The Oriental Room

10/09/2026

A Chinese Cizhou Figure of Shoulao (壽老) The God of Longevity. Circa 1368–1644, Cizhou Kilns, Ming Dynasty.

This exquisite figure exemplifies the artistic mastery and cultural significance of its era. Characterized by its robust form and intricately detailed features, the figure showcases the skilled craftsmanship typical of Cizhou ware. It represents Shoulao, or Shou Xing, the revered god of longevity. The masterfully sculpted head, featuring a distinctive elongated cap and well-defined beard, conveys a serene expression that reflects wisdom and authority. Clothed in flowing robes with intricate motifs rendered in dark iron brown, details such as the edges of Shoulao's robes and his eyes are expertly highlighted. Accompanying him are a deer and a crane; the deer signifies longevity and prosperity, while the crane embodies longevity and wisdom, reinforcing the theme of a long, peaceful life. The figure holds a scroll, signifying his role as a bearer of knowledge. A tannish brown shade adorns Shoulao’s exposed skin and the deer's pelt, contrasting beautifully with the creamy, off-white glaze enveloping the figure. The pedestal is decorated with ornamental borders featuring swirling patterns, further emphasizing its ceremonial significance.

Note: A comparable Cizhou Shou Lao and deer sculpture on a pedestal, dated to the Yuan-Ming Dynasty, is part of the Weisbrod Collection. Another example was sold by Sotheby’s during the Arcade Sale in Paris from December 9 to 17, 2024, listed as Lot 65. Please refer to the accompanying photographs for further reference.

Provenance: Acquired from the collection of Juan T. Lim in the Philippines with an accompanying invoice issued by the TSU PO ANTIQUE CO. in Hong Kong on May 28, 1985.

Juan T. Lim was a dedicated collector of Chinese and Southeast Asian ceramics and antiquities. He was an active member of the Oriental Ceramic Society of the Philippines and was well known for his contributions to several important publications, including “Guangdong Ceramics from Butan and Other Philippine Sites”, “Chinese and Southeast Asian Greenware Found in the Philippines”, “A Thousand Years of Stoneware Jars in the Philippines”, “Chinese and Southeast Asian White Ware Found in the Philippines”, “Fujian Ware Found in the Philippines: Song-Yuan Period, 11th-14th Century”, “Chinese and Vietnamese Blue and White Wares Found in the Philippines”, and “Zhangzhou Ware Found in the Philippines: ‘Swatow’ Export Ceramics from Fujian, 16th-17th Century”, in which many of his collections were featured and exhibited.

Measurements: Height (20.3cm).

Collection number: #377

Photos by: The Oriental Room®



Not For Sale.

01/09/2026

A Chinese Blue and White Box Decorated with Flutes and Flowers, Marked "Da Ming Nian Zao" (大明年造). Circa, 1522-1566, Jiajing Period, Ming Dynasty.

A covered cosmetic box of compressed globular form, resting on a short foot ring and surmounted by a bud-shaped finial. The domed cover is painted in rich underglaze blue with flowering sprays and ribbon-tied flutes associated with the Eight Immortals (Baxian), particularly the flute of Han Xiangzi (Han Hsian Tzu), one of the most revered Daoist immortals. The lower body is encircled by a band of stylized geometric motifs, while the decoration is executed in the vibrant cobalt blue characteristic of the Jiajing period (1522–1566) of the Ming dynasty. The base bears a four-character mark, “Da Ming Nian Zao” (大明年造), which translates as “Made during the Great Ming period.”

Note: The floral sprays symbolize prosperity, beauty, and renewal, while the flowing flutes convey auspiciousness and longevity. Particularly significant is the flute, the magical attribute of Han Xiangzi, patron of musicians and one of the Eight Immortals. According to Daoist tradition, the sound of his flute possessed supernatural powers, capable of causing flowers to bloom spontaneously and soothing wild animals. As an auspicious emblem, it symbolizes harmony, artistic refinement, joy, and spiritual transformation. Cosmetic boxes of this type were used to contain fragrant powders, cosmetics, or other personal items, reflecting the elegance and cultivated taste associated with Ming literati and courtly life. According to S.T. Yeo and Jean Martin in Chinese Blue and White Ceramics, these small covered boxes were exported in considerable numbers and have been recovered from sites throughout Southeast Asia. They were likely intended for storing ointments, medicinal preparations, and cosmetics. In some cases, the vessels themselves were believed to possess curative properties; as a result, small fragments were sometimes carefully removed from the rims and ground into powder for use in traditional remedies.

Measurements: Diameter (8.4cm across), height (7cm).

Collection number: #437

Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Paz Y Fores. Dr. Paz Y. Fores was a pioneering Filipina anesthesiologist and the first chairperson of the Anesthesiology Department at Makati Medical Center. She was recognized as one of the seven pioneering members of the board of governors for the Philippine Board of Anesthesiology (PBA) in 1967. She was instrumental in establishing professional standards for anesthesiology in the Philippines and she is celebrated as a mentor and foundational figure in Philippine medicine.

Photos by: The Oriental Room®



Not For Sale.

23/08/2026

A Chinese Blue and White Cosmetic Box with Floral Scrolls. Circa, 1621-1627, Tianqi Period, Ming Dynasty.

A blue and white covered cosmetic box of compressed globular form, the domed cover decorated with scrolling stylized blossoms rendered in soft underglaze blue. The lower body is similarly adorned with continuous lotus scrolls. Executed in the refined painterly manner characteristic of the Tianqi period (1621–1627), the decoration combines the lotus - a symbol of purity and spiritual refinement, with fluid floral scrolls that convey harmony and abundance. The base bears a rabbit mark, a charming and uncommon symbol often associated with longevity.

Measurements: Diameter (9.7cm across), height (7cm).

Collection number: #439

Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Paz Y Fores. Dr. Paz Y. Fores was a pioneering Filipina anesthesiologist and the first chairperson of the Anesthesiology Department at Makati Medical Center. She was recognized as one of the seven pioneering members of the board of governors for the Philippine Board of Anesthesiology (PBA) in 1967. She was instrumental in establishing professional standards for anesthesiology in the Philippines and she is celebrated as a mentor and foundational figure in Philippine medicine.

Photos by: The Oriental Room®



Not For Sale.

16/08/2026

A Chinese Blue and White Bowl with a Double Vajra and Honeycomb Decorations. Circa, 1488-1521, Hongzhi-Zhengde Period, Ming Dynasty.

This exquisite bowl features gracefully rounded walls and a flared rim, elegantly supported by a straight foot. The interior is adorned with a captivating centralized double vajra and floral designs, while the exterior showcases intricate geometric patterns, likely inspired by honeycombs, all in underglaze blue.

Note: Similar bowls dated to the 15th century have been excavated at the “Makasar Burial Site” in South Sulawesi in 1930. Additionally, bowls with the honey-comb and double vajra decorations have also been found at the Lena Shoal shipwreck in the Philippines which sank around 1490.

Measurements: Diameter (15.4cm across), height (7.5cm).

Collection number: #442

Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Paz Y Fores. Dr. Paz Y. Fores was a pioneering Filipina anesthesiologist and the first chairperson of the Anesthesiology Department at Makati Medical Center. She was recognized as one of the seven pioneering members of the board of governors for the Philippine Board of Anesthesiology (PBA) in 1967. She was instrumental in establishing professional standards for anesthesiology in the Philippines and she is celebrated as a mentor and foundational figure in Philippine medicine.

Photos by: The Oriental Room®



Not For Sale.

09/08/2026

A Chinese Blue and White Bowl with Floral Scrolls. Circa, 1436-1449, Zhengtong Period, Ming Dynasty.

A porcelain bowl with a rounded body and a gently flared rim, supported on a straight foot ring. The exterior is painted in underglaze blue with floral scrolls beneath a chevron-pattern border at the rim. The interior is similarly decorated with floral scrolls surrounding a central stylized floral motif, all rendered in underglaze blue.

Measurements: Diameter (15.5cm across), height (7cm).

Collection number: #441

Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Paz Y Fores in the Philippines. Dr. Paz Y. Fores was a pioneering Filipina anesthesiologist and the first chairperson of the Anesthesiology Department at Makati Medical Center. She was recognized as one of the seven pioneering members of the board of governors for the Philippine Board of Anesthesiology (PBA) in 1967. She was instrumental in establishing professional standards for anesthesiology in the Philippines and she is celebrated as a mentor and foundational figure in Philippine medicine.

Photos by: The Oriental Room®



Not For Sale.

29/07/2026

A Chinese Blue and White “Kraak” Barbed Rim Dish with a Grouper Fish Design. Circa, 1573-1620, Wanli Period, Jingdezhen, Ming Dynasty.

This barbed-rim dish is decorated with a central scene of a grouper fish swimming among flowing seaweed and stylized waves. Bordering the center are bands, each containing auspicious and decorative elements. These are separated by vertical auspicious motifs, framed within shaped cartouches, all rendered in underglaze cobalt blue.

Note: Kraak porcelain refers to a distinctive type of Chinese export ware produced during the late Ming Dynasty, roughly between 1567 and 1644. The name is derived from the Portuguese word carraca (carrack), referring to the ships that transported these wares to Europe. Production was centered in Jingdezhen and is most closely associated with the Wanli reign (1573–1620), although it began slightly earlier and continued into the Chongzhen period. Its popularity grew significantly after 1603, when the Dutch East India Company (VOC) seized Portuguese cargoes filled with large quantities of this porcelain, helping to expand its distribution across Europe.

Kraak porcelain is easily recognized by its underglaze cobalt blue decoration and characteristic design layout. Most pieces feature a central motif - such as flowers, birds, animals, insects, or landscapes, surrounded by radiating, panelled borders divided into fan-shaped sections. These panels are often filled with auspicious symbols or decorative elements, creating a structured yet lively composition. The wares are typically lightweight and functional, though they may show minor firing imperfections, such as pinholes or grit adhering to the foot, which are common features of their production.

In Europe, Kraak porcelain became highly desirable and was among the first Chinese ceramics to be imported in large quantities, quickly becoming a symbol of wealth and refinement. It frequently appears in Dutch Golden Age still-life paintings, particularly in pronkstilleven, where it is depicted alongside other luxury goods. Its influence also extended to European ceramic traditions, notably inspiring the development of Delftware.

Measurements: Diameter (22.5cm across).

Collection number: #434

Provenance: From a Dutch private collection of Ming porcelain. Acquired from the Netherlands.

Photos by: The Oriental Room®



Not For Sale.

17/07/2026

A Chinese Green and Yellow Lead-Glazed Figure of a Crab. Circa, 1368-1644, Ming Dynasty.

A finely modelled pottery figure of a crab, naturalistically rendered with a domed carapace and boldly articulated claws and legs. The upper shell is covered in a lustrous amber-yellow lead glaze, pooling attractively within the recessed contours, while the limbs and appendages are picked out in a contrasting translucent emerald-green glaze. The broad claws are carved with stylised ridges suggesting the segmented texture of the shell, and the underside is left unglazed in keeping with the traditional firing technique. The vibrant bichrome glaze palette is enhanced by areas of natural wear and flaking acquired over centuries. The crab is portrayed in a lively, animated stance, capturing the creature’s distinctive form with both charm and vitality.

Measurements: Length (12.3cm).

Collection Number: #429

Provenance: Acquired from the collection of Juan T. Lim in the Philippines.

Juan T. Lim was a dedicated collector of Chinese and Southeast Asian ceramics and antiquities. He was an active member of the Oriental Ceramic Society of the Philippines and was well known for his contributions to several important publications, including “Guangdong Ceramics from Butan and Other Philippine Sites”, “Chinese and Southeast Asian Greenware Found in the Philippines”, “A Thousand Years of Stoneware Jars in the Philippines”, “Chinese and Southeast Asian White Ware Found in the Philippines”, “Fujian Ware Found in the Philippines: Song-Yuan Period, 11th-14th Century”, “Chinese and Vietnamese Blue and White Wares Found in the Philippines”, and “Zhangzhou Ware Found in the Philippines: ‘Swatow’ Export Ceramics from Fujian, 16th-17th Century”, in which many of his collections were featured and exhibited.

Photos by: The Oriental Room®



Not For Sale.

13/07/2026

13/07/2026

A Chinese Qingbai Glazed Reticulated Candlestick. Circa, 14th Century, Yuan Dynasty.

A rare Qingbai glazed candlestick of openwork hexagonal form, the body enclosed within a reticulated framework of six lobed panels delicately pierced apertures bordered by finely beaded edges. Rising from a faceted foot, the vessel is surmounted by a broad hexagonal shoulder supporting a short cylindrical neck. The softly lustrous pale-blue glaze, characteristic of Yuan dynasty qingbai wares, pools subtly within the recesses and accentuating the sculptural quality of the design.

Measurements: Height (7.3cm).

Collection Number: #425

Provenance: Acquired from the collection of Juan T. Lim in the Philippines.

Juan T. Lim was a dedicated collector of Chinese and Southeast Asian ceramics and antiquities. He was an active member of the Oriental Ceramic Society of the Philippines and was well known for his contributions to several important publications, including “Guangdong Ceramics from Butan and Other Philippine Sites”, “Chinese and Southeast Asian Greenware Found in the Philippines”, “A Thousand Years of Stoneware Jars in the Philippines”, “Chinese and Southeast Asian White Ware Found in the Philippines”, “Fujian Ware Found in the Philippines: Song-Yuan Period, 11th-14th Century”, “Chinese and Vietnamese Blue and White Wares Found in the Philippines”, and “Zhangzhou Ware Found in the Philippines: ‘Swatow’ Export Ceramics from Fujian, 16th-17th Century”, in which many of his collections were featured and exhibited.

Photos by: The Oriental Room®



Not For Sale.

29/06/2026

A Chinese Blue and White Bowl with Floral Scrolls. Circa, 14th Century, Yuan Dynasty.

A finely potted bowl with gently rounded walls rising to a subtly everted rim. The exterior is adorned with floral scrolls, freely rendered in underglaze cobalt blue. Within the central medallion features a stylized flaming pearl, while the inner rim is encircled by a delicately painted arabesque border.

Measurements: Diameter (13cm across).

Collection number: #428

Provenance: Acquired from the collection of Juan T. Lim in the Philippines.

Juan T. Lim was a dedicated collector of Chinese and Southeast Asian ceramics and antiquities. He was an active member of the Oriental Ceramic Society of the Philippines and was well known for his contributions to several important publications, including “Guangdong Ceramics from Butan and Other Philippine Sites”, “Chinese and Southeast Asian Greenware Found in the Philippines”, “A Thousand Years of Stoneware Jars in the Philippines”, “Chinese and Southeast Asian White Ware Found in the Philippines”, “Fujian Ware Found in the Philippines: Song-Yuan Period, 11th-14th Century”, “Chinese and Vietnamese Blue and White Wares Found in the Philippines”, and “Zhangzhou Ware Found in the Philippines: ‘Swatow’ Export Ceramics from Fujian, 16th-17th Century”, in which many of his collections were featured and exhibited.

Photos by: The Oriental Room®



Not For Sale.