Asian Antique Shop » Uncategorized http://asianantiquebargains.com Asian Antique Information, Tips & Discount Store Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:03:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Asian Antiques are a Sound Investment http://asianantiquebargains.com/2010/07/asian-antiques-are-a-sound-investment/ http://asianantiquebargains.com/2010/07/asian-antiques-are-a-sound-investment/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:58:56 +0000 admin http://asianantiquebargains.com/?p=167 History has shown that whenever the financial economy has been really bad, whether caused by recession, or inflation, fine quality rare antiques have not only retained value but have remained in very high demand. The Asian antique market, as well as other good quality antiques and works of art, during financial slumps have tended to remain safe and even continued to increase in value.

While the world is experiencing an economic crisis, the Chinese in China having become wealthier and very keen to collect, or invest in, fine examples of their own heritage. The result is a growth of new antique auction houses all over China (many of these sell huge numbers of antiques, thousands at each auction, so much more than is normal in Europe or America). But added to this many of the Chinese outside China have become extremely wealthy too and they have added to this growing demand for the scarcest important Asian antiques whenever offered worldwide. We are now seeing record setting prices at the major auction houses for Chinese contemporary art.

The Internet too has been partly responsible for creating an even greater interest, introducing new collectors, or investors, from countries such as China, Japan, and India. It is still possible to find good deals and reasonably priced Chinese and other Asian antiques online at the Asian Antique Shop at http://www.asianantiquebargains.com. You will find antiques from China, Japan, India, Korea, Mongolia, Tibet and Southeast Asia. One of the many nice things about the Asian Antiques shop is the immense variety of antiques and a price range to fit all budgets. You can find antiques ranging from a few dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

These are some of the reasons for prices continuing to rise and for the large number of new record auction prices that have been achieved even over the last twelve months. The media always concentrates on the financial bad news and there is hardly ever any mention of these record prices that keep surprising us all. No one can guarantee what will happen in the future, but provided the following guidance is taken, then any of the risks involved in buying antiques will be greatly reduced.
(1) Study the subject carefully, obtain advice and be sure you are really interested and enjoy whatever you decide to collect.
(2) Only purchase the very highest quality that you can afford. High quality is far more important than quantity.
(3) Buy from the most reputable of specialists, as they will be prepared to guarantee the authenticity, the age and possibly even the provenance.

Regardless of any financial turmoil the best and most important antiques, or works of art, have always in the past remained a stable form of investment that continued to rise.
2 VINTAGE CHINESE ASIAN CARVED FROG INK STONES SHARON 2 VINTAGE CHINESE ASIAN CARVED FROG INK STONES SHARON Paypal 0 Bid US $4.95 24m
ANTIQUE ASIAN PERSIAN copper brass water tea pitcher ANTIQUE ASIAN PERSIAN copper brass water tea pitcher Paypal 5 Bids US $13.49 33m
Chinese Jadeite Carved Reclining Buddha 14K Gold Brooch Chinese Jadeite Carved Reclining Buddha 14K Gold Brooch Paypal US $1,550.00 35m
Chinese Jadeite Jade Diamonds 18K Gold Art Deco Brooch Chinese Jadeite Jade Diamonds 18K Gold Art Deco Brooch Paypal US $2,000.00 1h 11m
Chinese 24K Gold Hair Clip Set with Jade Opal Stones Chinese 24K Gold Hair Clip Set with Jade Opal Stones Paypal 1 Bid US $700.00 1h 26m
Crounching Tiger Thai Amulet Talisman Buddha Top Mantra Crounching Tiger Thai Amulet Talisman Buddha Top Mantra Paypal 0 Bid US $8.99 1h 26m
Magic Bull Thai Amulet Talisman Buddha Old Mantra Charm Magic Bull Thai Amulet Talisman Buddha Old Mantra Charm Paypal 0 Bid US $8.99 2h 26m
KHMER LONG EARS BUDDHA PEACEFUL HAPPY LIFE THAI AMULET KHMER LONG EARS BUDDHA PEACEFUL HAPPY LIFE THAI AMULET Paypal 0 Bid US $9.99 3h 26m
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]]> http://asianantiquebargains.com/2010/07/asian-antiques-are-a-sound-investment/feed/ 0 Antique Japanese Nabeshima and Hirado Porcelain http://asianantiquebargains.com/2010/04/antique-japanese-nabeshima-and-hirado-porcelain/ http://asianantiquebargains.com/2010/04/antique-japanese-nabeshima-and-hirado-porcelain/#comments Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:23:57 +0000 admin http://asianantiquebargains.com/?p=137 NABESHIMA
The porcelain of Nabeshima (named after the ruling clan) was made at Okawachi, north of Arita, probably from the latter half of the 17th century until c.1870, exclusively for the ruling shogun and feudal lords. As this ware was the preserve of the aristocracy, little of it except “kiln wasters”, or seconds, would have reached the West before the late 19th century. A few examples have been sold at auction since World War II (including some of questionable date). Apart from a few pieces of hollow-ware – bottles, vases, boxes, and censers –most surviving items are dishes. In that category the majority are saucer dishes with exceptionally tall foot-rims (over 1.2cm high); the remainder are small pieces of various shapes.

Nabeshima ware is arguably the most refined of all pre-19th-century Japanese porcelain. The decoration is imaginative, timeless, and meticulously executed. The most popular themes are seasonal flowers or wintry trees, sometimes combined with underlying or juxtaposed patterns, which may be derived from waves, Chinese trelliswork, or basketry. This type of decoration could only have been achieved by using a stencil or some kind of transfer-printing technique. For example, the repetitive geometric pattern called “calm-water” (seigaha) shows no evidence whatsoever of individual strokes, with their inevitable variations in intensity. Designs are often entirely outlined in underglaze blue with enamel infilling of iron red, turquoise, yellow, pale manganese, and black detailing, in a technique that recalls the doucai porcelains dating from the early Ming period in China. The glaze is of a soft, pale, greyish-blue tone.

A feature of the characteristic Nabeshima saucer dishes is the underglaze-blue decoration on the
tall foot, which is found on most pieces. The decoration consists of a continuous band of elongated “teeth” resembling a comb, known as kusitakade. The underside of the rim is usually painted with beribbonec coins (known as “cash”), clump of formal flowers, or undulating foliage. Like much Nabeshima ware, saucer dishes tend to be decorated in colors, as this was
more desirable than the standard blue.

HIRADO
Some of the earliest Japanese blue-and-white porcelain was produced at Hirado, near Arita, toward the beginning of the 17th century. Production at the sites of Kihara and Nanko was made possible through the employment of immigrant Korean potters. The later wares, from another site at Mikawachi where production is thought to have begun c.1760, are the most familiar. These wares, either white or blue and white, were made from the very pure clay from the island of Amakusa, allowing the most intricate modelling and refined potting.

Production consisted of censers, brushpots, jars, vases, bottles, teawares, bowls, and dishes. From c.184( some of the larger pieces were applied with dragons or shi-shi (a depiction of the Buddhist lion) as either handles or knops. Other pieces were molded in shallow relief with isolated flower-heads, symbols, or trellis. Blue-and-white wares were sensitively painted in a slightly blurred underglaze blue of varying tone. The most popular themes are children at play or vertiginous landscapes, but birds and large botanical subjects were also used. Border embellishment is invariably small and includes pointed leaves and pendant tassels.

Nabeshima
• BODY virtually flawless
• POTTING thin and always very neatly executed
• GLAZE subtly grained; a soft, bluish appearance
• PALETTE usually polychrome – underglaze blue, iron red, yellow, turquoise green, pale manganese/tan, and, very rarely, black
• FORMS mainly flatwares; saucer dishes
• DECORATION natural subjects

Hirado
• BODY pure white with an “icing-sugar” texture
• GLAZE a soft, bluish hue
• PALPATE either white or blue and white
Marks
Nabeshima wares are never marked; Hirado wares are sometimes marked with the place of manufacture, occasionally with the potter’s or decorator’s name, or, most rarely, with a date.
NEW Porcelain White Red Blossom Imari 22ktFountain pen NEW Porcelain White Red Blossom Imari 22ktFountain pen Paypal US $35.00 28d 11h 35m
NEW Porcelain Blue whiteImari Dragon 22kt Fountain pen NEW Porcelain Blue whiteImari Dragon 22kt Fountain pen Paypal 13 Bids US $30.50 8h 16m
NEW Porcelain Blue whiteImari Gold floral Fountain pen NEW Porcelain Blue whiteImari Gold floral Fountain pen Paypal 3 Bids US $2.75 2d 2h 23m
Christies Fine Japanese Porcelain June 25 1973 Christies Fine Japanese Porcelain June 25 1973 Paypal US $19.95 11d 10h 37m
IMARI 19TH CENTURY ANTIQUE RICE CUP IMARI 19TH CENTURY ANTIQUE RICE CUP Paypal US $74.99 29d 16h 26m
ANTIQUE IMARI BOWLS SIGNED OLD SCRIPT PERFECT ANTIQUE IMARI BOWLS SIGNED OLD SCRIPT PERFECT Paypal US $199.99 29d 16h 21m
Japanese Porcelain Nabeshima Ai Tea Cups pair Japanese Porcelain Nabeshima Ai Tea Cups pair Paypal US $200.00 28d 18h 42m
Japanese Porcelain Nabeshima Blue Waves Cup Japanese Porcelain Nabeshima Blue Waves Cup Paypal US $220.00 28d 16h 4m
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]]> http://asianantiquebargains.com/2010/04/antique-japanese-nabeshima-and-hirado-porcelain/feed/ 0 Japanese Katana Swords http://asianantiquebargains.com/2010/03/japanese-katana-swords/ http://asianantiquebargains.com/2010/03/japanese-katana-swords/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:01:37 +0000 admin http://asianantiquebargains.com/?p=123 Japanese Katana Sword
The katana emerged in the sixteenth century as a curved, single-edged weapon of the Samurai warrior class in Japan. When paired with a shoto (short sword) such as a wakizashi or the dagger-like tanto, the result is a daisho, a pair of swords worn representing the honor, social power and the very soul of the Samurai warrior. The longer katana was used in open combat primarily for cutting, slashing, and parrying maneuvers, while the shorter blades were used for close-quarters stabbing as well as seppuku, or ritual suicide. Katana swords were traditionally worn the edge facing up, and the art of drawing and attacking an enemy, known as iaido took years to master its many intricacies.

Although the traditional intention of the katana is no longer historically appropriate, there are several reasons to pursue a quality Japanese katana in today's world. For one, the art of sword making is highly regarded throughout the world, and particularly in Japan, making authentically made weapons highly collectible. The variations of folded steel can create a hada (grain) pattern of rare beauty, and the crafting of various fittings along with the tempering process of the steel combine to produce a true work of art in the purest sense.

The Practical Katana gives the martial artist the opportunity to own and use a Hanwei sword at the cost of an economy sword. The blade is forged and differentially tempered; using similar process as the more expensive blades. The temper line may be faked, but it is prominent. Cost savings are affected by using fittings that, while making no claims to authenticity, are very strongly built to withstand the rigors of cutting exercises in the dojo. The Practical Katana is an inexpensive functional sword and is a perfect buy for a student that is just starting out and doesn't want to risk damaging a more expensive sword.

The Bushido Katana has a hand-forged & folded powder steel blade, differentially tempered using a traditional claying method. The temper line (hamon) is evident and prominent and the grain pattern (hada) shows distinct layers. The saya are deeply lacquered in gold with inlaid brass cherry blossom (sakura) flowers. High quality ray skin (same) is used on the tsuka of the katana and wakizashi, while the tsuka of the tanto is a gold-plated brass with a battle-scene decoration in relief. The tsuba of the katana and wakizashi is of blackened and bronzed iron, with detailing in gold and silver and a battle scene decoration. The tsuka-ito on the katana and wakizashi and the sageo on all three pieces are woven from premium Japanese cotton. The fuchi and kashira are of blackened bronze with brass detailing, and the kojiri, koiguchi and kurikata are of polished buffalo horn. The blade collar (habaki) is a one-piece brass construction. The katana and wakizashi blades are un-grooved, while the tanto blade is grooved (bo-hi) on both sides. The katana and wakizashi have medium-length (chu) kissaki. Matching wakizashi and tanto are available. The Bushido Katana maybe expensive, but is well worth it. The blade is forged and folded from blue powder steel, which is one of the most durable and purest types of steel you can use to forge a sword. Even though the quality of the steel doesn't require it to be folded, it certainly doesn't hurt.

When buying a Samurai sword, you will find that a set of two swords is the norm, with a Wakizashi accompanying the Katana. The Katana is the longer of the two swords, normally measuring more than 24 inches. They are usually displayed on a black lacquered, wooden rack to match the customary sheaths. Some of the highest quality swords ever made used over 1,000 folds of folded carbon and raw iron. The blade was coated with specialized clay to allow for differentially tempering the cutting edge. The Katana can be used with one or two hands. Its size and thick, curved blade make it better suited for draw cuts rather than the fencing thrusts of a rapier.
Sword Care: Sharpening tips
• Never sharpen antique or expensive swords by yourself. With stainless steel decorator swords, it is okay.

• Avoid mechanical sharpeners as they override the sectional geometry of your sword and impose a bevel to the edge which is suited mostly for kitchen knives.

• With antiques - especially antique Japanese swords - the process of sharpening and polishing is one single process.

• Consult a trained Japanese sword polisher for Japanese swords.

• With swords of other cultures, it may be advisable to consult with an expert; in most cases, leave the patination intact, as this protects the blade steel already.

• Do not needlessly sharpen antiques lest you destroy the intrinsic value of the sword.
Caring for your sword will help make it last for generations. Most of the supplies mentioned below can be found at martial arts supply stores or better hardware stores.
• Oil - Always keep your blade lightly oiled to prevent rust. We recommend Japanese sword oil or refined clove oil.

• Hilts - Care for wooden hilts as you would any fine wood. Wood dries out with time and use and must be oiled. Use fine furniture oil, not a furniture wax or an oil containing wax. Polish wire-wrapped hilts as you would your blade but be sure to remove all the polish (a toothbrush works well for this).
• Storage - If the blade is store for more than a few weeks, do not store it in the scabbard. Wipe the blade down heavily with oil, wipe the wood down with furniture oil, and store in a cool, dry place.
Hand Forged Japanese Musashi Sword Rose Katana Iaido Hand Forged Japanese Musashi Sword Rose Katana Iaido Paypal 1 Bid US $9.13 22m
Razor Sharp Hand Forged Japanese Sword Skull Katana Razor Sharp Hand Forged Japanese Sword Skull Katana Paypal 0 Bid US $27.42 22m
Hand Forged Japanese Sword Katana Tiger Tsuba Iaido Hand Forged Japanese Sword Katana Tiger Tsuba Iaido Paypal 0 Bid US $4.56 22m
Hand Forged Japanese Sword Set 2 Katana 2 Kozuka Hand Forged Japanese Sword Set 2 Katana 2 Kozuka Paypal 0 Bid US $22.85 22m
Handmade Battle Ready Japanese Folded Steel Sword 2102 Handmade Battle Ready Japanese Folded Steel Sword 2102 Paypal 0 Bid US $77.71 22m
Handmade Japanese Tokugawa Clay Tempered Sword Katana Handmade Japanese Tokugawa Clay Tempered Sword Katana Paypal 1 Bid US $127.99 22m
Kadajs Souba Double Bladed Final Fantasy Katana Sword Kadajs Souba Double Bladed Final Fantasy Katana Sword Paypal US $49.99 26m
BLACK KATANA SWORD WITH SHEATH VERY COOL LOOKING SWORD BLACK KATANA SWORD WITH SHEATH VERY COOL LOOKING SWORD Paypal 0 Bid US $14.99 26m
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]]> http://asianantiquebargains.com/2010/03/japanese-katana-swords/feed/ 0 Vietnamese antiques to be exhibited in US http://asianantiquebargains.com/2009/08/vietnamese-antiques-to-be-exhibited-in-us/ http://asianantiquebargains.com/2009/08/vietnamese-antiques-to-be-exhibited-in-us/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:12:47 +0000 admin http://asianantiquebargains.com/?p=52 The Asian American Association has received 120 typical Vietnamese antiques for exhibition in the US.

The first exhibition is scheduled to be held at the Houston Museum from September 13, 2009 to January 3, 2010 and the second will be at the Asian Association Museum in New York from February 2 to May 2, 2010.

The antiques were selected to represent the specific characteristics of the cultures in the northern, central and southern regions of Vietnam. The Asian American Association has drawn them from Vietnamese museums in Dong Nai, Long An, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Thua Thien-Hue and Hoi An.

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