Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

Domed plaque with a tiger design; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Relief Plaque of Black, Cream and Brown Stone, 28 x 66 x 11mm. This is oval, with flat face and back that rises to a pierced ridge. The design shows a tiger down on its front paws, with head turned backwards, jaws open and tail raised over rump. This surely comes within the confines of Chinese art, and a date within the Han Dynasty, c. 200 B.C. to 200 A.D. is the most likely. It is an interesting piece, though the purpose is not immediately clear. The holes at the ends are clearly for attachment, but the raised back means that it could not have been fixed to a smooth surface. One end is damaged, otherwise it is in good condition.' 20.3 grams, 65 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.

With swept lunate blade connected to the baluster handle by the gaping jaws of a serpent; four-arched vajra finial. 1.52 kg, 33.4 cm



Private collection, UK.

Comprising a slender double-edge blade with a raised midrib on both sides, a round-section handle and a disc pommel. 374 grams, 40.6 cm



Ex private Wiltshire, UK, collection, previously with the Ma Gallery, Bath, UK.

Modelled in the round on a rectangular base, horse with integral saddlecloth and saddle, crupper, bridle and harness, rider with riding coat and boots; head with cap modelled separately. 3 kg total, 34 cm



Ex West Country, UK, collection, 1990s.

Hollow-form figure modelled standing and dressed in long garments tied at the waist, wearing a tall headgear. 490 grams, 22.4 cm



From a West Country, UK, collection, 1990-2000.

Modelled in the round leaning forward, wearing a knee-length tunic and trousers; much pigment remaining. 3.5 kg, 45.5 cm



Ex West Country, UK, collection, 2000s.

Standing on a hexagonal base with pointed shoes, dressed in an ankle-length robe tied at the waist; separate head with a conical cap. 1.46 kg, 41.5 cm



Ex Sotheby's, London, circa 1990s. London, UK, collection.

Comprising an elaborate ogival niche, standing figure dressed in long robes and holding a drumstick in one hand and fly-whisk in the other, beside a small architectural frame for a musical instrument; handprint to reverse. 5.8 kg, 29 x 29 cm



Ex West Country, UK, collection, 1990s.

Featuring a tall piriform body with a narrow mouth, two concentric circumferential bands on the shoulder and a slightly flaring foot. 950 grams, 18 cm high



Ex Hong Kong gentleman's collection.

Shallow bowl with a low basal ring. 177 grams, 14.5 cm



Ex Hong Kong gentleman's collection.

Ellipsoid in plan with shallow lid and pierced inner plate to the body; low-relief floral motifs reserved on a pounced field; bearing a 6-character mark of the Ming Emperor Hongzhi (1487-1505). 1.87 kg total, 33 cm wide



Private collection, UK.

Comprising: Ryujin figure of the 'Dragon King of the Sea' in skirt with his court physician octopus on his head, inset nacre panel to underside of foot with signature 'Eishi Nagayuki'; bone figure carved in the round wearing a floor-length robe with hatched collar, holding open a scroll stretched across his chest; carved Ojime nut with houses in a landscape, inset metal rings to mouths of hole. 52 grams total, 19-87 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector. Accompanied by a signature translation by Mieko Gray.