Welcome to Vanishing Arts Gallery. Our vast collection of unique art, antiques and artifacts spans centuries, continents and countless generations of gifted artists and craftsmen reflecting a broad range of cultures, traditions and beliefs. Sadly, most of these handcrafted items and the skills used to create them have already vanished or are on the verge of disappearing. We hope you enjoy exploring our collection, learning about the significance and history of our unique and distinctive items, and finding that special piece that will enhance and energize your life and personal space.

Our Collection

Over the past 40 years we have amassed a collection of distinctive and authentic art, antiques, artifacts and jewelry only a small portion of which is currently on our VA site. We will be continually adding items, so visit our site often to explore our large inventory of engaging historical treasures. Our full collection can be viewed in person by appointment only. Feel free to share with us any additional knowledge you may have about the items featured in our collection.

We have provided artistic and descriptive information on each piece as well as a Blog Library of researched and annotated papers for selected items. These can be accessed through the Blog Link at the bottom of the Description for applicable pieces.

These papers provide further cultural and historical context and information that enhance one’s appreciation for such items. As with the collection of items on our site, we will be expanding our compilation of Blogs on an ongoing basis. We are happy to provide additional images and further information about their condition, function, possibilities for display or shipping concerns upon request.

Item descriptions and attributions regarding dates and tribal, cultural and geographic designations are provided in good faith based on our knowledge and experience and the opinions of others we have consulted. Old and ritual objects are periodically repaired or restored during their life by those in the culture entrusted with their care. This is especially true for Chinese antique carvings, many which were damaged during China’s modernization. Buyers should expect ancient and antique pieces to have imperfections and old repairs consistent with their age and use, which we believe enhance their appeal. Although we have noted repairs, restorations and imperfections, we might have missed some that are not readily visible. Some pieces have been professionally modified for maintenance or stabilization to prevent further deterioration or for cosmetic reasons noted in their description.

Please examine all our photos closely. Any item that can be demonstrated to be different from the information we provide may be returned. Contact us immediately about your concerns so we can take appropriate action. Read our Return Policy for more information.

For clarification and standardization purposes we have classified items as follows:

Period and Date of Origin

PeriodDate of Origin
AncientBefore 1200 C.E.
Pre-Modern1200 -1700
Antique1700 -1920
Antique/Vintage1910 -1950
Vintage1921-1980
Contemporary1981- Present Time

Region and Place of Origin

RegionPlace of Origin
East AsiaChina, Japan, Korea, Tibet Autonomous Region
Southeast AsiaBurma/Myanmar, Cambodia, IndonesiaLaos, Thailand, Vietnam
Middle EastIran
South AsiaAfghanistan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
AfricaCentral, East, North, West, Horn of Africa
Ancient MediterraneanAlexandria (Egypt), Judea/Biblical Israel, Magna GraeciaRoman Empire (Including North Africa)
The AmericasNorth America, Mesoamerica, South America