This incredible antiquity is a glazed ceramic offering vessel from the Song Dynasty of ancient China (960-1279 AD). Besides being in near perfect condition, this rare piece  More »

This incredible antiquity is a glazed ceramic offering vessel from the Song Dynasty of ancient China (960-1279 AD). Besides being in near perfect condition, this rare piece has impeccable provenance from the collection of the famous Arthur M Sackler as sold through Christies auction house. It measures roughly 12.5 inches in height and shows no signs of repair or restoration. Don't miss this rare opportunity to add such an important piece to your collection. Feel free to email info@pricelesspast.com with any questions.   « Less

This is an interesting silver alloy ring from the mountains of Pakistan or Turkmenistan. It has what appears to be a carnelian intaglio of some sort of 4-legged creature.  More »

This is an interesting silver alloy ring from the mountains of Pakistan or Turkmenistan. It has what appears to be a carnelian intaglio of some sort of 4-legged creature. Rings of these types are allegedly reserved for tribal chieftains or other persons of importance. This ring is fairly large measuring 3.9 cm across its longest axis. The diameter of the opening is 1.8 cm. This piece dates to either the late 19th or early 20th century. I am sorry I don't have any more information on this truly curious piece of Asian art.   « Less

This is a magnificent greyware vase or hu from ancient China. It dates to at least the Han period (209 BC- 220 AD) but is likely from the Warring States period (circa 500  More »

This is a magnificent greyware vase or hu from ancient China. It dates to at least the Han period (209 BC- 220 AD) but is likely from the Warring States period (circa 500 BC). There are soil encrustations and remnants of root fibers on the surface. There are no signs of repair or restoration. There are taotie handles scultped in the clay to mimic ritual bronze vessels of the same period. This was done because often bronze was too expensive so likenesses were made out of pottery. This piece is large (roughly 35 cm high) and is is overall excellent condition. Asian antiquities are becoming more scarce by the day so you may never have an opportunity like this again.   « Less

This interesting little piece is part of a collection of antique Chinese iron pole cannons. There seems to be little available information on these curious antiques but I was  More »

This interesting little piece is part of a collection of antique Chinese iron pole cannons. There seems to be little available information on these curious antiques but I was able to locate one in the Hong Kong Military Museum. These types of cannons are typically attributed to the 17th through the 19th centuries. They come in all shapes and sizes. It would have been attached to a wooden pole and used for firing bullets or signals of sort. This piece is average size (about 26 cm in length) and weighs about 1127 grams. It has three separate barrels that are roughly 19 mm in diameter. The touch holes are open but obstructed.   « Less

This interesting little piece is part of a collection of antique Chinese iron pole cannons. There seems to be little available information on these curious antiques but I was  More »

This interesting little piece is part of a collection of antique Chinese iron pole cannons. There seems to be little available information on these curious antiques but I was able to locate one in the Hong Kong Military Museum. These types of cannons are typically attributed to the 17th through the 19th centuries. They come in all shapes and sizes. It would have been attached to a wooden pole and used for firing bullets or signals of sort. This piece is average size (about 23 cm in length) and weighs about 1421 grams. It has six separate barrels that are roughly 12 mm in diameter. The touch holes are fused closed.   « Less

This interesting little piece is part of a collection of antique Chinese iron pole cannons. There seems to be little available information on these curious antiques but I was  More »

This interesting little piece is part of a collection of antique Chinese iron pole cannons. There seems to be little available information on these curious antiques but I was able to locate one in the Hong Kong Military Museum. These types of cannons are typically attributed to the 17th through the 19th centuries. They come in all shapes and sizes. It would have been attached to a wooden pole and used for firing bullets or signals of sort. This piece is relatively small (about 16 cm in length) and weighs about 1354 grams. It has five separate barrels that are roughly 9mm in diameter. The touch holes are fused closed.   « Less

This marvelous piece of ancient pottery is an offering vessel, sometimes referred to as a "spirit jar", from roughly the Five Dynasties period (907-960 AD) of  More »

This marvelous piece of ancient pottery is an offering vessel, sometimes referred to as a "spirit jar", from roughly the Five Dynasties period (907-960 AD) of Classic Imperial China. These intriguing vessels first appeared to Western collectors around the turn of the century and were quite a delightful find. Appearing in the ruins of a long forgotten monastery near Kunming, hundreds of these jars were discovered in several sites in Yunnan. This particular piece appear intact and unrestored and is quite a find for the serious collector. These have all but disappeared from the market as most of them are in the hands of knowing collectors and museums. There appears to be writing in red paint underneath the vessel lid. This was common on these pieces. I have not cleaned off the dirt to reveal the writing but that is something the new owner may wish to do. The writing was often a representation of the zodiac, a prayer, or other religiously significant expression. Don't miss this opportunity to to join a select few private collectors to own one of the amazing pieces of the past. Height is approximately 31 cm, which is fairly large for these type vessels.   « Less

This interesting piece is from the Khmer Culture of Southeast Asia, dating to circa the 12th century AD. This piece has three individual parts that all fit together snugly  More »

This interesting piece is from the Khmer Culture of Southeast Asia, dating to circa the 12th century AD. This piece has three individual parts that all fit together snugly and appear to be original as a set. There does appear to be a repair to one of the handles but both handles are still present. The diameter of the piece is a little over 15.5 cm and the weight of the entire set is 617 gram. This is quite an unusual set and would enhance any antiquities collection.   « Less

This is a bronze dagger from ancient Persia (circa 1200 BC). The unique attribute of this piece is that on most examples, the penannular or crescent guard is solid whereas on  More »

This is a bronze dagger from ancient Persia (circa 1200 BC). The unique attribute of this piece is that on most examples, the penannular or crescent guard is solid whereas on this piece it is flanged to hold an inlay of some material - likely wood, ivory or bone. On this piece there are what appear to be remnants of wood fibers in the hilt. The blade is triangular with a heavy central rib. There are three intact rivets in the hilt as well. The patina is a mix of green and brown with some interesting crystal formations. The total length of this piece is just over 36 cm. The total weight is 316 grams. For information on similar types see "Arms and Armor from Iran" by Manoucher Khorasani pp 59 and 71.   « Less

This is a fantastic find from the famed collection of Arthur M Sackler. It is a bronze age cauldron attributed to the Ordos culture. Not only is this amazing piece from the  More »

This is a fantastic find from the famed collection of Arthur M Sackler. It is a bronze age cauldron attributed to the Ordos culture. Not only is this amazing piece from the Sackler collection but it was pictured on the front cover of the Christie's auction catalog sale #2202. This is a rare opportunity to own a unique piece with good provenance. It measures approximately 32 cm across the mouth and is roughly 27 cm high. It is very heavy so shipping will be extra. There are older repairs/restorations to the piece that do not take away from its aesthetics in any way. Please email if you have any additional questions or need more photographs. There is a modest reserve set well below current market value.   « Less