The cinnabar lacquer covering this late 19th/early 20th century Burmese “kwet,” or serving bowl, is satin smooth and cool to the touch. Years of daily use have enhanced both the look and feel of this large bowl, with black lacquer showing through the red in areas of wear. Six black ribs curve down to the feet, and the top is curved and rolled inward, giving the vessel beautiful balance. The old Burmese process of producing such lacquer pieces was labor intensive and time consuming...

This Yao painting of tribal ancestor spirits originally was part of a set of 27 scrolls that comprised a full Yao (Mien) Bible. (See photos and descriptions of a complete set archived on our website www.silkroad1.com by entering 57-33 in the search box.) This painting is one of two “orphan” bible pages we found that most likely were replaced in a bible with similar new paintings, which is sometimes done to refresh the set...

A gilded Mandalay Buddha standing two feet tall strikes a graceful pose, with right hand in the varada mudra of charity and the fulfillment of wishes. Carved of dense Burmese teak wood, this early to mid-20th century figure is coated with a dark red matte lacquer highlighted with a liberal application of gilding. This Buddha’s finely carved face is striking, with especially large elongated eyes and brows...

An oversized Chinese teapot standing two feet (61 cm) tall is lavishly decorated with a floating phoenix, twisting dragon and lots of clouds, flowers and foliage. This is a vintage 20th century piece in excellent condition. Dimensions: height to top of handle 24” (61 cm), width including spout 15” ( 38.2 cm), diameter of pot 17” (45 cm). SEE MORE ITEMS IN OUR COLLECTION AT WWW.SILKROAD1.COM

This late Qing scholar’s box has a removable dark red and gold carved front panel that secures four drawers behind it. The intended interpretation of the gilded garden scene carving is a mystery: A man and woman appear to be observing or celebrating an object, possibly a manuscript, tied with a rope into a bundle that is suspended above them from an overhanging flowering branch...

A serene reclining Mandalay Buddha that dates to the 1960s is carved of dense Burmese teakwood. Contrasting with the sleek, smooth lines of the dark reddish brown teak is a robe richly adorned in intricate swirls that were carefully crafted of thayo, a lacquer thickened with bone ash that is used with great expertise by Burmese artisans. The robe is artfully draped and carved with deep folds. The three folds carved in the neck are seen on most Burmese Buddha images...

This traditional Chinese wedding basket, made of light-weight wood, has 25 different black and gold vignettes of Qing Dynasty life painted on its octagonal trays and lid. The tall black bent willow handle is wrapped in bamboo strips woven into a black-accented pattern. The base of the basket and the scene on the lid are framed with key patterns, another element typical of the profuse symbolic adornment often found on late Qing items, especially those associated with marriage...

This handsome bamboo basket from early 20th century China is a fine example of the care that was lavished on the creation of everyday utilitarian items by Chinese artisans. Delightful woven designs on the handle, knob and basket edges are emphasized in red, and a pattern of painted black designs encircles the lid. The bottom of the basket is recessed and rests atop a red and black bamboo base. The basket is strong, light, comfortable to carry and attractive. It is in excellent condition...

This 19th century Burmese lacquer offering bowl, called a hsun-ok, differs in size from the typical spired vessels used to carry offerings of food to Burma’s Buddhist monasteries. This one is smaller—20 inches in height and 9 inches in diameter, while the average size of a hsun-ok is about 30 inches tall and 15 inches in diameter...