Dragons

The Chinese lung (龙 ) or dragon has been a mythological creature in Chinese culture since the 5th millennium BCE. Dragons symbolize benevolence, prosperity, good fortune, blessings, longevity and the renewal of life. They live in the watery depths in the autumn and ascend to the sky in spring to become the rain-bringing dragon producing bountiful moisture in control of rain, rivers, lakes, and seas. It is a divine creature bringing abundance, prosperity, and good fortune, and, unlike Western dragons, are considered beautiful, friendly, and lucky. The dragon is the ultimate symbol of the forces of Nature considered to be the greatest divine force on earth. Dragons unify heaven and earth as they live in the mountains or the sea, quench their thirst in the sea and fly to the sky. With auspicious powers including control over water, rain, floods, and the fertility of crops, they are the symbol the emperor and imperial strength with their five claws. Its placement on the emperor’s dragon robes against clouds symbolizes the ruler’s imperial and heavenly authority and his ability to provide for irrigation and agriculture, essential to the empire’s strength and stability. Two of the most powerful of the four celestial animals are the dragon who is “yang” and the phoenix who “yin”, who together create the yin-yang balance to create matrimonial bliss. A dragon paired with the phoenix is a metaphor for people of high virtue, talent and status. Dragon. pairs are often depicted in carvings, furniture and on textiles chasing a flaming pearl thought to represent wisdom, energy, power and the moon. As a display of high status, the arms of chairs or thrones are ended with dragons or open-mouthed dragons holding pearls. The dragon’s popularity is so immense it is used ubiquitously as an important decorative and symbolic motif bringing good fortune to all. Matsu as Empress of Heaven is often shown seated in a dragon throne.

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  • Antique Mazu, Empress of Heaven, China (6003A-BCK) $1050

    $1,050.00
    H: 15.375”  W: 8.625”  D: 7.5” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This Mazu, the protector of sea farers, is portrayed as the imperially sanctioned “Empress of Heaven” seated on an elaborate horseshoe shaped dragon throne, hands clasped symbolically holding a hu tablet, adorned with elegant dragon robes, an official’s girdle, a flat-topped Empress headdress and small feet resting on a pair of gilt fu lions. Meant to be seen from all sides this beautiful carving is decorated on front and back.

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  • Antique Polychrome Mazu “Holy Mother in Heaven,” China (3429AEM) $1400

    $1,450.00
    H: 19.25″  W: 10″  D: 8.75″ | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    Seated imperiously on a horseshoe chair with legs on a turquoise embossed pedestal on a base with carved  characters of her title “Holy Mother in Heaven,” this majestic Mazu is depicted in the imperial style, wearing a regal flat topped headdress and elaborate robes with dragons and an officials girdle at the waist highlighted in red and covered with gilt. This wonderful carving is in excellent condition after years of use.

     

     

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  • Antique Taoist Literature God on a Dragon, China (16615PBRK) $795

    $795.00
    H: 15.5”  W: 5.5  D: 4.5” | FREE SHIPPING

    This rare house god image from South China is Wen Chang, the Taoist God of Literature and many realms associated with higher intellect, and education. He is a tall, extremely thin, surly, demon like image with ribs showing and facial distortions standing firmly on a dragon’s head  among waves holding his belt. Chinese turned to him for wealth, health, long life, and good fortune. Unlike ancestor figures, this carving was probably displayed independently in a prominent place in the office of a Chinese official or scholar. Increasingly difficult to find, this piece would enhance any desk, library, study, or other location.  It is in excellent condition with a warm patina, full of finely modeled details with a few surface scratches and paint losses consistent with its age.

     

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  • Antique/Vintage Sweetmeats Confection-Mold, China (19434DRK) $425

    $425.00
    H: 16.5″  W: 10.5″  D: 2.25″ CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING

    This finely detailed hardwood mold was used to make sweetmeats confections, perhaps mooncakes for the Chinese Autumn Moon Festival. It is covered with deeply carved propitious symbols for marital harmony, sons and successful endeavors:  a four clawed dragon for fertility, two ducks symbolizing marital bliss and harmony, one atop a carp for conjugal bliss and achieving noble rank and a boat with a sail for making all this easy sailing. This would be a great accessory or gift (especially for weddings) to spice up any kitchen.

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  • Han Dynasty Bronze Dragon Belt Hook, China (1095BLE)

    $485.00
    H: 4.675”  W: 1”  D: 0.625” | FREE SHIPPING!

    This Han bronze belt hook is fashioned as a dragon with intense eyes. A button-like extension on its underside affixes to a belt hole, and the hook is positioned horizontally to attach to clothing. Belt hooks were used in life and then buried with the diseased to accompany him on his journey to the afterlife.  In very good condition, it has not been cleaned and has normal pitting and surface losses due to its two millennia-old burial in a humid tomb that has heavily oxidized over the years and, therefore, has beautiful verdigris deposits.

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