Distant Lands Importers

Chinese Blanket Chest

admin — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:49:18 +0000

This blanket chest was bought in Beijing but because of the design I thought it was Korean. Doing a little bit of research on the web I now think it from China, either from Shandong or perhaps Hebei. I cleaned up the finish a bit to bring out the wood grain which is quite fun. My guess on the age is 80 to 120 years. The wood is probably elm with white metal hardware.

Antique Chinese Kwan Yin w/ Child Statue

admin — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:26:40 +0000

Antique Chinese Kwan Yin w/ Child Statue. 250 years old from Shanxi Province. Damage in that there is a figure missing on the small lotus pedestal in the front. The shoes remain but that is it.

Dragon Fish Carving

admin — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:26:20 +0000

Dragon Fish Carving from China. Over 100 years old from Shanxi Province. Comes from either a piece of furniture or from a building. Very dynamic expression with the wide open mouth and eyes. There is movement created by the scales of the fish body as well as from “mane” around the face.

Yellow Torquoise Ball Necklace AV LL 06

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:11:02 +0000

Yellow Torquoise Ball Necklace made by local artist Liz Lyle. The torquoise ball seems like a small planet.

Antique Chinese Tile

admin — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 23:55:41 +0000

Antique Chinese Tile from Shanxi Provence, approx 200 years old. This is a building tile. Both sides have the floral design. A sort of mustard yellow is apparent at spots. Some of the petal tips have pieces missing. Very fun garden item.

Tibetan Garuda Shrine Cabinet 17 MN 22

admin — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 23:25:35 +0000

Tibetan Garuda Cabinet. Probably 60 to 90 years of age, this cabinet is a shrine cabinet. A few aspects reveal the religious aspect of this cabinet – the chotseng border around the front, the garuda figure on the door and the divided niches with the body of the cabinet.

Antique Tibetan Tea Table 17 MN 22

admin — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 22:10:21 +0000

Antique Tibetan Tea Table. This is a small table that could have originally been used to hold butter lamps within a religious setting. But such lamp stands often don’t have an accessible interior compartment. This table has a hinged door on the right side. And for that reason it probably would have been used as a tea table. The combinations of colors have mellowed considerably with age making it more appealing to a western audience. With the deep gold background colors it still retains a very rich presence. Adding to the theme of wealth and richness is a border of coins along the front and sides. The coins and background of gold “goose bumps” are done using the khyung bur technique. Dimensions are H14″ x W24″ x D12″.

Antique Tibetan Cabinet 11 RJ 009

admin — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:37:38 +0000

Antique Tibetan Cabinet with four doors, painted with the khyung bur technique of raised gesso and paint on the doors. Beautiful mixture of gold and red on this low cabinet. 120 years old with dimensions of H26″ x W60″ x D12′.

Antique Chinese Lacquer Food Box 10 JN 56

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:43:45 +0000

Antique Chinese Lacquer Box. From Shanxi Province the food box has a woven body. This can be seen on the sides where the basket weaving is exposed. It is a very fine weave. The whole box speaks of elegance and refinement. The painting of the landscape was done by a highly accomplished artisan. Although damaged the painting is more like something that would be found on a silk scroll than those found on a gift box. Even the structure of the box with its indented corners and concave sides reveals that no expense was spared in its creation. Over 200 years old this antique box is

This is what is commonly known as a food box although its original purpose was not quite so utilitarian as the title suggests. These foodboxes were used to give gifts between people. The gifts were normally food – hence the name. The boxes were used to carry the gift, most often carried in public. The boxes of wealthy and influencial people were often recognizable and were a public display of a relationship. The more wealthy the person, the more ornate the food box to carry the gift.

Antique Chinese Coffer 13 LJ 21

admin — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:01:21 +0000

Shanxi coffer, 120 - 150 years old. A coffer is a sort of strongbox where a family would keep their most valuable possessions. This one has delicately carved spandrels running down the sides. The carving along the apron continues floral theme. The remnants of the original red lacquer are quite warm. Each drawer has a central floral medallion which holds the security latch. Each drawer if beefed up for security with extra moulding and iron tacks. Below the three drawers are three floral cutout panels.