hu vessel. Globular body tapers towards a flat base and extends into a long neck flaring slightly at the top. Series of incised transverse lines around neck shoulder and waist. Shoulder patterns link two animal heads moulded in shallow relief on opposing sides of vessel. Animal heads feature prominent nose rings.]]>
Crackle glazed.]]> daigou]]> daigou. Darker yellow-gold vein. Upper part of obverse presents carved head of a dragon. Obverse body presents serpentine relief carving of a dragon.]]> yuan]]> yuan. Dark green vein. Large circular central hole.]]> ]]>
(2) One circular charm coin. Circular central hole. One side presents worn striated patterning.

(3) One circular charm coin. Square central hole. One side presents four worn Chinese characters. Inscriptions do not match any genuine currency suggesting this is a charm coin.

(4) One circular charm coin. Circular central hole. One side presents serpentine patterning piercing surface of coin.]]> 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).]]> yuanyou tongbao). From the Yuanyou era (1086-1094 AD) of the reign of Emperor Zhezong (1085-1100 AD).]]> yongchang tongbao). From the Yongchang era of the reign of rebel Emperor Li Zicheng (1644-1645 AD).]]> 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).]]> chongning tongbao). From the Chongning era (1102-1106 AD) of the reign of Emperor Huizong (1100-1126 AD).]]> 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).]]> duanping tongbao).From the Duanping era (1234-1237 AD) of the reign of Emperor Lizong (1224-1264 AD).]]> 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).]]> 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).]]>
(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.]]> 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).]]> 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.]]> 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).]]> wen).]]>
(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.]]> 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).]]> 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).]]> 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).]]> 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).]]> 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).]]> 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).]]> 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.]]>
White ground, fisherman with red, river, trees, houses, mountains, in blue. Cylindrical.]]> ruyi pattern. Body presents a continuous design of figures dancing and playing in a garden landscape. Base exhibits mark of Yongzheng (1723-1735 AD).]]> 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.]]> daigou]]> daigou. Obverse of each component presents serpentine dragon moulded in relief.]]> 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.]]> tian tsui). Obverse centre mounted with a flat carved mutton fat jade motif. Reverse presents flat cross-plate and pin.]]> 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.]]> daigou]]> 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.]]> daigou]]> daigou. Obverse of each component presents serpentine dragon moulded in relief.]]> 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.]]> ]]> daigou]]> daigou comprising five semi-precious stones mounted in an oval brass fitting. Obverse of brass fitting presents an elaborate serpentine botanical relief pattern.]]> daigou]]> daigou comprising two semi-precious stones set into brass fittings.]]> ruyi fungal patterns that link into stylised bat motifs at the top and bottom. Pierced longitudinally and threaded through with yellow cord.]]> 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 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.)]]>
Copy of the famous 'Gymnastic Boys' bronze, original in Lanzhou Museum.]]>
(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).]]> daigou]]> 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.]]>
]]> ]]> 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.]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> ]]> blanc de Chine female figure. Figure is depicted standing on a cuboid pedestal with hands placed together at waist height.]]> 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.]]> ruyi fungal patterns surrounding a central motif in the form of a toothed-wheel.]]> huang]]> 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.]]> gui]]> gui. Blue-brown vein. Small hole at top thread through with white cord. Suspension hole at top.]]> cong]]> 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.]]> Tai Su Zhai or Taisu study) bordered by gold dragon motifs.]]> 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.]]> shu fang zhai) referring to the palace constructed in the 1420s.]]> ]]> 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.]]> ]]> sui]]> sui. Darker brown vein. Obverse presents carved dot pattern in low relief. One end has been broken off.]]> ]]> gui]]> gui. Dark green vein.]]> ]]> boshanlu lid. Obverse coated in red-brown glaze with stylised designs of running human and animal figures moulded in relief. Reverse unglazed.]]> 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.]]> bi]]> 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.]]> bi]]> bi. Small circular central hole. Obverse and reverse present image of a fish in the sea contained within plain narrow outer border.]]> bi]]> bi. Brown-flecked vein. Medium-sized central hole.]]> bi]]> bi. White-streaked vein. Small circular central hole.]]> bi]]> bi. Medium-sized circular central hole.]]> yuan]]> yuan. Brown vein over two thirds of obverse and reverse circumference. Large circular central hole.]]> bi]]> bi. Brown-flecked vein. Medium-sized circular central hole. Narrow recess around outer circumference in pulley fashion. Obverse presents narrow rectangular radial incision.]]> daigou]]> daigou. Dark brown vein. Obverse and reverse present incised serpentine patterns.]]> sui]]> sui. Brown-grey vein. Profile exhibits rectangular slot through middle of object and a hook at one end. Plain cord threaded through slot.]]> gui]]> gui. Brown-flecked vein. Hole at the top. Upper third of body exhibits three incised lines; upper line intersects hole.]]>