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 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 black ink stick in the form of a flattened rectangular slab. Contained in a case lined with pink satin. Ink stick is broken into several pieces. Exterior faces embellished with continuous stamped design of plants and insects. One broad face presents three gold Chinese characters 螽斯羽 (Zhong Si Yu or 'ye locusts winged tribes'). One narrow face presents five stamped Chinese characters 式好堂珍藏 (treasured and collected by the hall of Shi Hao). Print tabs are attached to each end of the ink stick. The upper tab reads 屯溪市徽州胡開文墨廠 (Tunxi city Huizhou suburb Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory); lower tab reads 143 淨煙墨 (143 pure black soot ink).
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.
Two approximately trapezoidal carved wood whistles in the form of squatting bears. Painted black with red highlights white linear hatching and zig-zag patterning. The head of each sculpture presents a small hole longitudinally piercing the body.
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 elongated cylindrical red-brown wood sculpture. Exterior presents relief carving of robed figures in a garden landscape. Sculpture open at the top but plugged at the bottom. Wood exhibits several vertical splits.
One carved and gilded wood sculpture of a warrior figure standing on a red-painted shallow rounded rectangular base. Figure is dressed in armour with a sword scabbard on its left hip. On its right side it bears an elongated object in both arms.
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 openwork relief-carved wood sculpture depicting a robed figure on horseback. Sculpture painted red green and yellow.
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 wood sculpture carved in the form of a horse and two seated felines. Sculpture painted black with red highlights and white linear zig-zag patterning. Small hole pierced through side of base.
One carved wood sculpture of an enthroned male figure. Depicted wearing a blue-painted hat and bearing a tasseled sceptre in his right hand. The figure's face and robes are painted in gold pigment. String is attached to the figure's head to emulate a long moustache and beard. The throne is a simple cubic structure painted red with gold highlighting. Iconography consistent with Zaoshen - the so-called Kitchen God.
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 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 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 red-brown lacquered wood box. Lid and sides decorated with a garden landscape design. Metallic-gold coloured hinges and clasp.
One rectangular brown carved wood fasting tablet. Obverse and reverse present a relief-carved botanical border surrounding a central rectangle containing two inscribed Chinese characters: 齋戒 (zhai jie, “fasting”); and 潔靜 (jie jing, “clean and pure”). One end of the pendant is threaded through with orange cord.
One serpentine red-brown wood daigou. Upper part of obverse presents carved head of a dragon. Obverse body presents serpentine relief carving of a dragon.
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 cuboid brass weight. One side presents two Chinese characters 肆兩 (four taels).
One long slender yellow-brown bamboo bow strung with hemp.
Green silk tubeteika (in Uzbek called a duppi or kalpoq) - a round, slightly pointed skull-cap from Uzbekistan, quilted and embroidered in cream, black and crimson with an edging of black velvet; lined with crimson cotton. Owned and habitually worn by Rewi Alley in the last decade or so of his life.
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).
Earlier Chinese helmet version of C.1967.77.
Comprising male and female models of helmets, one for each partner (in lacquered box, broken).
Two childrens toys, painted soapstone, both painted in red, black and white. A: Seated monkey with clasped hands. B: Squatting monkey, with hands to mouth.
One cream and tan disc-shaped carved stone shard with a slightly hemispherical cross-section. Presents a small circular central piercing. Part of the rim has been broken off.
One white and light tan disc-shaped carved stone shard. Flat on one side and convex on the other. Presents a small circular central piercing. Nearly half of the rim has been broken off.
One yellow-brown carved stone squatting figure on a small base. Exhibits prominent eyes and ears and a dangling beard. Hole drilled into base between figure's legs.
One grey-green carved stone head and neck placed on a red-brown carved wood base that resembles the upper torso of a figure standing with its arms by its sides. The front of the base exhibits a carved strap that extends from upper left to lower right. The stone head is noticeably chipped and worn whilst the wooden base is nearly pristine.
One light tan carved stone head with a prominent hairpiece large ears and small facial features placed on a red-brown carved wood base that resembles the upper torso of a figure standing with its arms by its sides. The front of the base exhibits a carved strap that extends from upper left to lower right. The stone head is noticeably chipped and worn whilst the wooden base is nearly pristine.
One white carved stone head of Guanyin broken off at the neck from a larger sculpture. Lower left side of its face is marked with dark grey speckling. Figure wears an elaborate hairstyle bound into a knot above its brow. Facial features comprise closed eyes a long nose and a small mouth. Two small holes drilled into the back of the head suggest that there are missing attachments. Head rests on a plain red-brown carved wood base cuboid in shape.
One speckled grey-green carved stone sculpture comprising a head and neck broken off a larger figure. Face exhibits a small nose and mouth but has no eyes. Horizontal incision on brow creates the impression of a hairline. Top and rear of head presents sculpted cord and pigtail.
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 cream and light-tan carved stone head broken off a larger sculpture at the neck. Depicted adorned with an elaborate headdress. A hole in the back of the head suggests that there are missing attachments.
One long rectangular light tan carved stone sculpture with a square transverse cross section. Body exhibits incised linear features. One square end-face of sculpture presents circular piercing drilled along longitudinal axis.
One yellow brown and green stone carving in the form of a flattened bird's head. Appears to be a fragment of a larger sculpture broken off at the neck. Bird's head depicted with a prominent crest and hooked beak. Two circular holes pierce head and crest. Both faces of sculpture present incised details.
One light tan carved stone sculpture of a squat pot-bellied figure seated cross-legged on a hemispherical base.
One light tan carved stone animal depicted crouching on a shallow base with its head and snout extended. Object is quite worn.
One small cream-brown carved stone head. Exhibits longitudinal piercing threaded through with blue cord.
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 cream and brown carved stone pendant in the form of the horned head of a ram. Incised details of eyes ears and snout. Sculpture exhibits a small longitudinal piercing threaded through with orange cord.
One yellow-brown carved stone pendant in the form of a crouching animal. Darker brown vein. Small hole piercing side of snout.
One yellow-brown carved stone pendant in the form of the horned head of a ram. Incised details of eyes and snout. A small hole longitudinally pierces the sculpture from its mouth to the back of its head.
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 small dark brown stone ornament in the form of a human head. Lighter-brown vein. Hair of figure is arranged in the form of a peak and defined by incised parallel grooves. Longitudinal hole pierced up into head at the base of the neck.
One blue-green and creamy-brown stone carving in the form of a coiled eel with a long flattened body. Obverse and reverse incised with details of eye mouth and body segments. Approximately ovoid piercing through centre of stone.
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 cream and light tan carved model stone pedestal in the form of a drum. Squat cylinder bulging at the waist. Upper and lower rims ringed with a beaded pattern; mid-section presents a botanical design in low relief. A metal pipe is inserted into a hole drilled into the upper face of the object.
One cylindrical mustard-yellow carved stone bead. Presents smooth ring-shaped ridges around its exterior surface.
One red-brown and cream cuboid soapstone seal. Predominantly cream-coloured upper end embellished with carved tortoise bearing a baby tortoise on its back. Bottom face carved with seal pattern.
One rectangular pink-white silk sheet embroidered with a multicoloured design of five flying dragons pursuing flaming red spheres.
Several light tan and brown turtle shell fragments bearing traces of red-ochre pigment.
Two rock crysal seals. Each with two dragons in relief on top (mirror pair). A with seal in relief at base, characters in copy of ancient script. B with modern characters in relief at base, in modern (comparatively) seal style. In case.
One red-brown wooden seal in the form of a flattened rectangular tablet. Upper third of seal face presents carved design of two stylised felines supporting a wheel beneath which are four Chinese characters. Lower two-thirds of seal define a square shape within which a dense array of Chinese characters are contained within a decorative border, part of the Preface to the collection known as 'The Gathering at the Orchid Pavilion'.
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.
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.
One irregularly shaped, cast bronze sculpture. Served as a coin called ‘Ant Money’. Details carved in relief.
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 rubbing possibly of a bronze vessel with panels showing hunters, animals and formal patterns.
One rubbing of tortoise and animal on its back from early Chinese stone reliefs. Geometric border.
One rubbing of a tortoise from early Chinese stone relief. Geometric border.
One rubbing of the 'Nestorian Stele' in Xian.
One rubbing of house with three people and tree with bird. Line of characters on right side.
One rubbing of a goat head and repeated inscription. Detail at bottom indeterminable. Inscriptions: 大吉和 (great, auspicious, harmony).
One rubbing of a fisherman on a boat with nets.
One rubbing of two men depicted in black and cow depicted in red.
One print of men standing on horse, man riding horse, two birds, elephant, pig, and man.
One rubbing of scribe at a table, with two attendants, one with fan, and inscription. The script at top is a eulogy for King Wen of Zhou Dynasty (1152-1056 BC). The rubbing is probably from Luoyang Longma Futu temple.
One rubbing of two warriors, one on horseback.
One rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, portrait of a man.
One rubbing of relief and engraved designs in pottery or stone.
One rubbing showing chariots, buildings and diamond and dot patterns, etc in panels.
One rubbing of carriage drawn by a horse, containing a man. Man driving the horse, and another man walking behind, carrying bundles on a shoulder pole. The characters at the top in Han Dynasty clerical script, read "後元二年六月” (June of the second year of Hou Yuan Era [87 BCE]).
One rubbing od a mythological bird from early Chinese stone relief. Geometric border.
One rubbing of a mythological bird from early Chinese stone reliefs. Geometric border.
One print depicting yuren and dragons.
One rubbing of a feathered man (yuren) and dragon.
One rubbing from early Chinese stone relief. Bi intersected by mythological creatures. Geometric border.
One print of two sides of large bi.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, pi, kylin, etc. Geometric border, black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, pi, etc. Geometric border, black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, kneeling man. Black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, portrait of man. Black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, pi, animals, etc. Geometric border, black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Large, musicians, dancers, gamesters. Geometric border, black.
Rubbing from early Chinese stone reliefs. Four kneeling figures. Geometric border. Black.
Large, man and two horses and mythological animal. Geometric border. Black.
Large, humans, animals, inscription, black.
Large. Formal pattern of leaves and characters. Black.
Large. Part of pediment of building?, with two 'griffins', archer, stag and hind. Black.
One translucent carved rock crystal sculpture of a human figure wearing a robe and headdress.
One serpentine rose quartz daigou. Upper part of obverse presents carved head of a dragon.
One rectangular variegated agate quartz daigou. Large slot and hook on back.
One bulbous serpentine translucent blue-purple quartz daigou. Upper part of obverse presents carved head of a dragon.
One slender serpentine translucent yellow-gold quartz daigou. Darker yellow-gold vein. Upper part of obverse presents carved head of a dragon. Obverse body presents serpentine relief carving of a dragon.
One folio of eight botanical woodblock prints.
Large tinted paper print, probably from stone slab, featuring tortoise and snake. Inscription at top: 鎮宅龜蛇 ('Tortoise and snake that protect the house').
One woodblock print entitled 'The Greats' depicting Rewi Alley at the Great Wall of China.
One print of husband and wife and two children at a table,with candles and vases of flowers. Inscription at top reads: "大中華帝國洪憲元年灶君之神位”, meaning "The Tablet for the Kitchen God in the First Year (1916) of Hong Xian Emperor of the Empire of China”. The characters below this headline present 12 months and 24 “solar terms”, with every month containing two “solar terms”.
One coloured print of husband and wife and two children at table, with candles and vases of flowers.
One print of figure standing on clouds and tablet.
One print depicting Buddha and group of 34 figures.
Peasants tobacco pipe, with small bowl of brass and bamboo stem.
One gold-hued metallic water pipe holder and accessories. Holder consists of a flattened cylinder with a flat base. Holder sides present inscribed decorations. Holder upper surface exhibits several openings into which are inserted water pipe accessories such as pipe cleaning brush and tweezers on a chain. Holder upper surface also presents a capped opening to water reservoir.
One pipe fabricated from an elongated sheep bone. Bowl of pipe employs a red-brown brass cartridge surrounded by three large and three small brass studs.
One pipe in the form of an elongated red-brown speckled bamboo cylinder with a bone mouthpiece and a brass bowl.
One photograph of a girl in rich clothes.
One brown clam-shaped netsuke. Lighter brown markings. Emulates surface texture and patterning of an actual clam shell. One face presents two small pierces threaded through with light green string.
One circular album painting on silk mounted on square of paper depicting traveller on donkey in snow with attendant. Inscription as follows: 端陽前一日寫應子元仁棣大人屬即正 漣波剛清 (Dedicated to Ziyuan, painted a day before the Dragon Boat Festival. Lianbo, Gangqin)
One painting on paper of a central Buddhist figure seated on a lotus throne flanked by one figure either side.
One horizontal painting of a seascape with islands, which depicts the Taoist mountains and isles. The long colophon is an explanation of the painting, describing five yue (high mountains), three shan (mountains or hills), and ten zhou (islands). The literary content of the colophon is based on the Great Mystery (Taixuan太玄部) section of Taozang 道藏 (Taoist Canon) with many modifications. Written by Aisin Gioro Hongwu 爱新觉罗·弘旿 (1743-1811), grandson of Qing Dynasty Emperor Kangxi. Four seals at the end of the colophon: Two belong to the calligrapher Aisin Gioro Hongwu: 1. 弘 (hong) 2. 瑤華道人 (yaohua daoren) Two are collector's seals: 1. 陳伯潛 (Chen Boqian) 2. 澄秋館鑒藏善書畫印 (Seals for Calligraphy and Painting Collection of Chengqiu Studio) Inscription as follows: 海內有大五岳，一曰廣桑之山，天之東岳也，在東海之中，為發生之首，上有碧霞之闕，瓊樹之林，紫雀翠鸞，碧藕白橘，主歲星之精，居九氣青天之內。二曰長離之山，天之南岳也，上有朱宮絳闕，赤室丹房，紫草，紅芝，霞膏，金醴，主熒惑之精，居一氣丹天之內。三曰麗農之山，天之西岳也，在西海之中，上有白華之闕，三素之城，玉泉之宮，瓊林瑞獸主大白之精，居七氣素天之內。四曰廣野之山，天之西岳也，在北海弱水之中，上多瓊樓碧簌，金液龍芝，主辰星之精，居五氣玄天之內。五曰崑崙之山，天之中岳也，在八海之間，上當天心，形如偃蓋，東曰樊桐，西曰玄圃，南曰積石，北曰閭苑，上有瓊華之闕，光碧之堂，瑤池翠水，金井玉梁主鎮之，精居於中元一氣天中焉。又有三山。一曰蓬萊山，又名蓬丘，又名雲萊，在東海中，上有金臺之地，海水正黑而為溟渤，無風而波浪萬丈，不可往來，惟飛仙有到者，上有九氣丈人九天真王宮，蓋太山真人所居。一曰扶桑山，在東海中，山有木如桑，長者數千丈，大者三百圍，兩相扶倚，同根而生，故曰扶桑，椹子甘香赤色，千歲一實，仙人採食，體生金光，飛翔太空，有金鳳皇九色鳥，其鳳一鳴叫天下雞皆鳴，日即生x，上有天帝宮，太真東皇君所治處。一曰方丈山，又名鸞治東方龍場，方千里，玉瑤為林，雲色皆紫，在東海中心，四面x岸各五千里，上十群龍所聚，有金銀琉璃之宮，三天司命所治之處，有太元之宮，金漿玉髓，飲之長生，瑞禽奇木莫可名狀，群仙不欲升天者皆往來此島，上有九源丈人主領天下水神，龍蛇水獸。又有十洲。一曰生洲，在東海中，上有仙家萬眾，天氣安和，地無寒暑，安養萬物，仙草眾芝，水味如飴酪。一曰祖洲，在東海中，上有不死草，似菰，地生瓊田芝草，名養神芝，其狀如瓜苗，長數尺，人死三日以芝蓋面即活。一曰瀛洲，上有青州，立翠水二仙宫，生神芝仙草，又有玉石高千丈，出泉如酒味，名玉醴泉，又名玉膏，飲之長生；產昆吾之鐵，鍊石切玉如泥。一曰阮洲，在北海中，有玄澗，澗水味如蜜漿，飲之長生，與天地相畢。一曰炎洲，在南海中，四面烈焰亘天，海水騰沸，飛鳥不敢度，上有火林，山火鼠，毛長，仙人採為布，名活浣布，又有風生獸，青色如狸，雖死觸風即活。一曰鳳麟洲，在西海中，四面有弱水，毛羽不浮上，多麒麟鳳凰，上有青華之宮，丹林素府。一曰長洲，又名青丘，在南海中，多大樹，有仙草靈藥，甘液玉英，又有風山，恆震聲，有紫府宮，天真仙女遊於此。一曰流洲，在西海中，上有奇花異木，瑞草靈芝。一曰玄洲，在北海中，仙伯真公所治，上多太玄仙宮，金芝玉草。一曰聚窟洲，在西海中，上多真仙靈官，宮第及獅子辟邪，鑿齒天鹿，長牙銅頭，鉄額之獸，有大山形似人鳥，因名人鳥山，生返魂香樹，大如桐柏，花香聞數百里，鍊液為香，名驚精香，又名霹靂香，又名返生香，又名x檀香，又名欲死香，此六香神仙異物，人死聞氣即活 瑤華道人
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 mounted painting on paper of landscape. Signature and seal of artist bottom left. Dedication to Alley top right. Signatures and seals of six friends, top left. Inscriptions as follows: 1. Top inscription: 本會調查員英人艾黎君於本年七月十一日調升工廠檢查部服務，同人等與艾君共事多年，悉其對於中華書畫特具雅好，爰倩娄東名畫家蔣思澤君構作立軸一幀，以卜賞鑒並資紀念雲尓，時中華民國二十三年七月 陳龍泉 朱耕x 陳顯明 金柏生 沈海耿 任石流 敬贈 The British man Mr. Rewi Alley, an investigator of our union, will be transferred to the Factory Inspection Department. We have worked with Mr. Alley for many years, all knowing that he has a keen interest in Chinese calligraphy and painting. Therefore, we commissioned this hanging scroll from Jiang Size, a famous painter in Loudong, for Alley and our friendship as well. In the July of the 23rd year of the Republic of China (1934). Chen Longquan, Zhu GengX, Chen Xianming, Jin Bosheng, Shen Haigeng, Ren Shiliu. Respectfully presented. 2. Lower inscription: 高館依山築 白雲時往回 送迎都不必 風雨卻能來 有意未妨懶 無心何用猜 世人誰可到 但指亂峰堆 艾黎先生雅正 娄東蔣思澤
Painted landscape on paper of mountains, water and hut. Inscription as follows: 乙酉冬日為／少南仁兄法家校正／鏗衡尹相設色／時年六十有九 (In the winter of Yiyou year [probably 1945], for your honour Shaonan. Yin Xiang painted in colour at the age of 69) Seals: top left: 鏗衡 (Keng Heng), 尹相 (Yin Xiang) bottom right: 鏗衡 (Keng Heng).
One horizontal scroll landscape painting on silk with donkeys and travellers. Inscription as follows: 西蜀圖 庚子春 三月既 望 錢塘 戴文進 (Scroll of Western Shu. In the spring of Gengzi year, mid-March, Dai Wenjin from Qiantang [paints]) Seals: Upper: ? Lower: 靜庵 (Jing An)
One horizontal painting on silk of a landscape.
One painting on paper of flowering lotuses. The inscription and seal are as follows: 味青／李樹滋／寫於／白下／葆真／書屋／時丁酉／之冬 (Weiqing, [also called] Li Shuzi, painted in Baozhen Studio, Baixia [district of Nanjing), in the winter of Dingyou year [1957].) Seal: 樹滋賦色 ("Shuzi painted with colour”)
One horizontal painting of figures and two mounted buffalo. Inscription as follows: 東圃三弟大人正 小齋張之溶畫（For Your Excellency, my brother, Dongpu. Painted by Zhang Zhirong)
One painting featuring the eleventh of The Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety (Ershisi xiao), according to Guo Jujing (fl. 1300). Here Cai Shun collects mulberries for his mother. He explains to the rebels that the basket of sweet berries is for his mother and the basket of sour berries for himself. Inscription as follows: 第十一孝蔡順拾椹
One painting on paper of Liu Hai (a god of wealth) standing on a toad and playing the flute.
One painting on silk of the Yongle emperor (1360-1424). Inscription as follows: 明永樂像
One mounted painting of a buffalo tethered to a peg and a boy lying in a tree. Inscriptions as follows: 1. Top right: 霜葉紅於二月花 (frosted leaves are as red as the February flowers) 2. Middle and left: 艾黎先生方家雅教 可染敬贈 (Mr. Alley, the master, please kindly point out my inadequacies. Respectfully presented by Keran.) 3. Bottom right: 可染畫 (painted by Keran) Seals as follows: Top right: 李 (Li) Bottom left: 李 (Li) Bottom right: 可染 (Keran)
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).
One sword-shaped implement constructed from ~one hundred and seventeen circular square-holed Qing dynasty coins bound together with loops of red yellow and green string. The pommel comprises ~forty seven coins ringing a central spindle. The cross guard and blade comprise ~seventy coins laid flat in overlapping pairs culminating in a metal flange at the blade tip. The coins defining either side of the cross guard are disposed reverse side up (i.e. they present various Manchu mint marks); the coins comprising the blade present their obverses on one side of the sword and their reverses on the other.
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).
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 blade-shaped bronze knife coin. Coin presents moulded ring at one end and an obtuse bend half-way down its length. Of the so-called 'Ming Knife' variety from ~400-220 BCE.
One round, copper coin with an irregularly shaped hole in its centre, used as a Tartar amulet. The coin has details in relief on both sides, which is possibly Iranian (Arabic) writing.
(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).
(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).
(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.
(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).
(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. 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.
(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. 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 worn Chinese characters 道光通寶 (daoguang tongbao). Reverse presents two worn Manchu characters boo yun (Yunnan province mint). From the Daoguang era (1821-1850 AD) of the reign of emperor Xuanzong (1820-1850 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 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 開元通寶 (kaiyuan tongbao). Kai Yuan of indeterminate type from 621-907 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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).
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. 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. 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 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).
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).
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 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).