a short narrow neck flaring out at the top and supported by a shallow narrow base. Exterior presents serpentine pattern in dark brown glaze on a lighter grey-brown glazed ground.
One glazed olive-brown ceramic vessel in the form of a flattened globe. Vessel presents a slightly flaring lip and short narrow neck surmounting wide shoulders and a body that tapers to a flat narrow unglazed base. Glazed exterior exhibits crazing.
One unglazed grey-brown earthenware tile. Obverse presents schematised kneeling human figure modelled in high relief.
One circular white mutton-fat jade ornament. Obverse exhibits convex profile with relief carving of dragon. Reverse exhibits convex profile.
One serpentine white mutton-fat jade pendant. Obverse and reverse present flat surfaces on which wave and spiral patterns are incised or carved in shallow relief. Tablet-like body of carving is pierced to create three serpentine interior openings. One small round hole pierced at left end.
One approximately rectangular white mutton-fat jade pendant. Convex obverse presents incised spiral patterns. Reverse is flat. Small hole pierced at top.
One cylindrical white mutton-fat jade ornament. Light brown vein. Slightly raised horizontal central band presenting shallow relief-carved serpentine pattern. Rounded upper surface surmounted by carved dragon. Flat base.
One grey rounded rectangular ink stone in a two-piece red-brown wooden case. Ink stone obverse presents flat oval working surface for grinding ink sticks. Incised botanical designs flow from obverse to reverse on one end of the stone. Reverse presents two seals and eleven Chinese characters 嘉慶三年秋七月錢塘黃易 (in the autumn July of the third year of Emperor Jiaqing (1798)).
One rectangular dark grey relief-carved wooden tablet with long straight sides and trefoil ends. One side presents architectural forms juxtaposed with landscape features. The other side presents two stylised dragons and three Chinese characters 漱芳齋 (shu fang zhai) referring to the palace constructed in the 1420s.
One black ink tablet in the form of a flattened square with a raised perimeter. Obverse presents trigram k'un (earth) in gold pigment bounded by a gold circle. Reverse presents stamped illustration of the Eighteen Luohan (personal disciples of the Buddha). Tablet exhibits vertical fracture. Obverse right edge presents four Chinese characters.
One glazed ceramic snuff bottle in the shape of a human figure with white skin black hair and red lips wearing blue-green pink yellow and orange garments open at the front.
One glazed ceramic snuff bottle in the form of two smiling open-robed figures standing side-by-side on an eight-sided base. Each figure has black hair white skin and red lips and presents a small hole in the top of its head. Figures wear robes coloured red-brown and blue-green.
One glazed white ceramic snuff bottle resembling a bed pan. A short wide neck with a beaded rim sits on one end of a boat-shaped body with a moulded ribbon-shaped handle on its upper surface and a flat approximately oval-shaped base. Interior of neck glazed sky blue. Upper side of handle glazed in a red-brown and gold botanical pattern. Long sides of body present multi-coloured designs of figures and huts in garden landscapes. Short sides of body exhibit multi-coloured botanical motifs.
One rectangular black lacquered silk-lined case containing two rectangular grey ink sticks broken into two pieces. Case lid presents four gold Chinese characters 仿古藏煙 (modelled after antique inks). Left and right upper obverses present sun and clouds motifs in gold pigment. Left and right lower obverses present seven seal-script Chinese characters 雲漢常懸秦日月 (the sun and moon of Qin are eternally ascendant in the heavens) inscribed within oval borders. Left and right upper reverses present three gold Chinese characters 太素齋 (Tai Su Zhai or Taisu study) bordered by gold dragon motifs.
One dark brown and grey jade ornament in the form of a flattened oval. Circular hole drilled parallel to faces through width. Obverse and reverse present engraved animal heads.
One grey-white jade pendant. Green-brown vein. Two small holes pierced through top. Obverse present eight incised lines of variable length; reverse presents seven incised lines of variable length.
One brown-white jade bead in shape of flattened cyclinder. Dark brown vein. Small hole pierced through longitudinal axis.
One yellow-brown jade cong. Dark brown vein. Top and bottom present inner ring relief superimposed on square outer cross-section. Each side of long body exhibits image of dragon carved in low relief.
One adze-shaped jade object. White with grey-brown vein. Obverse and reverse present band of six incised lines. Three holes in top with black cord threaded through.
One cylindrical yellow-brown jade bead. Dark brown vein. Hole pierced through longitudinal axis. Threaded through with red cord knotted at either end to secure bead.
One elongated cylindrical white jade carving. Yellow-brown vein. Exterior surface presents engraved geometric pattern. Hole pierced through longitudinal axis.
One cylindrical yellow-white jade carving. Brown vein. Exterior surface presents engraved design of stylised dragon. Hole pierced part way along longitudinal axis from bottom end.
One triangular blue-grey jade ornament in the form of a stylised cicada. Blue and brown vein. Obverse presents convex body carved in shallow relief. Reverse is flat with incised details.
One blade-shaped blue-white jade gui. Blue-brown vein. Small hole at top thread through with white cord. Suspension hole at top.
One crescent-shaped grey-white jade huang. Brown-flecked vein. From a girdle pendant. Obverse presents incised intertwining pattern. One suspension hole near left-hand inside rim. Remains of two suspension holes on right-hand edge. Two square notches on outer rim near right-hand end. Presented in a box.
One cylindrical green jade bead. Dark green vein. Slight taper towards top with incised linear pattern. Hole pierced through longitudinal axis threaded through with red cord; knotted at either end to secure bead.
One U-shaped white jade ornament. Yellow-brown vein.
One triangluar white jade sword-guard. Grey-brown vein. Narrow rectangular slot pierced through cross-section. Brown cord threaded through. Obverse and reverse present shallow relief-carved serpentine patterns and an incised stylised animal head.
One rectinlinear yellow-white jade ornament with rounded corners. Yellow-brown vein. Slightly convex obverse presents shallow relief-carved stylised design of a dragon under a tree. Reverse is flat and presents four holes pierced part way through object.
One circular white jade button. Blue-brown vein. Obverse presents relief carving of coiled lizard. Reverse presents transverse piercing threaded through with blue cord.
One long slender slightly curved white jade pin. Obverse presents shallow relief carving of eight figures and serpentine patterns that pierces jade. Reverse is flat. Decorated part of pin surmounted by a spike.
One approximately circular white mutton-fat jade pendant in the form of a coiled animal. Light brown vein. Obverse presents an approximately convex profile separating into several tiers of details incised and carved in shallow relief. Reverse presents a flatter profile comprising tiers of details incised and carved in shallow relief. Carving pierces jade at several points creating pattern of circular and serpentine openings.
One elongated adze-shaped jade object. Blue-grey with darker blue vein. Upper extremity terminates in short handle and collar. Obverse lower end presents chisel-shaped slightly-stepped concavity.
One long slender white mutton fat jade pin. Upper end terminates in externally-toothed spiral.
One long slender white jade pin. Pale green vein. Incised circular symbol on upper end.
One white jade pin. Presents a slightly curved body terminating in a button-shaped head with an incised design comprising ruyi fungal patterns surrounding a central motif in the form of a toothed-wheel.
One long slender white jade pin. Button-shaped head presents incised design comprising ruyi fungal patterns surrounding a central flower. The centre of the flower defines a shallow concavity in which there may have been an inset gemstone.
One ceramic shard. Obverse presents blue and white glazed design of a robed woman.
One glazed blue-white Fujian blanc de Chine female figure. Figure is depicted standing on a cuboid pedestal with hands placed together at waist height.
One shallow circular copper-red glaze plate with a shallow wide base. Rim and underside of base are glazed white. Underside of base exhibits mark of Emperor Jiaqing (1796-1820).
One furnishing for lower end of sword scabbard. White, ornamented with geometric pattern of squares. Three holes at top.
One brown cylindrical wooden container with a ring-shaped cap and a yellow-white bone or ivory stopper threaded through with orange cord.
One very small bronze figure in the form of a stylised fox head. Obverse and reverse exhibit green patina.
One light tan elongated blade-shaped walrus tusk slightly curved along its length. Each side presents incised designs of figures engaged in boating and fishing.
One openwork relief-carved wood sculpture depicting a robed figure on horseback. Sculpture painted red green and yellow.
Five small carved wood sceptres embellished with red green and gold pigment. Each sceptre comprises a teardrop-shaped head and figurative motif surmounting a short shaft and crown.
One blue-purple glazed ceramic shard ground into a teardrop shape with a scalloped edge. Shard inset in black base. Reverse presents inscription.
One approximately rectangular red-brown openwork carved and pierced ivory sculpture. Presents a flattened frieze-like design of a bird feeding from a flowering planet.
One circular glazed red-brown ceramic vessel. Presents a wide mouth and short slightly out-turned neck surmounting high shoulders and a body that gradually tapers to a flat narrow base. Vessel exterior exhibits pattern of horizontal striations.
One glazed blue and white ceramic figure. In the form of two fish with upraised tails flanking a central vertical form the obverse and reverse of which are emblazoned with Chinese characters.
One circular glazed grey-green ceramic vase with a short narrow neck and out-turned lip surmounting broad high shoulders that taper gradually to a slightly out-flaring base. Upper shoulders of vase exterior exhibit a ruyi or fungus pattern with black and white linear embellishments. Mid-section of vase exterior presents a broad band of serpentine botanical decoration in white outline. Lower part of vase exterior presents a semi-geometric freize again with black and white linear embellishments.
One tall circular glazed light grey ceramic vase with a narrow neck and flaring lip surmounting broad high shoulders that taper gradually to a slightly out-turned base. Vessel exterior body exhibits designs in dark grey colouration. Vase shoulders and lower two fifths of its body present bands of linear geometric patterns. Vase mid-section presents a serpentine botanical pattern.
One yellow-brown carved wood figurine of a warrior standing on a shallow red-painted base. Figure brandishes a short upright sword in its right hand and in its left hand holds close to its body a shield fashioned in the form of a human face. Horizontal curvilinear patterns incised into warrior's body and across the brow of the face on its shield.
One carved wood figure posed standing on a shallow base. Figure is depicted wearing elaborate dress and is painted red green blue and gold. Right arm is missing.
One carved wood figure depicted standing with its right hand clutching the remains of a staff. Figure exhibits remnants of red yellow and green pigmentation. Left arm and most of the lower limbs are missing.
One relief carved wood sculpture in the form of a figure on horseback. Exhibits remnants of red yellow and green pigmentation. Horse's tail and arms of rider are missing.
One oval brass daigou made from reshaped jun ware shards set into a brass fitting. Obverse comprises a central red shard ground into a rectangular shape flanked by two blue-purple shards ground into semi-circular shapes.
Gold plated medallion for 'World Decade for Cultural Development' (1988-1997). Depicts a hologram of four theatrical masks on one side. On reverse are three dancing women with ribbons and inscription. In pink velvet case.
Peoples Association for Friendship With Foreign Countries, Gansu Province
One circular bronze medallion. Obverse presents head and shoulders portrait of Sun Yat-sen. Reverse upper outer circumference presents Chinese characters within which is an illustration of a the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing.
One rectangular box containing three antique Chinese coins. Box covered in pale pink fabric embroidered with a pattern of circles and diamonds containing floral motifs in red green and yellow stitching. Inside lid of box presents placard providing details of coins [transliteration required] Box interior presents coins resting obverse side up on a bed of red felt bounded by a yellow felt border. A loop of red string links rightmost coin to an official authenticating seal located in the upper right corner. Coin details are as follows: (left) one circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents two Chinese characters 五銖 (wu zhu). From the 1st Century BCE to the 6th Century AD. (middle) one circular coin. Approximately square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 元祐通寶 (yuanyou tongbao). From the Yuanyou era (1086-1094 AD) of the reign of Emperor Zhezong (1085-1100 AD). (right) one circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 開元通寶 (kaiyuan tongbao). Kai Yuan early type (621-718 AD).
Personal seal of Rewi Alley carved in ivory depicting the traditional male lion with front paw on a sphere (in small case). Inscribed 艾黎 (Aili) in seal script.
Presented to Rewi Alley on his 85th birthday, granting him the first honorary citizenship of Beijing in 1982.
Perspex disc with red backing and engraved Chinese characters. Disc sitting on perspex base with yellow Chinese characters. Backed with a clear perspex stand.
One bronze sculpture of two near-identifical prone figurines oriented top to tail. Figures are connected at their upper and lower torsos by two mouldings in the shape of flattened cylinders and are depicted clasping one another's left hands. Copy of the famous 'Gymnastic Boys' bronze, original in Lanzhou Museum.
One bronze figurine in a fabric-covered box. Figure of Central Asian dancer posed on a lotus-bud-shaped pedestal with right arm and right leg raised. Copy of original found near Shandan, Gansu, in the Shandan Rewi Alley Museum. Box fabric is predominantly blue with patterns of houses and trees. Box is lined in red felt. Lid of box embellished with white label presenting a column of six Chinese characters. Lid fastened with white bone toggles and loops of red material.
One wallet: Brown leather wallet with 5-pointed star cut into the front outside surface. Two pockets, one inside each half. Well used but in good condition. Some stitching frayed. Used by Rewi Alley and deposited by Alan Duan, his adopted son, per Madam Lu Wanru (Chinese Friendship Assn.) One letter opener with holder: Wooden letter opener, stained black. Top of handle has snake carved into head, with the head protruding out the back. Head has inset eyes. Presented with holder but the two do not appear to have intended to go together. Holder light brown wood, split along length down each side. Knife in good condition. Some notches missing from blade. Owned by Rewi Alley and deposited by Alan Duan, his adopted son, per Madam Lu Wanru (Chinese Friendship Assn.) One magnifying glass: Magnifying glass (hand held) with black plastic frame and handle. "90 mm" embossed in gold at back of frame. Frame broken and repaired with sellotape. Owned by Rewi Alley and presented by Alan Duan, his adopted son, per Madam Lu Wanru (Chinese Friendship Assn.) One pair of spectacles and case: Pair of spectacles in imitation snakeskin case. Glasses squared lenses with metal reinforced plastic frames, brown and transparent plastic. Inscribed on frame: "55 x 16. Life Style. 1387 MH." Inside case writing printed in English and Chinese; English: "William's Optical Co. 10 Queen's Theatre Arcade, Queen's Road, Central H.K. Tel H-245 944". In good condition, lenses slightly scratched. Belonged to Rewi Alley and were deposited by Alan Duan, his adopted son, per Madam Lu Wanru (Chinese Friendship Assn.)
One semi-circular unglazed light tan earthenware tile. Obverse presents moulded motifs in the form of a central tree flanked by two stylised figures mounted on horseback.
One bronze jug with a cylindrical body moulded into an S-shape. In the form of a zun but with a handle attached to the lower half of the body. Vessel exhibits green patina with flecks of metallic yellow and red. Narrow groove encircling waist defines boundary between upper and lower body. Upper body flares into a wide rim at the top. Lower body flares out to a similar extent before curving in towards a narrower base. Lower body also presents divided monster or Taotie pattern in moulded shallow relief.
One irregularly shaped, cast bronze sculpture. Served as a coin called ‘Ant Money’. Details carved in relief.
One small glazed yellow-brown ceramic figurine of a standing animal.
One approximately square-shaped dark brown relief carved wood pendant. Both sides present near identical garden landscape designs with cranes and blossoms. Vertical edges exhibit curvilinear ruyi fungal patterns that link into stylised bat motifs at the top and bottom. Pierced longitudinally and threaded through with yellow cord.
One double-lobed brass daigou comprising two semi-precious stones set into brass fittings.
One brass daigou comprising five semi-precious stones mounted in an oval brass fitting. Obverse of brass fitting presents an elaborate serpentine botanical relief pattern.
One small glazed dark brown ceramic figurine of a standing animal. Hole through nose.
One small glazed white and brown ceramic figurine of a standing animal with a raised head.
One small glazed yellow-brown ceramic figurine of a standing animal with a raised head.
One small glazed light tan and white ceramic figurine of a standing animal with a raised head.
One small glazed red-brown and tan ceramic figurine of a standing animal with a raised head.
One approximately semi-circular unglazed grey earthenware tile. Obverse moulded in high relief in the form of a stylised cat mask.
One bronze amulet with four loops and pointed centre bar.
One bronze pendant resembling the head of an animal with large eyes and ears and a pointed snout. Bar loop attached to reverse.
One dark grey circular bronze pendant with a prominent ring-shaped attachment. Convex obverse and concave reverse.
One dark gray circular bronze button with speckles of brown and blue-green corrosion. Obverse convex with moulded embellishments on the rim. Reverse slightly concave with moulded ring.
Six-petalled flowers, looped back. Known as a 'Nestorian Cross'.
In diamond, with loops on each arm of cross. Back loop. Known as a 'Nestorian Cross'.
One bronze circle and cross in centre, seven 'petals', with back loop. Known as a 'Nestorian Cross'.
One bronze figurine of the Sino-Tibetan deity figure Dam Can. Outstretched hands are represented performing simhamukha or 'lion face' mudra. Dam Can depicted riding a buffalo upon a base that exhibits stylised wave patterns. Figurine exhibits remains of red and yellow pigmentation.
One three-piece rectangular brass daigou. Obverse of each component presents serpentine dragon moulded in relief.
One pipe in the form of an elongated red-brown speckled bamboo cylinder with a bone mouthpiece and a brass bowl.
One red-brown wood daigou comprising two separate components. One component exhibits a hook in the shape of the head of a dragon; the other component exhibits a rectangular loop into which the dragon head hooks. Obverse of both components presents elaborate serpentine relief carvings. Reverse of both components presents a carved loop but is otherwise undecorated.
One necklace comprising ninety six creamy-white hollow reticulated soft-paste ceramic spheres and three fragments threaded through with light brown twine.
Five hair pins. Each pin consists of a long slender gold- or silver-hued metallic body the upper ends of which terminate in ornate mountings of jade pearl rose quartz and enameled metal.
One gilt filigree brooch in the form of a flattened semi-circle. Obverse presents botanical patterns embellished with turquoise kingfisher feathers (tian tsui) and inset with pearls coral jade and coloured glass. Suspended from the left and right sides of the reverse perimeter are strings of pearls terminating in globules of coloured glass in enameled gilt metal mountings. Brooch pin is fabricated from a silvery metal the reverse of which presents moulded Chinese characters.
One leaf-shaped gilt filigree brooch. Obverse perimeter fashioned into a botanical pattern with tadpole-shaped motifs and embellished with turquoise kingfisher feathers (tian tsui). Obverse centre mounted with a flat carved mutton fat jade motif. Reverse presents flat cross-plate and pin.
One small yellow-brown approximately cylindrical wood pendant carved in the form of the head of a man wearing a cap. Pierced longitudinally with mauve cord threaded through.
One light tan carved stone animal depicted crouching on a shallow base with its head and snout extended. Object is quite worn.
One light tan ceramic figure depicted standing with its legs together and its arms clasped together across its chest. The figure presents a full head of curly hair or perhaps a close-fitting headdress and is dressed in a tunic and pants. The figure exhibits traces of red and green colouration.
Small ornamental table screen in form of jade tablet, featuring finely (carved) inscribed script (obverse) and dragon design (reverse). Commemorates first woman who had silk worms in China by discovering use of mulberry leaves. Obverse: 御題蠶織圖 (The Emperor’s Inscription to Pictures of Silkworm Weaving). One dark brown tablet holder roughly assembled from several carved wood components. Exhibits simple ruyi patterning and scroll work.
One creamy-white carved ivory figure of an elephant depicted trumpeting with mouth open and snout raised.
One unglazed tan-brown earthenware figurine of a seated drummer. Figure depicted grinning jovially with upper teeth visible through open mouth. Figure nestles drum under its left arm supporting this on bent left knee. Drummer's right arm and right leg are extended and the right hand presents a small hole. Traces of blue grey mauve and red pigmentation visible on figure's body and drum.
One large glazed sancai ware figure of a saddled and bridled horse standing on a shallow rectangular unglazed base. Dominant glaze colours are brown white and ochre-green.
One glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck with a beaded rim surmounts an elongated rounded rectangular cylindrical body with high shoulders tapering sharply inwards towards a slightly out-turned circular base. Neck ringed with ruyi pattern. Body presents a continuous design of figures dancing and playing in a garden landscape. Base exhibits mark of Yongzheng (1723-1735 AD).
One standalone copper-bronze moulded relief sculpture in the form of a standing figure. Figure's raised upper left limb takes the form of a leg and foot.
One glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts an elongated cylindrical body with a circular base. Body presents a continuous design of figures walking and riding through a garden landscape.
One glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts an elongated cylindrical body and a circular base. Neck ringed with botanical pattern. Body exhibits continuous design of a dragon and a phoenix. Base presents Qilin motif.
One glazed white ceramic snuff bottle in the form of a black-eyed squirrel.
One glazed white ceramic snuff bottle. A narrow neck flaring slightly to an out-turned beaded rim surmounts a rounded rectangular body. Lower half of body presents a continuous multi-coloured design of a mounted warrior; body shoulders present continuous multi-coloured design of a dragon and clouds.
One jade ornament in the form of two fish. Comprises one large green-white fish to which is attached a smaller fish in green-brown vein. Both fish exhibit engraved details of eyes gills and fins.
One glazed blue red-brown green black and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts a flattened pear-shaped body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. Body exhibits continuous design of dragon and waves and/or clouds. Base exhibits mark of Daoguang (1821-1850 AD) in red-brown glaze.
One glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts an elongated rectangular body square in the transverse plane with a square base. Neck exhibits four swastika patterns. Body presents continuous design of a dancing figure in a garden landscape.
One glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts a body oval-shaped in the coronal plane and octagonal in the transverse plane tapering towards a circular base. Neck ringed with eight dots. Each body face presents a vertically-disposed botanical design. Base exhibits mark of Yongzheng (1723-1735 AD).
One imitation realgar glass snuff bottle. Yellow vein on neck and shoulders. A short narrow neck surmounts a flattened oval-shaped body tapering towards the base.
One glazed white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts a flattened circular body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. Body presents continuous multi-coloured design of eighteen figures. Base exhibits mark of Daoguang (1821-1850 AD) in red-brown glaze.
One glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts an elongated cylindrical body tapering at the bottom towards a circular base. Body presents continuous garden landscape design. White ground, fisherman with red, river, trees, houses, mountains, in blue. Cylindrical.
(1) One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 大中通寶 (dazhong tongbao) and one character on the reverse 十 (shi) denoting the value of ten. From the reign of Zhu Yuanzhang as the Prince of Wu (1361-1368 AD). (2) One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 天啓通寶 (tianqi tongbao) and reverse two characters 十 (shi) denoting the value of ten (shi) and 一兩 (yi liang) denoting a weight of one liang. From the Tianqi era of the reign of Emperor Xizong (1620-1627 AD). (3) One circular charm coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 正德通寶 (zhengde tongbao) and reverse a moulded design depicting a dragon and phoenix. Characters refer to Zhengde era of the reign of Emperor Wuzong (1505-1521 AD). However no official currency ever was issued with this period title. This is an example of a charm coin that has continued to be made up to the present day. (4) One circular charm coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 大觀通寶 (daguan tongbao); reverse presents a moulded design depicting a snake tortoise and constellations. Characters refer to the Daguan era (1107-1110 AD) of the reign of Emperor Huizong (1100-1126 AD). However decorated reverse suggests that this is not genuine currency but a charm coin.
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents eleven Chinese characters comprising (top) 安徽省造 (minted in Anhui province) and (bottom) 每元當製錢十文 (each coin valued ten wen). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding two Manchu characters boo an (Nanking for Anhui mint). Reverse outer circumference reads AN-HWEI TEN CASH in English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD).
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents nine Chinese characters comprising (top) 奉天省造 (minted in Fengtian province) and (bottom) 當製錢十文 (value ten wen). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding two Manchu characters fung boo (Fengtian Manchuria province mint). Reverse outer circumference reads FUNG-TIEN PROVINCE TEN CASH in English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. From the Gunagxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD).
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents twelve Chinese characters comprising (top) 福建官局造 (minted by Fujian Custom house); (sides) 閩關 (Fujian Custom); (bottom) 每枚當錢十文 (each coin valued ten wen). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao). Reverse outer circumference reads F. K. CUSTOM – HOUSE 10 CASH in English-language script surrounding cebtral dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD).
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents eight Chinese characters and four Manchu characters comprising (top) unidentified Manchu characters except for the rightmost which is identifiable as boo; (sides) 戶部 (Ministry of Revenue); (bottom) 當製錢二十文 (each coin valued twenty wen). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao). Reverse outer circumference reads HU POO 20 CASH in English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD).
(1) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents six Chinese characters and two Manchu characters comprising (top) 江西省造 (minted in Jiangxi province); (sides) boo chang (Nanchang Jiangxi mint); (bottom) 當十 (value ten). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding a central floral motif. Reverse outer circumference reads KIANG - SEE 10 CASH in English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD). (2) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents seven Chinese characters and four Manchu characters comprising (top) unidentified Manchu characters with the exception of the rightmost which is identifiable as boo; (sides) 清江 (Qingjiang Jiangsu province); (bottom) 當製錢十文 (value ten wen). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding central floral motif. Reverse outer circumference reads TSING - KIANG TEN CASH in English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD). (3) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents eleven Chinese characters and two Manchu characters comprising (top) 江蘇省造 (minted in Jiangsu province); (sides) boo su (Suzhou Jiangsu province mint); (bottom) 每元當製錢十文 (each coin valued ten wen). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding central floral motif. Reverse outer circumference reads KIANG - SOO 10 CASH in English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD).
(1) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents seven Chinese characters and four Manchu characters comprising (top) unidentified Manchu characters with the exception of the rightmost which is identifiable as boo; (sides) 清江 (Qingjiang Jiangsu province); (bottom) 當製錢十文 (value ten wen). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding central floral motif. Reverse outer circumference reads CHING KIANG in English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD). (2) One circular coin. Left side of obverse outer circumference presents part of Chinese character 江 (Jiang) but coin is otherwise worn to the point of illegibility. Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding central floral motif. Reverse outer circumference reads CHING KIANG in English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD).
(1) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents nine Chinese characters comprising (top) 湖南省造 (minted in Hunan Province) and (bottom) 當二十銅元 (value twenty bronze coin) surrounding a central crossed flags motif. Obverse also exhibits wear and pitting. Reverse outer circumference reads THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA TWENTY CASH in English-language script surrounding a central botanical motif. (2) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents ten Chinese characters comprising (top) 湖南省造 (minted in Hunan Province) and (bottom) 當製錢二十文 (value twenty wen) surrounding a central crossed flags motif. Reverse outer circumference reads THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA TWENTY CASH in heavily worn English-language script surrounding a central botanical motif. (3) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents ten Chinese characters comprising (top) 湖南省造 (minted in Hunan Province) and (bottom) 當製錢二十文 (value twenty wen) surrounding a central crossed flags motif. Reverse outer circumference reads THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA TWENTY CASH in English-language script surrounding a central botanical motif.
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents nine Chinese characters comprising (top) 中華民國 (the Republic of China) and (bottom) 開國紀念幣 (coin commemorating the birth of the Republic of China) surrounding a central design of crossed flags bordered on either side by botanical motifs. Reverse outer circumference reads THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA TEN CASH in English-language script surrounding a central wreath motif within which are two Chinese characters 十文 (ten wen).
(1) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents six Chinese characters and two Manchu characters comprising (top) 四川省造 (minted in Sichuan province); (sides) boo chuwan (Chengdu Sichuan province mint); (bottom) 當十 (value ten). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding central floral motif. Reverse outer circumference reads SZE CHUEN TEN CASH in English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD). (2) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents six Chinese characters and two Manchu characters comprising (top) 四川省造 (minted in Sichuan province); (sides) boo chuwan (Chengdu Sichuan province mint); (bottom) 當十 (value ten). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding central floral motif. Reverse outer circumference reads SZE CHUEN TEN CASH in English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD).
One circular coin. Obverse presents two Chinese characters 壹分 (one fen) either side of ancient Chinese spade money motif. Reverse presents eight Chinese characters 中華民國二十六 (the twenty-sixth year of the Republic of China or 1937) defining an arc over a twelve-pointed star motif.
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 乾元重寶 (qianyuan zhongbao). Reverse exhibits double rim indicating that this is a value fifty coin. From the Qianyuan era (758-760 AD) of the reign of Emperor Suzong (756-762 AD).
(1) One charm coin with a circular body surmounted by a bell-shaped flange and ring. Diamond-shaped central hole. One side presents four worn Chinese characters situated within moulded rings. Design pierces coin material at several points. (2) One circular charm coin. Circular central hole. Both sides present designs and writing in two concentric bands. On one side the outer band comprises the Eight Diagrams or pa kua and the inner band their corresponding Chinese characters. On the other side the outer band comprises the zodiacal animals representing the Twelve Terrestial Branches and the inner band their corresponding Chinese characters. (3) One charm coin with a circular body surmounted by a semi-circular flange with rings at either side. Circular central hole. Both sides present five Chinese characters. (4) One charm coin with a circular body surmounted by a bell-shaped flange pierced on either side. Square central hole. Both sides present four Chinese characters.
One circular charm coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 泰和重寶 (taihe tongbao). Reverse presents moulded design of sun moon and crossed swords. From the Taihe era (1201-1208 AD) of the reign of Emperor Zhangzong (1189-1208 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 大順通寶 (dashun tongbao). Reverse presents the Chinese character 工 (gong) referring to the Board of Works. From the Dashun era of the reign of rebel Emperor Zhang Xianzhong (1644-1646 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 端平通寶 (duanping tongbao).From the Duanping era (1234-1237 AD) of the reign of Emperor Lizong (1224-1264 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 裕民通寶 (yumin tongbao). Reverse presents two worn Chinese characters 壹錢 (yiqian or one qian of silver). From the reign of rebel military commander Geng Jingzhong (1674-1676 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 崇寧通寶 (chongning tongbao). From the Chongning era (1102-1106 AD) of the reign of Emperor Huizong (1100-1126 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 昭武通寶 (zhaowu tongbao). Reverse presents two Chinese characters 壹分 (yifen or one fen of silver). From the reign of rebel military commander Wu Sangui (1674-1678 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 永昌通寶 (yongchang tongbao). From the Yongchang era of the reign of rebel Emperor Li Zicheng (1644-1645 AD).
One circular coin. Approximately square central hole. Obverse presents four worn Chinese characters 元祐通寶 (yuanyou tongbao). From the Yuanyou era (1086-1094 AD) of the reign of Emperor Zhezong (1085-1100 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 咸豐重寶 (xianfeng zhongbao). Reverse presents three Chinese characters 當五十 (dang wushi or value fifty wen) and two Manchu characters boo yuwan (Beijing Board of Works mint). From the Xianfeng era (1851-1861 AD) of the reign of Emperor Wenzong (1850-1861 AD).