Chinese Ming Terracotta Tile with Chubby Buddha

A matched pair of penannular bracelets, each formed in tightly-bound plaited gold wire with terminals formed as the crested heads of makara, their eyes set with rubies; mounted in a lined presentation case. 24.18 grams total, 64-65mm



Habsburg, Feldman, GOLD, Important Ancient and Ethnic Jewellery and Works of Art in Precious Metal, Hotel des Bergues, Geneva, 14 May 1990, no.105, 111. Acquired by the current owner from the above sale. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12800-241416. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Gold jewellery in northern Thailand holds both aesthetic and cultural significance, deeply rooted in regional identity, status, and spiritual belief. Traditionally crafted by skilled artisans, such pieces were not only symbols of wealth and social standing but also believed to offer protection and merit. In Lanna culture (the historic kingdom of northern Thailand), gold was closely associated with religious offerings, marriage rituals, and rites of passage, often passed down through generations as cherished heirlooms. The intricate designs—frequently featuring floral and mythical motifs—reflect both indigenous styles and broader Southeast Asian influences, underscoring gold’s enduring role in both personal adornment and communal heritage.

Comprising three powder boxes, two with painted floral motifs and one with a landscape to the lid. 293 grams total, 56-66 mm



Ex Butterfield and Butterfield auction with official Hoi An Hoard labels. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Hoi An shipwreck. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

In the mid 15th century a freighting junk loaded with fine Vietnamese pottery sank in an area of the South China Sea called the 'Dragon’s Embrace.' This vessel is part of the shipwreck cargo recovered off the coast of Vietnam at Hoi An. The ceramics themselves were probably made in the area of Chu Dau.

Each with elongated body leonine legs and paws with spurs to the joints, head thrown back and mouth gaping, tongue protruding and beard extending to the chest, two curved goat's horns; lateral 'wing' to outer flank; some pigment; some restoration. 23.55 kg total, 52.5-53.5 cm high



Acquired from a gallery in Hong Kong. Private collection, Hong Kong, acquired in the 1990s. Private collection, London, acquired in the 2000s. Accompanied by an original of a thermoluminescence analysis report no.C125k89 by Oxford Authentication for one of the pair. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12885-240555. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.