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 small vibrant carpet square with fringed edges can be used for meditation to sit on, an accent piece or hung on a wall. Made from wool and natural dyes, it has a cotton foundation and double weft with a medium wool pile and fine geometric designs. Meander designs and geometric motifs surround the center…
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…
Metal oil lamps (diyas) made for deities in Hinduism are recognized by distinct designs, symbols or figures which identify specific deities to devotees wish to offer their prayers used in homes and temples for daily prayers (puja). This heavy brass antique votive from India is a Vishnu diya with a shallow yoni shaped cup, short…
This small antique brass Nandi is exquisitely handcrafted with a wonderfully aged patina. He sits recumbent on a raised rectangular platform. Delicately incised with decorative details delineating the head, neck, snout and body, his right leg and tail are sinuous, graceful ornaments rather than defining features. His head is at a 45-degree with lyrically curved horns in contrast to most versions with horns extending backwards. This Nandi is based on a South Indian cow whose humpback is emphasized here by two parallel lines covering it as if is part of a saddle or another ornament feature.
Hand carved coconut cutters were commonly used in Asia to facilitate the difficult task of extracting all parts of a coconut which were routinely used. Carvers made unique and functional folk art tools using local artistic motifs in nature. This carving with its intricate circular patterns surrounded by florals impart a warm and rustic feeling that would be a special decorative addition to any style kitchen and an interesting conversational piece.
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.
This is simple but attractive antique welded Indian iron pot is covered with a nice antique rust color patina and its clear lines indicate where each metal piece was joined in its construction. Generally formed in an egg shape with a rounded bottom for easy pouring, it has a tactile charm and character that would add charm to any room, especially a kitchen, look more
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