About PAGODA RED
PAGODA RED is the destination for collectors who love the art, history, style & spirit of Asian and handcrafted objects. Every item is authentic—historically and geographically—and wears the patina of many lifetimes served in homes, palaces and gardens. In the early 1990s, owner Betsy Nathan studied Mandarin and moved to Beijing. There, she met a group of legendary Chinese furniture experts. Under their mentorship, she became an expert in provenance, craftsmanship, joinery and history. Nathan moved back to the United States and established her first showroom in Chicago i...Read More
Featured Pieces
Chinese Woven River Basket, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This hand-woven example rema...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Decorative Baskets
Materials
Reed, Wood
Chinese Blue and White Botanical Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This round, porcelain storage jar is brightly glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner with an allover pattern of botanical motifs. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Jars
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Melon Stone Drum Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Drum-form stools such as this were traditionally used in gardens and outdoor pavilions where upper class scholars read, wrote, gathered for discussion and, in general, developed thei...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Side Tables
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Turned Wooden Mortar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite pinewood vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and condiments. The rustic container was hand-turned to an...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Pine
"Composition in Red (Vapors)" by Michael Thompson
By Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Chinese Woven River Basket, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This hand-woven example rema...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Decorative Baskets
Materials
Wood, Reed
Chinese Lobed Pantry Vessel, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Charged with the humble task of storing dry goods, this small earthenware jar was hand-shaped in the early 20th century with balanced proportions and a beautifully irregular unglazed...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Turned Wooden Mortar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite pinewood vessel dates to the early 20th century and was likely originally used as a grain measure or kitchen mortar. The rustic container has a cylindrical form and a tur...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Primitive Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Pine
Chinese Blue and White Botanical Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This round, porcelain storage jar is brightly glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner with an allover pattern of botanical motifs. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Jars
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Bentwood Roundback Armchair, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditio...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Materials
Elm
"Reflective Composition (Blue Stamp)" by Michael Thompson
By Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Chinese Turned Wooden Mortar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite pinewood vessel dates to the early 20th century and was likely originally used as a grain measure or kitchen mortar. The rustic container has a cylindrical form and a tu...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Pine
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