As defined by the International Museum of Folk Art, folk art encompasses a broad range of forms – dance, song, poetry, and foods as well as art. It is handmade; traditional, reflecting shared cultural aesthetics and social issues which may change over time; and is of, by and for the people inclusive of class, status, culture, ethnicity, gender, and religion. It may be for community use or for sale as income or empowerment; learned formally, informally, or self-taught. It can be decorative or utilitarian used for daily, ritual or ceremonial purposes.
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This extremely rare late Ming/early Qing dynasty antique-Chinese-wood-carving carving is divided in two parts and is significant for its juxtaposition of images as well as its unique iconography. The top is one of the Taoist officials in typical officials-attire: an official’s hat, a tiered robe with a red sash extending to the tops of the…
Attendants like this often accompanied Taoist figures on home altars, along with other deities and spiritual images. They frequently presented offerings to them which, when tied with ribbons, symbolized “ longevity for generations”. This 18-19th century carving may have accompanied a significant deity as the statue was covered in gilt and lacquer, some which has naturally darkened from age and from years of incense, age and use.
Nandi is among the most frequent Hindu deities worshiped in public places, temples, homes, or on a home altar throughout India. As one of Hinduism’s mythical animals, Nandi is Shiva’s vahana, (his mount that transports him), attendant and leader of his attendants and guardian of all four-footed animals. A recumbent image of Nandi on a…
This pair is VA’s most unique and finely crafted Kitchen God couple. Wearing beautifully carved robes, clasping Hu tablets, they have approachable features and subtly smiling lips. The painted character on the base of each is a wish for “happiness.” These exceptional consecrated and rare pieces are in excellent condition with a fine patina. Kitchen Gods radiate warmth, especially when placed near the stove and are unique house warming or wedding gifts and add positive chi and enhance feng-shui in any home.
This very fine pair of antique carved males fu lions represents the dual nature of these mythical animals: as protective images they are powerful and fierce, as Buddhist images they are whimsical with smiling faces, dangling tongues, hanging ears and bushy tails. They are extremely well carved with harnesses and bells around their necks, detailed manes and tails on high intricately decorated bases to signal their importance. Perfect for enhancing feng shui in a home or office, large finely decorative wood pairs like this are extremely hard to find.
As part of Burmese animistic and shamanistic beliefs hand built oxcarts were decorated with figurehead prows of mythical beings to guide the owner. Using their spiritual and magical powers they bestow good fortune and ward off malevolent spirits. The legendary figure here is probably a nat – a deified spirits of the deceased believed to have magical and protective powers seen on non religious items and in Buddhist temples, pagodas, home shrines, other spiritual structures throughout Burma.
This wonderful teak carving may be an indigenous Burmese Nat placed atop a large fleur-de-lis shield reflecting British influence. Wearing a local native sarong (longyi) with an attractive border drawn up between his legs, a decorative pointed collar covers his chest and shoulders, his headgear is pointed at each side, the eyes are mother of pearl, and the red-painted lips are what remains of what was likely a fully painted carving.
Simple attractive antique welded Indian iron pot with warm rust color patina. Clear lines indicate where pieces were joined in its construction. Egg shape with a rounded bottom for easy pouring, it has a warmth to add charm to any room, especially a kitchen or filled with dried flowers.
Made in the Meiji era (1868-1912),this hand crafted antique Japanese cast iron tetsubin teapot has an unusual decorative handle and curved spout and has a beautiful relief design of galloping horses. Horses have been revered creatures in Japanese culture that embody grace, power and nobility. The knob on the lid probably represents a lotus, the Buddhist symbol of purity and enlightenment. As with all antiques, these pieces are purely decorative for display purposes only.
This Meiji (1868-1912) hand crafted cast iron Tetsubin is especially charming with a textured surface, unique shape and temple ornamental knob on its lid. Two manufacturer’s seals are impressed on its side. The outside is in excellent condition. Since, like all old Tetsubin cast iron kettles, it has developed rust on the bottom that can be removed by boiling green tea, it is recommended for display only to enhance any style kitchen.
Prehistoric Thai Bronze Age jewelry, adzes and tools have been found all over Thailand. Excavations from various soil levels show many sites had been inhabited for millennia. They confirm the existence of an early, well-developed metallurgical tradition of bronze digging and cutting tools, adzes (ancient axe like tools to cut wood), adult and child’s bronze…
This antique brass vessel was a daily measuring bowl for rice or other grains made by Dhokra metalsmiths from Eastern India using the same lost wax casting process for millennia. Extremely labor intensive and time consuming, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Dhokra items are beautifully and intricately decorated with simple uncomplicated forms. This charming piece is a typical grain measure and has a handle for hanging and decorated with horizontal striations across the top and bordered by downward striated triangles with a smooth patina from age and use. This bowl were regarded as a symbol of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi and was prized by villagers who could afford them for puja home worship and placed on a home altar.
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