Bronze Snake-decorated Finials 蛇紋銅錯• 二件 (one of a pair), Eastern Zhou, Warring States period, 5th century BCE, length: 5 in (12.7 cm) each

Separate Realities
March 13 – June 2025
Online Exhibition

Kaikodo LLC is thrilled to present Separate Realities, their Asia Week New York online exhibition featuring an exceptional selection of Chinese and Japanese paintings and objects. Their approach to understanding art is rooted in context—placing each piece within its historical and stylistic lineage to uncover its unique character. In this exhibition, while works are thoughtfully presented within their broader traditions, the distinctiveness—the separate realities—of many stand out on their own.

In honor of the Year of the Snake, Kaikodo scoured their collection for hidden reptiles—and they were not disappointed. Among their discoveries is this striking knot of vipers coiled on an Eastern Zhou bronze appendage, a compelling presence alongside other captivating treasures from China and Japan. These two artistic traditions—two worlds in themselves—offer contrasting yet complementary perspectives.

Also standing out as a separate reality among a large cadre of fresh-water jars for Japanese tea-ceremony use is a Ming-dynasty bucket-shaped celadon, likely with a long history in Japan. Although the design executed in vivid enamel colors on a Zhangzhou “Swatow” ware charger is not unusual, the high quality of the painted decoration is exceptional.

They warmly invite you to explore their Online Exhibition, complete with full illustrations and insightful writeups.