Two egg-shaped white jade beads. Blue vein. Each bead presents two small holes pierced in one end; threaded through with black cord knotting beads together.
Three rectangular paper banknotes. Obverse of each note presents two faded seals in red pigment and inscriptions in black pigment contained within a rectangular border design featuring intertwined dragon motifs and a central illustration of ten stylised strings of coins. Inscriptions comprise (top) 大明通行寶鈔 (Great Ming currency); (middle) 壹貫(one string denominating one yuan or one thousand wen); (left) 永遠通行 (circulating in perpetuity); (right) 大明寳鈔 (Great Ming currency); (bottom) 戶部 / 奏准印造 / 大明寳鈔與銅錢通行 / 使用僞造者斬告捕 / 者賞銀貳百伍拾兩 / 仍給犯人財產 / 洪武年月日 (The Imperial Board of Revenue having memorialised the Throne has received the Imperial sanction for the issue of Government notes of the Ming Empire to circulate on the same footing as standard cash. To counterfeit is death. The informant will receive 250 Taels of silver and in addition the entire property of the criminal). The Hongwu era of the reign of Emperor Taizu (1368-1398 AD).
One rectangular paper banknote. Obverse presents stamps and seals in red and black pigment and Chinese-language inscriptions in blue and black pigment contained within a rectangular border featuring two dragons near the top and a wave pattern along the bottom. Chinese-language inscriptions comprise (top) 大清寳鈔 (Great Qing currency note); (centre left column) 咸豐肆年制 (made in the fourth year of the Xianfeng era); (centre column) 準足制錢壹千伍百文 (denominating one thousand pieces of government cash); (centre right column) 帳字第七千五百参十八號 (banknote serial number: Zhang 7538); (in circles along left border) 均平出入 (issued and accepted at equal value); (in circles along right border) 天下通行 (to circulate throughout the Empire); (bottom) 此鈔即代制 / 錢行用並准 / 按成交納地 / 丁錢糧一切 / 稅課捐項京 / 外各庫一概 / 收解每錢鈔 / 貳千文抵換 / 官票銀壹兩 (These notes shall circulate in place of government cash and will be received in the proportion fixed for the different taxes for all the custom's dues and for the purchase of rank. The treasuries both of the capital and provinces shall alike accept and forward them. The cash notes shall be exchanged for government silver notes in the proportion of 2,000 cash for one tael of silver). Reverse presents Chinese-language inscriptions in black pigment. From the Xianfeng era (1851-1861 AD) of the reign of Emperor Wenzong (1850-1861 AD).
1854 (the fourth year of Xianfeng Period).
One copper-red lacquered wood sculpture of a man standing on a green-coloured wooden base chipped at the front. Figure is dressed in long flowing robes. Left hand is missing.
One round shaped, green celadon glazed ceramic bowl, from Longquan in Zhejiang Province. Wide rim, tapering toward a short, narrow base. Lotus petal pattern moulded on the outside of the bowl, inside is plain. Southern celadon. Gift from Palace Museum.
One round shaped, olive green glazed porcellaneous stoneware bowl, from Honan Province. Funnel shape, widest at rim and tapers toward the base. Celadon glaze with a delicate floral scroll design carved in paste underneath on the inside of the bowl. Outside of bowl is plain. Typical example of Northern celadon. Gift from Palace Museum.
One cylindrical white jade ornament. Upper end terminates in carved bracket pierced with small hole. Red silk tassel threaded through; secured with a circlet of small pearls. Bottom end presents small hole pierced part way through longitudinal axis. Used for holding the peacock plume of a high Manchu official.
One large glazed sancai ware figure in the form of a camel standing on a shallow rectangular unglazed base with five musicians mounted on its back. Dominant glaze colours are white ochre green and blue.
One yellow-brown and green carved stone pendant in the form of a fish with a flat oval-shaped body and tail. Incised details of gills and fins. One small hole pierced through the head.
One glazed sancai ware figure of a saddled horse with a lowered head standing on a shallow rectangular unglazed base. irregularly shaped, multi-coloured glazed ceramic horse. Horse's mane presents pattern of linear grooves and the saddle a pattern of grooved diagonal criss-crosses. Horse's body is glazed brown and the saddle is glazed cream and green. Horse's tail exhibits a tie glazed blue.
One globular glazed ceramic vase with a lid. Vase is surmounted by a short narrow neck over wide shoulders gradually tapering to a flat narrow base. Vase lid is a short cylinder glazed orange on its round face with a circumferential serpentine design in gold. Upper exterior face of lid presents complex botanical design on a five-lobed glazed white ground. Exterior body of vase presents orange and gold peony design with grey foliage on a finely crazed white ground.
One circular glazed blue gold orange and white ceramic bowl with a wide crenellated rim tapering to a shallow narrow base. Bowl interior and exterior present intricate designs of birds and flowers. Bowl rests on a carved rosewood stand. Underside of base of bowl presents Chinese character 玉, meaning ‘jade’.
One irregularly shaped, green portrait bust of Rewi Alley, by Xiaohui Lu (Harry Lu). Made using a resin mould and cast technique from an original clay bust. Oil paint finish.
One oval-shaped grey-white jade pendant. Light brown vein. Obverse presents convex relief carving of a coiled animal. Incised details. Reverse is flat with two pairs of small holes.
One dark brown jade pendant in the shape of a couchant lion. One small circular hole piercing spine to belly threaded through with blue cord. Another small circular hole drilled through underside of fore feet.
One blade-shaped grey-white jade pendant. Engraved with composite bird and cicada design. Blue-grey vein. Small hole at the top. Implement used to loosen knots.
One jade pendant. Carved in the shape of a cicada with details engraved on obverse and reverse. Dark blue-grey vein. Small hole at top with blue cord threaded through.
One white jade pendant. Brown vein. Obverse and reverse present engraved serpentine patterns. Perimeter exhibits rectilinear cut-out. Hole pierced through longitudinal axis with blue cord threaded through; knotted at either end to secure pendant.
One arc-shaped white mutton-fat jade pendant. Dark brown vein. Obverse presents relief carving of stylized lion. Reverse is flat with incised serpentine patterns. Small hole pierced through pendant near tail of lion. Another small hole is pierced part way through the reverse behind the lion's head.
One shield-shpaed white jade pendant with serpentine ornamentation at the top. Grey-brown vein. Incised details on both slightly convex obverse and flat reverse. Small circular central hole.
One grey-white jade pendant. Dark grey vein. Small hole pierced in top with orange cord threaded through.
One crescent-shaped white mutton-fat jade pendant. Brown vein. Two small holes pierced at top with blue cord threaded through.
One T-shaped white jade pendant. Grey-brown vein. Convex obverse surface; flat reverse surface. Pierced with six small holes.
One light yellow-brown jade pendant. Obverse and reverse present incised taotie-like design.
One cream-yellow carved stone canine posed on a shallow flat base. Head and body exhibit dark grey patches. Figure is depicted with forelimbs extended and head and haunches raised.
One dark brown jade pendant. Dark grey vein. Taotie-like face carved in relief on one side. Two holes pierced either side of obverse and another hole pierced longitudinally.
One tall rectilinear dark brown lacquered wooden ancestral tablet and base with traces of gilding. A carved dragon head surmounts the upper front face with relief carvings of full-length dragons defining a narrow rectangular border on the remainder of the front face. Another relief carving of a dragon adorns the front face of the base. Within the dragon border are two vertical lines of characters. The right vertical reads 皇清勑封宜人顯妣何宜人神圭 (tablet of Lady He) and the left 男聯彬奉祀 (Son Lianbin Serve).
One glazed white ceramic stuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts a flattened elongated round rectangular body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. One face presents a multi-coloured design of a bird and plants; the other face presents a black and green design of a winged insect and foliage.
One glazed white two-part ceramic snuff bottle. Each section comprises a short narrow neck surmounting an elongated cylindrical body tapering at the bottom towards a circular base. Each body cylinder presents continuous multi-coloured design of figures engaged in various activities. Bases exhibit mark of Qianlong Emperor (1736-1796 AD).
One rectangular, unfired, clay panel which depicts Rewi Alley and a likeness of Buddha with children. Copy of an original Rewi Alley memorial at Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
One round, brass charm or amulet coin, depicting two dragons separated by a pillar surmounted by rosettes, one of which has three tendrils. Outer and inner double rim. Circular hole in centre.
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents nine Chinese characters comprising (top) 北洋造 (Beiyang mint) and (bottom) 庫平七錢二分 (denoting weight of the coin as seven mace and 4 canareens). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding four Manchu characters the rightmost of which is identifiable as boo. Reverse outer circumference reads 34th YEAR OF KUANG HSU PEI YANG 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 twelve Chinese characters comprising (top) 廣東省造 (minted in Guangdong province) and (bottom) 庫平一錢四分四釐 (denoting weight of coin as one mace and forty four canareens). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding a group of Manchu characters the rightmost of which is identifiable as boo. Reverse outer circumference reads KWANG-TUNG PROVINCE 1 MACE AND 44 CANAREENS in English-language script surrounding a central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD).
One circular Russian coin. Obverse presents Imperial double eagle motif. Reverse outer circumference presents wreath motif within which is inscribed 15 КОПѢЕКЪ 1916 (15 Kopeks 1916). From the reign of Tsar Nicholas II (1894-1917 AD).
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents nine Chinese characters comprising (top) 中華民國 (Republic of China) and (bottom) 開國紀念幣 (coin commemorating birth of the Republic of China) surrounding central profile portrait of head of Sun Yat-Sen. Reverse outer circumference reads MEMENTO BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA in English-language script surrounding central wreath motif within which are two Chinese characters 一圓 (one yuan).
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents ten Chinese characters comprising (top) 中華民國 (Republic of China) and bottom 當貳佰文銅元 (value 200 wen bronze coin) surrounding a central wreath and chrysanthemum flower motif. Reverse outer circumference reads HO-NAN 200 CASH surrounding a central crossed flags motif.
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents seven Chinese characters and four Manchu characters comprising (top) unidentified Manchu characters; (bottom) 當製錢十文 (value ten wen); (sides) 清江 (Qingjiang Jiangsu province). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding a central floral motif. Reverse outer circumference reads TSING-KIANG TEN CASH in English-language script surrounding a central dragon motif. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD).
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents eleven Chinese characters comprising (top) 山東省造 (minted in Shandong 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 dung (Yantai Shandong province mint). Reverse outer circumference reads SHANG-TUNG 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 and four Manchu characters comprising (top) unidentified Manchu characters bounded by 丙午（the year of bingwu, 1906); (bottom) 當製錢五文 (five cash); (sides) 戶部 (Ministry of Revenue). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 大清銅幣 (Great Qing copper coin) surrounding a fifth Chinese character 鄂 (an abbreviation for Hubei province). Reverse outer circumference presents (top) four Chinese characters 光绪年造 (made during the reign of Emperor Guangxu) and reads (bottom and sides) TAI-CHING-TI-KUO COPPER COIN 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 five legible Chinese characters comprising (bottom) 當製錢十文 (value ten wen) and sides 戶部 (Ministry of Revenue). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 大清銅幣 (Great Qing copper coin) surrounding a fifth central Chinese character 汴 (bian). Reverse outer circumference reads TAI-CHING-TI-KUO COPPER COIN in worn English-language script surrounding central dragon motif. (2) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents nine Chinese characters and four Manchu characters comprising (top) unidentified Manchu characters bounded by 丙午 （the year of bingwu 1906 AD); (bottom) 當製錢十文 (value ten wen); (sides) 戶部 (Ministry of Revenue). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 大清銅幣 (Great Qing copper coin) surrounding a fifth Chinese character 川 (an abbreviation for Sichuan province). Reverse outer circumference presents (top) four Chinese characters 光绪年造 (made during the reign of Emperor Guangxu) and reads (bottom and sides) TAI-CHING-TI-KUO COPPER COIN 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 seven Chinese characters and four Manchu characters comprising (top) illegible Manchu characters; (bottom) 當製錢十文 (value ten wen); (sides) 丁未 (the year of dingwei 1907 AD). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 大清銅幣 (Great Qing copper coin). Reverse outer circumfence presents (top) four Chinese characters 光绪年造 (made during the reign of Emperor Guangxu) and reads (bottom right and right side) COPPER COIN. Additional script on the left outer circumference is worn beyond legibility. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD).
(1) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents eight Chinese characters comprising (top) 湖南省造 (minted in Hunan province); (bottom) 銅元 (bronze coin); (sides) 當十 (value ten). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding two Manchu characters the leftmost of which is boo and the rightmost of which is unidentified. Reverse outer circumference reads HU-NAN and 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 nine Chinese characters comprising (top) 湖南省造 (minted in Hunan province); (bottom) 黃銅元 (brass coin); (sides) 當十 (value ten). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding two Manchu characters (nan boo) (Changsha Hunan province mint). Reverse outer circumference reads HU-NAN and 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 six Chinese characters comprising (top) 中華民國 (Republic of China) and (bottom) 當十 (value ten). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 湖南銅元 (Hunan bronze coin). Reverse outer circumference presents HU-NAN TEN CASH in English-language script surrounding a central motif of an eight-pointed star.
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents seven Chinese and four Manchu characters comprising (top) unidentified Manchu characters; (sides) 北洋 (Beiyang mint); (bottom) 當製錢十文 (value ten wen). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao). Reverse outer circumference reads PEI YANG and TEN 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 eight Chinese characters comprising (top) 中華民國 (Republic of China) and (bottom) 河南省造 (minted in Henan Province) surrounding a central wreath motif within which are two Chinese characters 十文 (ten wen). Reverse outer circumference reads HO-NAN TEN CASH in English-language script surrounding a central design of crossed flags bordered on either side by botanical motifs. (2) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents nine Chinese characters comprising (top) 中華民國 (Republic of China) and (bottom) 當二十銅元 (value twenty wen bronze coin) surrounding a central wreath motif. Reverse outer circumference reads HO-NAN TWENTY CASH in English-language script surrounding a central design of crossed flags bordered on either side by botanical motifs.
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents six Chinese and two Manchu characters comprising (top) 湖北省造 (minted in Hubei province); (bottom) 當十 (value ten); (sides) boo at the left and an unidentified character at the right. Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光緒元寶 (guangxu yuanbao). Reverse outer circumference reads HU-PEH PROVINCE and TEN 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 and two Manchu characters comprising (top) 江蘇省造 (minted in Zhejiang province); (bottom) 當十 (value ten); (sides) boo je (Hangzhou Zhejiang province mint). Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 光绪元宝 (guangxu yuanbao) surrounding a central floral motif. Reverse presents double dragon design. From the Guangxu era of the reign of Emperor Dezong (1875-1908 AD). (2) One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents four Chinese characters 大清銅幣 (Great Qing bronze coin) situated equidistantly around a central dragon and botanical motif. Reverse outer circumference presents eleven Chinese characters comprising (top) 宣統三年 (the third year of Xuantong 1911 AD) and (bottom) 百枚換銀幣一圓 (a hundred silver coins can be converted to one yuan). Reverse inner circumference presents two Chinese characters 十文 (ten wen) and an enclosing wreath design. Reverse exhibits prominent parallel scoring. From the Xuantong era (1909-1912 AD) of the reign of emperor Gongzong (1908-1912 AD).
One circular coin. Obverse outer circumference presents indeterminate number of Chinese characters worn beyond legibility. Obverse inner circumference presents four Chinese characters 四川銅幣 (Sichuan bronze coin) surrounding a central floral motif. Reverse upper outer circumference presents six Chinese characters 中華民國元 (the first year of the Republic of China or 1912) surrounding a ring of eighteen circle motifs within which is a single Chinese character 漢 (han).
One circular coin. Obverse presents portrait of head of Sun Yat-Sen. Reverse outer circumference presents eleven Chinese characters comprising (top) 中華民國十八年 (the eighteenth year of the Republic of China or 1929) and (bottom) 廣東省造 (minted in Guangdong Province) surrounding a central wreath motif and two Chinese characters 貳毫 (two hao).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 嘉泰通寶 (jiatai tongbao). From the Jiatai era (1201-1204 AD) of the reign of Emperor Ningzong (1194-1224 AD).
(1) One circular coin. Square central hole. The Obverse presents four Chinese characters 政和通寶 (zhenghe tongbao). From the Zhenghe era (1111-1118 AD) of the reign of Emperor Huizong (1100-1126 AD). (2) One circular coin. Square central hole. The Obverse presents four Chinese characters 政和通寶 (zhenghe tongbao). Material missing from rim. From the Zhenghe era (1111-1118 AD) of the reign of Emperor Huizong (1100-1126 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four corroded Chinese characters 洪武通寶 (hongwu tongbao). Reverse presents two corroded Chinese characters 京十 (jing shi); jing 京 referring to the Nanjing mint and shi 十 denoting the value of ten. From the Hongwu era of the reign of Emperor Taizu (1368-1398 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents two Chinese characters denoting coin denomination 半兩 (ban liang). Ban Liang of rimless Western Han Dynasty type from ~175-119 BC.
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents two worn Chinese characters denoting coin denomination 半兩 (ban liang). Ban Liang of indeterminate type from ~378-119 BCE.
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four worn Chinese characters 咸豐通寶 (xianfeng tongbao). Reverse presents two Manchu characters worn beyond legibility. Coin worn through at one point on its obverse upper right internal circumference. From the Xianfeng era (1851-1861 AD) of the reign of Emperor Wenzong (1850-1861 AD).
One circular Annamese coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 安法元寶 (anfa yuanbao). Reverse is blank. From the Thuận Thiên era of the reign of Emperor Lê Lợi (1428-1433 AD).
One worn circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 乾隆通寶 (qianlong tongbao). Reverse presents two worn Manchu characters boo yun (Yunnan province mint).
One circular Annamese coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 景盛通寶 (jingsheng tongbao). Reverse is blank. From the Cảnh Thịnh era of the reign of Emperor Nguyễn Quang Toản (1792-1802 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 太平通寶 (taiping tongbao). Spans the period between the first (Taipingxingguo) and third (Duangong) eras (976-989 AD) of the reign of Emperor Taizong (976-997 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 開元通寶 (kaiyuan tongbao). Kai Yuan of indeterminate type from 621-907 AD.
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four worn Chinese characters 乾隆通寶 (qianlong tongbao). Reverse presents two worn Manchu characters boo chiowan (Beijing Board of Revenue mint). From the Qianlong era (1736-1796 AD) of the reign of Emperor Gaozong (1735-1796 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 弘治通寶 (hongzhi tongbao). From the Hongzhi era of the reign of Emperor Xiaozong (1487-1505 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 開元通寶 (kaiyuan tongbao). Kai Yuan early type (621-718 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four worn Chinese characters 洪武通寶 (hongwu tongbao). From the Hongwu era of the reign of Emperor Taizu (1368-1398 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four worn Chinese characters 正隆元寶 (zhenglong yuanbao). From the Zhenglong era (1156-1161 AD) of the reign of Emperor Wanyan Liang (1150-1161 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 紹興元寶 (shaoxing yuanbao). From the Shaoxing era (1131-1162 AD) of the reign of Emperor Gaozong (1127-1162 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 熙寧重寶 (xining zhongbao). From the Xining era (1068-1077 AD) of the reign of Emperor Shenzong (1068-1085 AD).
One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 熙寧元寶 (xining yuanbao). From the Xining era (1068-1077 AD) of the reign of Emperor Shenzong (1068-1085 AD).
One circular coin. Approximately square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 皇宋通寶 (huangsong tongbao). Spans the period between the fourth (Baoyuan) and seventh (Huangyou) eras (1038-1054 AD) of the reign of Emperor Renzong (1022-1063 AD).
One circular coin. Approximately square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 至道元寶 (zhidao yuanbao). From the Zhidao era (995-997 AD) of the reign of Emperor Taizong (976-997 AD).
One circular coin. Obverse presents two Chinese characters 壹分 (one fen) either side of ancient Chinese spade money motif. Reverse presents eight characters 中華民國二十五年 (the twenty-fifth year of the Republic of China or 1936) defining an arc over a twelve-pointed star motif.
One memorial scroll of calligraphy on paper with wooden ends. Commissioned by some of his older students to present to Rewi Alley on his 85th birthday, 1982. Inscription reads: 恭祝 路易. 艾黎老師八十五壽辰紀念 振翼齊飛 學生邱然美 梁渤然 張浩國 余盡忠 一九八二年十二月於慶陽 化普代筆 seal: 李化普印
One calligraphy scroll of two; five main characters with two lines of smaller characters; no signature seals; cracking in various places. One calligraphy scroll; five main characters with two lines of smaller characters; two signature seals. Inscription as follows: 萅秋多佳日 西北有高樓 皋北闌山麓書應啓x先生正 丁亥夏四月 南春裴xx
Large. Part of pediment of building?, with two 'griffins', archer, stag and hind. Black.
Large. Formal pattern of leaves and characters. Black.
Large, humans, animals, inscription, black.
Large, man and two horses and mythological animal. Geometric border. Black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Four kneeling figures. Geometric border. Black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, musicians, dancers, gamesters. Geometric border, black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, pi, animals, etc. Geometric border, black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, portrait of man. Black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, kneeling man. Black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, pi, etc. Geometric border, black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, pi, kylin, etc. Geometric border, black.
One rubbing of a tortoise from early Chinese stone relief. Geometric border.
One rubbing of a mythological bird from early Chinese stone reliefs. Geometric border.
One rubbing of tortoise and animal on its back from early Chinese stone reliefs. Geometric border.
One rubbing od a mythological bird from early Chinese stone relief. Geometric border.
One rubbing from early Chinese stone relief. Bi intersected by mythological creatures. Geometric border.
One rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, portrait of a man.
One vividly painted rectangular canvas monastery scroll. Obverse exhibits botanical border in purple and magenta surrounding a central design rendered in red orange blue and green. Buddhist theme.
One rectangular pink-white silk sheet embroidered with a multicoloured design of five flying dragons pursuing flaming red spheres.
One woodblock print entitled 'The Greats' depicting Rewi Alley at the Great Wall of China.
One unglazed tan-brown earthenware vessel. Takes the form of an upper ovoid cup divided by four equidistantly spaced vertical ridges and a pedestal with a flared base. Each face of upper part of vessel exhibits moulded decoration comprising circular serpentine 'badge' surrounded by a keyhole pattern. Pedestal presents moulded plantain leaf pattern. Probably broken imitation of ancient bronze gu or zun.
One earthenware model of a granary in the form of an elongated tapered pillbox sitting on three stubby feet and surmounted by the remains of a flared roof. Sides of object exhibit remains of green-grey glaze. One side presents a vertical slot.
One glazed blue-green earthenware model of a well head. Lower part of model comprises box-shaped body with square cross-section and beveled edges tapering slightly to the top. Upper part of model comprises stylised torana with horizontal crossbar and moulded ridged roof.
One light tan earthenware model of a granary. Presents unglazed cylindrical body flaring outwards slightly towards the base with a vertical slot in one side. Model also exhibits glazed green four-cornered peaked roof with moulded ridges.
One circular glazed black Tianmu ware bowl in the form of an inverted conoid tapering sharply from a wide rim to a shallow narrow base. Line of red glaze around rim.
One unglazed painted earthenware head of a female figure. Figure exhibits elaborate hairstyle with remants of linear detailing in ochre pigment. Eyes and eyebrows are painted in black pigment and lips in red pigment.
One glazed yellow-brown ceramic figure depicted standing on a narrow rectangular base with its right arm bent across its chest and both hands curled into fists. Figure exhibits a band of black colouration around its waist and traces of yellow green and red colouration across its headdress robes and pants.
One approximately ovoid unglazed painted earthenware head of a male figure wearing a red hat with ear flaps. Figure exhibits hair and facial features detailed in brown-black pigment. Lips detailed in red pigment.
One sancai ware figure depicted standing erect and dressed in flowing robes. Figure's robed body is glazed green and brown and surmounted by the unglazed head of an animal. Figure's head and upper back have been broken off and reattached.
One glazed yellow-ochre earthenware bianhu flask in the form of a flattened globe or canteen with a short neck surmounted by a ring-shaped lip and a flaring pedestal base. Vessel presents two circular faces divided by a ridge running around its vertical circumference from mouth to base. One upper quadrant of the ridge sports a moulded looped grip; the remains of such are visible on the opposing upper quadrant. Each circular face presents moulded serpentine relief patterns within a border of moulded beads and floral motifs. One face presents two opposed avians; the other face a single avian bounded by flowering plants.
One globular glazed creamy white earthenware cup. Cup exhibits broad rim with out-turned lip and a ring handle on one side. Visible cracks suggest object has been shattered and pieced back together.
One glazed red-brown ceramic head of a figure depicted wearing a headress falling to its shoulders.
One glazed yellow-brown ceramic head of a figure depicted with elaborately styled hair.
One glazed yellow-green ceramic figure depicted standing leaning slightly forwards on a narrow rectangular base. Figure wears a pointed headdress that falls to its shoulders and a high-collared tunic embellished at the neck with the head of an animal and on the breast with two medallions containing faces. Figure's hands are raised in fists in front of its body with the left fist curling around a small hole. Glaze exhibits crazing.
One glazed light tan ceramic figure depicted standing on a narrow circular base with its left arm bent upwards at the elbow and its left hand curled into a fist. Figure exhibits traces of yellow-green colouration.
One glazed yellow-brown ceramic figure depicted standing with hands clasped at chest height. Figure wears long flowing robes and a headdress that falls on either side of its face. Glazed exhibits crazing.
One glazed cream and brown earthenware miniature in the form of a hooded ox cart with ox and driver. Object is mounted on a shallow base. Cream glaze throughout except for the hood of the cart which is glazed brown.
One small globular ceramic vessel with a short neck and wide mouth tapering to a shallow narrow base. Two small handles on opposing sides of the vessel join its shoulders and neck. Upper two thirds of vessel exterior glazed dark brown in style of Jian or Tianmu ware. Lower exterior third of vessel is unglazed.
One glazed black and tan ceramic oil lamp in the form of a flattened bowl with a broad rim and a shallow narrow base. Lamp inner surface glazed black. Lamp rim contains a channel cut-out at one end and an elongated flange-shaped handle at the other. Rim upper surface presents moulded decorations of ridges and dots. Lamp underside is unglazed.
One shallow circular glazed white and brown Cizhou ware bowl with a shallow narrow base. Bowl interior presents serpentine motifs surrounding character 衣 yi (‘clothes’).
One wheel-shaped glazed white earthenware bottle with a slender cylindrical neck and a shallow oval base. Each side of the bottle presents a moulded Yin-Yang symbol encircled by three ranks of moulded concentric arcs.
One glazed ceramic figurine of a man standing on the head and body of a fish in water. Man wears an elaborate headdress and robes and sports a prominent moustache and beard. Figurine obverse glazed cream-white blue green and yellow. Reverse is unglazed.
One glazed white ceramic figure of a saddled and bridled horse.
One unglazed yellow-brown earthenware figure of a woman playing a lute. Figure is presented standing erect with lower limbs hidden beneath a long flowing robe. Figure exhibits traces of red orange and ochre pigment.
One small cuboid glazed grey-brown Ge ware dish resting on four stubby feet. Exterior and interior exhibit crackle glaze pattern. Patches of vermillion visible on the interior surface.
One shallow circular glazed white Ding ware bowl with a narrow shallow base. Bowl interior presents moulded relief patterns comprising paired fish on the base surrounded by concentric bands of serpentine botanical and geometric patterns. Innermost concentric band also exhibits six characters.
One glazed blue-white qingbai ware vase with a short narrow neck over broad shoulders and a globular body tapering towards a flat narrow base.
One shallow circular glazed light tan Yue ware bowl with a shallow narrow base. Bowl interior presents free-form pattern of combed striations.
One glazed brown earthenware ear-cup. Elliptical shape with two flange handles on opposing sides of the major axis.
One glazed green-brown earthenware vessel. Vessel presents a globular fluted body surmounted by a short neck and narrow opening flaring into a broad fluted rim. Vessel rests on a short out-turned pedestal base.
One glazed green and brown earthenware vessel. Exhibits wide opening at top with out-turned rim. Body narrows under rim and widens again toward base. Green glaze covers majority of object with brown glaze defining narrow band on rim and broader horizontal band around base. Vessel also features beaded pattern moulded in relief around the upper-middle of the jar.
One globular glazed olive green ceramic water dropper surmounted at the top by a short narrow fluted opening and tapering to a wide shallow unglazed base. A small moulded lug with an opening at the top is attached to one side of the vessel's upper middle body. Glazed exterior exhibits crazing.
One plain circular qingbai ware bowl in the form of an inverted cone truncated to provide a narrow shallow base. Glazed blue-white. Bowl interior presents moulded serpentine botanical pattern. Underside of base of bowl exhibits mark of Huizong Emperor (1119-1125 AD).
One small circular glazed ceramic vase with high shoulders surmounted by a short neck and narrow opening. Beneath the shoulders the body of the vessel gradually tapers to a relatively broad base. On a plain white glazed ground vase exterior presents three bands of decorations in blue red green and yellow glaze. Underside of base exhibits mark of Wan Li Emperor (1573-1620).
One circular glazed blue and white ceramic stem cup with a slightly flaring upper lip and a deep hollow conoidal base. Upper circumference of goblet presents design of figures and landscape. Base of goblet encircled by botanical pattern.
One ceramic figurine of the bodhisattva Weituo depicted seated with his right hand resting on his upraised right leg. Figure's right hand is moulded into a fist curling around a small hole. Body and base of figure are coated in a pale green celadon glaze exhibiting a brown crackle. Head of figure is glazed brown.
One small glazed green glazed ceramic vessel in the form of a flattened globe. Vessel is surmounted by a short neck and a wide-lipped mouth and rests on three short equidistantly-spaced feet.
One lavender glazed chicken coop water pot. Exhibits a short narrow neck and a slightly flaring glazed white lip and a broad flat base. Underside of base of vessel is glazed white and exhibits mark of Kangxi Emperor (1662-1722).
One globular flambé glazed red vase with a long thin neck and narrow mouth. Glaze exhibits purple streaks particularly evident at the top of the neck.
One shallow circular glazed blue and white ceramic bowl with a broad shallow base. Bowl exterior presents serpentine botanical pattern. Similar patterning present on the interior base of the bowl and in a narrow band just beneath interior rim. Underside of base of bowl exhibits mark of Kangxi Emperor (1662-1722).
One ceramic ink-paste container in the form of an oblate spheroid that opens into two halves. Lid and base interiors are glazed pale-green-white and their exteriors peach bloom glaze. The base of the container is slightly deeper than its lid and tapers to a shallow narrow base. Underside of base exhibits mark of Kangxi (1661-1722).
One deep circular glazed pale-green-white ceramic cup with a slightly out-turned lip and a shallow narrow base. Exterior of cup exhibits an incised freize of horses in a variety of poses.
One glazed cream-white Fujian blanc de Chine in the form of a rhinoceros horn. Exterior presents moulded relief patterns and glaze crazing.
One globular ribbed ceramic vase with a short narrow neck surmounting broad high shoulders that taper gradually to a narrow base. Upper three quarters of vase is glazed olive green and the remainder red-brown. Underside of base is unglazed.
One plain circular Clair de Lune glazed water pot. Flattened globular shape with a short neck and wide opening at the top tapering to a narrow base.
One cylindrical glazed green celadon jar resting on three equidistantly-spaced short feet. Jar exterior presents broad band of decoration in the form of a moulded serpentine botanical pattern.
One approximately circular shallow glaze green celadon plate (Yaozhou ware). Plate interior presents moulded serpentine botanical design.
One glazed blue and white ceramic vase with a short narrow neck surmounting a globular upper body and a cylindrical lower body flaring outwards slightly towards the base. Glaze exhibits dark blue crackle.
One circular glazed blue and white ceramic bowl with a fluted rim and a broad shallow base. Bowl interior presents stylised 'clouds and thunder' pattern of juxtaposed squared-off spirals. Bowl exterior exhibits same pattern in a band encircling the unglazed base. The bowl is cracked across its width.
One circular glazed white ceramic plate. Obverse presents a dense multicoloured botanical pattern. Reverse presents three serpentine botanical motifs in blue equidistantly-spaced around the base. Underside of base exhibits mark of Qianlong (1735-1796).
One circular glazed cream and brown Cizhou ware bowl with a slightly out-turned lip and a shallow narrow base. Bowl interior and exterior exhibit abstract serpentine patterns. Lower part of bowl exterior is unglazed.
One shallow circular glazed cream white ceramic bowl with a slightly flaring rim. Base of bowl rests on three short equidistantly-spaced legs. Immediately above one of the legs is a short handle curving down.
One adze-shaped jade object. Yellow-green with brown-flecked vein. Obverse and reverse present band of incised decoration. Small hole pierced near top.
One elongated blade-shaped olive green jade gui. Brown-green and dark green vein.
One circular mottled grey-brown jade bi. Medium-sized circular central hole. Obverse presents interlocking geometric pattern arranged in two concentric rings. Reverse presents geometric patterns arranged in two concentric rings. Inner ring exhibits rectilinear spirals. Outer ring exhibits zig-zag pattern of striated triangles.
One grey jade cong. Dark grey-brown vein. Obverse and reverse present inner ring relief superimposed on square outer cross-section. Each side presents four rectangular reliefs incised with vertical parallel lines.
One white jade cong. Brown-grey vein. Obverse and reverse present inner ring relief superimposed on square outer cross-section.
One light-grey jade cong. Brown-flecked vein. Obverse and reverse present inner ring relief superimposed on square outer cross-section.
One circular light grey jade zu cong 组琮. Brown-flecked vein. Four equidistantly-spaced protruding arc-shaped sections around outside circumference.
One circular bone-coloured jade yuan. Brown-flecked vein. Circumference embellished with head tail and four feet of a stylised turtle.
One grey-green jade cong. Brown-flecked vein. Obverse and reverse present inner ring relief superimposed on square outer cross-section. Two opposing sides present decorative dragons in shallow relief; the other two opposing sides present an arrangement of lunates and dots in shallow relief.
One adze-shaped jade object. Grey-white with light brown vein. Obverse and reverse present band of incised decoration with detail of stylised animal head. Small hole pierced at top.
One adze-shaped jade object. Yellow-brown with green-brown vein. Obverse and reverse present band of incised decoration comprising stylized tiger head within bounding lines. Immediately beneath band of incised decoration obverse and reverse present a row of five incised triangular leaves. Small hole pierced at top.
One adze-shaped jade object. Yellow-white with dark green vein. Obverse and reverse present band of incised serpentine decoration in ruyi fungal pattern. Small hole pierced at top.
One triangular adze-shaped jade object. Red-brown with darker red-brown vein. Small hole pierced at top.
One adze-shaped jade object. Grey-white with grey-brown vein. Obverse presents four rows of archaic characters 戊王五十介X雨XX月XXXX日王X. Small hole pierced near top.
One short blade-shaped pale blue-green gui. Dark olive-brown vein. Lower edge describes an arc; upper edge defines a low triangle pierced with a hole.
One rectangular grey-white jade sui. Brown-flecked vein.
One broad rectangular grey-green jade sui. Dark brown vein. Upper two thirds of obverse presents incised serpentine ruyi fungal patterns and lower third an incised taotie pattern.
One grey-white jade pendant in the shape of a fish. Blue-grey vein. Obverse and reverse exhibit engraved details of eyes gills and fins. Small hole in the head and a larger hole where tail curves around into the body.
One blade-shaped translucent yellow-white jade gui. Yellow vein. Pointed top and flat base. Left and right edges present wave profile. Small hole pierced through upper right obverse.
One adze-shaped jade object. Blue-grey and brown. Obverse and reverse present row of Chinese characters. Small hole at the top.
One bone-white jade girdle pendant in the shape of a crouching lion. Light brown vein. Engraved details on both sides.
One translucent green jade girdle pendant in the shape of a dragon. Brown vein. Obverse and reverse exhibit engraved outline and spiral pattern representing scales.
One blade-shaped green-brown jade ornament. Dark brown vein. Two edges exhibit serpentine cut-out pattern. Obverse and reverse present band of incised decorations.
One yellow-brown jade girdle pendant. Repaired.
One adze-shaped jade object. Blue-green with darker green vein. One round hole at the top.
One oval-shaped brass daigou decorated with jade carving. Obverse presents grey-white mutton-fat jade relief-carving of dragon mounted in brass. Reverse presents two brass belt loops and clasp.
One adze-shaped jade object. Green-brown with dark green vein. Small hole near top.
One blade-shaped elongated white jade ya zhang. Light brown vein. Small hook carved into lower left obverse edge. Small hole adjacent to hook.
One rectangular yellow-white jade ornament. Yellow-brown vein. Central rectangular opening occupied by small crouching figure with left arm raised. Carved details at top and bottom. Obverse and reverse each present engraved symbols.
One cylindrical translucent white jade pendant chisel. Brown vein. Upper end surmounted by relief carving of a dog immediately beneath which is a small hole piercing body of pendant. Lower end carved into chisel shape.
One blade-shaped jade gui. Green with darker green vein.
One serpentine hook-shaped white mutton-fat jade pendant carved into the form of a dragon. Incised details.
One glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts a flattened rounded rectangular body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. Neck ringed with ruyi design. Body faces present a continuous design of figures silhouetted against a geometric meander pattern. Short sides exhibit botanical motifs. Base presents mark of Yongzheng Emperor (1723-1735 AD).
One carved silhouette agate snuff bottle. A short wide neck with an inner cylinder and narrow opening surmounts a flattened rounded rectangular body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. One face is almost flat; the other face presents a slightly convex sagittal cross section with a yellow-gold outline design of a figure in a boat catching a fish. Pale green stopper mounted in a silver collar.
One frosted glass snuff bottle. A short wide neck with an inner cone tapering to a narrow opening surmounts a flattened rounded rectangular body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. Interior face presents a painted scene of figures in garden landscape. On one face shoulders exhibit characters 漁樵耕讀 京師薛少甫 (fisherman woodman farmer and scholar by Xue Shaofu from Beijing).
One glazed black gold and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck with a slightly flaring rim surmounts an elongated cylindrical body tapering slightly at the bottom to a circular base. Body presents continuous design of figures houses and landscape motifs outlined in gold on white with remaining ground glazed black. Base exhibits mark of Daoguang Emperor (1821-1850 AD) in red-brown glaze. Plain green stopper and collar.
One glazed white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts a flattened circular body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. Each face presents a grasshopper design glazed green brown and gold. Base exhibits mark of Daoguang Emperor (1821-1850 AD) in red-brown glaze. Plain hermispherical red stopper with green finial and green collar.
One blue and white glazed ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts an elongated rounded rectangular cylindrical body tapering towards a circular base. Body presents decoration of ten squatting figures with an eleventh squatting figure on the base.
One Sang de boeuf glazed ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounted a flattened spade-shaped body tapering towards an oval-shaped base.
One glazed blue green red-brown purple and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck with a beaded rim surmounts an elongated cylindrical body flaring outwards slightly towards a circular base. Body presents a continuous design of two robed seated figures playing a board game whilst a third smaller figure serves tea. Base exhibits mark of Qianlong Emperor (1736-1796 AD) in orange glaze.
One glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts a flattened circular body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. One face presents a design depicting two figures under a tree in the company of a cormorant and a tortoise; the other face presents a pattern of twelve circles containing various animals disposed in two rings of six circles each around a central squared circle motif. The circles in the outer ring are interleaved with six ruyi motifs.
One crackle glazed rose pink ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck flaring out to a beaded rim surmounts an elongated rounded rectangular body with high shoulders tapering towards an out-turned circular base. Plain white hemispherical stopper and red-brown collar.
One glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck with a beaded rim surmounts an elongated cylindrical body flaring outwards slightly towards a circular base. Neck and base embellished with doubled blue rings. Body presents a continuous botanical design. Base exhibits mark of Qianlong Emperor (1736-1796 AD).
One crackle glazed light brown and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck with a slightly flared rim surmounts an elongated cylindrical body with a circular base. Body presents a continuous multi-coloured design of a figure in a boat and a palm tree.
One glazed blue red and white ceramic snuff bottle. A narrow neck with a beaded rim surmounts an elongated rounded rectangular cylindrical body tapering towards a circular base. Body presents a continuous design of robed figures banners and a stone gate bearing Chinese characters.
One frosted glass snuff bottle. A short wide neck with an inner cylinder and narrow opening surmounts a flattened rounded rectangular body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. Interior face presents a continuous painted landscape in black brown and blue pigment. One face exhibits characters 石古帶煙霞 (clouds and mists surrounding the mountain stones); the other face presents characters 甲午七月周樂元 (Zhou Leyuan in the year of Jia Wu beginning 1894). Plain hemispherical orange stopper.
One frosted glass snuff bottle. A short wide neck with an inner cone tapering to a narrow opening surmounts a flattened rounded rectangular body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. Interior face presents a continuous painted scene of a landscape with a horse house and trees. Face depicting horse exhibits characters 癸卯中夏月作 (painted in the summer of the year Gui Mao beginning 1843 or 1903). Plain stopper and spoon.
One frosted glass snuff bottle. A short wide neck with an inner cone tapering to a narrow opening surmounts a flattened rounded rectangular body tapering towards an oval-shaped base. One interior face presents a painted scene of trees and houses in a landscape with characters 丁酉三月寫 (painted in the year of Ding You beginning 1897). The other interior face presents a painted scene of plant pots and miniature trees.
One glazed white ceramic snuff bottle. In the form of a green-eyed squirrel clutching a bunch of grapes.
One Sang de boeuf glazed ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck with a flaring rim surmounts an elongated body with high rounded shoulders tapering inwards towards an outward-flaring circular base.
One glazed blue and white two-part ceramic snuff bottle. Each section comprises a short narrow neck with a beaded lip surmounting a cylindrical body with rounded shoulders tapering slightly towards a circular base. Each neck ringed with ruyi pattern. Each body cylinder presents continuous landscape design of mountains trees houses and figures in boats.
One glazed blue red and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck with a beaded lip surmounts conical shoulders on an elongated cylindrical body tapering at the bottom towards a circular base. Neck ringed with geometric T-shaped pattern. Shoulders exhibit floral motifs enmeshed in pattern of linked triangles and criss-crossing lines. Body presents garden landscape design in which two warriors duel with swords whilst two other figures look on. Base exhibits mark of Yongzheng Emperor (1723-1735 AD).
One glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short wide neck with a flaring rim surmounts a cylindrical body with rounded shoulders tapering at the bottom towards a circular base. Neck ringed with ruyi pattern. Body presents continuous design of a figure fishing in a garden landscape. Base exhibits mark 玩玉 (literally 'play jade').
One crackle glazed blue and white ceramic snuff bottle. A short narrow neck surmounts an elongated cylindrical body tapering at the bottom towards a circular base. Neck ringed with ruyi design. Body presents continuous design of mounted hunters and attendants passing by an arched stone gate bearing the Chinese characters 得勝門 (Gate of Victory). Just below the shoulders on one side of the bottle are four Chinese characters 旗旗得勝 meaning 'Victory always!' 'Success!' or 'Good hunting!'
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 design of two figures in a garden landscape.