Ceramics and pottery are generalized terms for clay objects shaped and fired into a hard, inelastic, non-eroding and heat-resistant objects. There are 3 pottery types: earthenware, stoneware and porcelain which differ because of the temperatures at which they are fired and ingredients that are mixed in the clay before firing. Earthenware and terracotta are synonymous pottery forms that are fired at low temperatures, while stoneware and porcelain are made with added ingredients mixed with the clay and by increasing the firing temperatures. Ceramics in our collection include pieces from China, ancient Rome and the Holy Land, India, Japan and Southeast Asia.
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Shiwan stoneware fruit offerings were placed on the altar during the Ming to substitute for or augment fresh offerings. The three peaches and lotuses on a footed bowl are auspicious Chinese symbols associated with springtime, fertility and a long healthy life for many generations.
This delicate and vibrant Qing dynasty Shiwan stoneware glazed sculpture represents fresh fruit that symbolizes life and new beginnings would have been placed on a temple or home altar to represent and/or augment plates of stacked fresh fruit. Fresh fruit symbolizes life and new beginnings. These offerings are still made to honor the family’s ancestors, communicate with deities and bring prosperity, good luck and health to the home and would be an auspicious and decorative addition to any home settings where family members past and present are honored.
Wall pockets remain a very common decorative element in Asian homes. In China, they are used to hold chopsticks and flowers to bring good fortune to a space where the family gathers. This Shiwan stoneware pocket has 2 very auspicious symbols: a frog and a lotus that symbolize nurturing energy and transformation. With a hole in the back for hanging on a wall, it is great addition to enhance a kitchen’s coziness and feng shui and a wonderful wedding gift.
This polychrome vintage Chinese Republic porcelain figurine represents the most famous and colorful of the Taoist Eight Immortals, Lu Dongbin. He holds his fly whisk at his cheek, a traditional symbol of one who can fly at will. His face has a sweet benign smile with a long beard extending to his waist. He stands on a base with green and black swirling cloud forms indicating his ability to fly. He wears the robes of a Taoist sage in richly painted colors. The figure is in excellent condition and dates to the Chinese Republic Period circa 1920-1940.
This colorful Chinese Republic porcelain is the most popular of the Eight Immortals Lu Dongbin, who symbolizes immortality and long life. Dressed as a scholar, his beard is pushed to the side as he is in motion riding waves to show his magical powers. He holds a fly whisk which, along with the sword he often carries, are personal auspicious symbols. The most colorful of the immortals, he is worshipped by for his medical prowess and by scholars in homes and temples.
Song brick tiles like this decorated government, public and religious buildings, often depicting mythical animals, auspicious objects and holiday celebrations. This tile shows a traditional lion dance performed at Chinese New Year to attract prosperity and good luck for the coming year.The lion is flanked by 2 frightened children and a person in anjali mudra, symbolizing composure that could counter balance the children’s fear.
Earthenware terracotta pottery has played a significant role in the cultural, religious and artistic traditions of India for centuries. Indian terracotta images are considered spiritual, mystical and auspicious as Hindus believe terracotta incorporates the five natural elements of air, fire, earth, water and metal. Made with a bivalve mould that is hand luted and hand…
Earthenware terracotta pottery has played a significant role in the cultural, religious and artistic traditions of India for centuries. Indian terracotta images are considered spiritual, mystical and auspicious as Hindus believe terracotta incorporates the five natural elements of air, fire, earth, water and metal. Made with a bivalve mould that is hand luted and hand…
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