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.
Showing 25–36 of 69 results
Burmese teak heddle pulley surmounted by a graceful peacock that symbolizes wholeness, combining colors and fleeting nature of all things. Based on old animistic beliefs, heddles are decorated with auspicious animals providing the weaver protection, assuring good quality weaving and pleasing the gods.
This elegant heddle pulley carved from a single piece of Burmese teak is topped by a peacock, which in Buddhism represents the short-lived nature of all things. In Burmese animistic traditions, it auspicious animal images protect the weaver, assure quality weaving, and please the gods and spirits. Finely weathered from time and use.
Puppet theatre has traditionally assumed a major role in Chinese religious rituals and honoring major life and historical events. Local productions with beautifully carved puppets, music, drama and costumes instilled societal and cultural values as well as providing entertainment to audiences of all ages and educating provincial ones. This head has a typical tapering shaft…
This ancestor figure of a huntsman in the round is unique, standing on a domed pedestal, facing half right holding a flint lock, wearing a hunting coat, a two-level hat, traditional under- and outer-garment, and thick boots. As the noted scholar on Chinese wood carvings stated, a similar figure like this “unusual and extraordinary ancestral image of a huntsman with a flintlock gun, was the only ancestral image in his vast collection which “depicts the calling of the deceased.”
This elegant antique heddle-pulley carved from a single piece of Burmese teak is topped by a hamsa, a goose-like bird and a sacred Buddhist symbol of wisdom. Auspicious symbolic animal images are believed protect the weaver, assure quality weaving, and pleases the gods and spirits. It is wonderfully weathered from time and use with minor losses with a fine patina. Mounted on a black wood base, this heddle pulley pairs well with item number 11298A.
Large C-shaped Tuareg manilla made from sand moulds, has massive finials with 12 facets with detailed hand-etched and hammered designs including raised circles.
Zhenwu (aka Xuanwu, Wuandi and Zhenwudadi) is one of the most revered Chinese Taoist figures, venerated for his ability to heal as well as to protect his country and the emperor. There are various depictions of his attire, but here he wears a plain black robe with an official’s belt which he holds in his…
Zhenwu, the True Warrior, Perfected Warrior or Northern Emperor was one of the most popular TaoistDeities in the Ming and Qing dynasties known as protector of the state and the imperial family. His feet here rest on a pedestal over a turtle with a lifted head and a snake curled around his shell. Among the many interpretations this represent beings over whom he presided including both celestial officers under his command, [and] former demons that were conquered by him. This is a fascinating carving symbolizes trusted strength. and power.
This exquisite teak carving of a Mandalay Burmese male dancer wearing a sarong is in a fluid twisted pose emphasizing his strength, balance and grace with his raised hand is in a position similar to a Buddhist mudra. His humble status is reflected his head scarf and a bejeweled sarong with insert glass that reflect light and add movement and depth. His joyful beautiful face stares with open eyes and slightly parted lips It is simply a gorgeous work mounted on a contemporary frosted stand to complement any setting.
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…
Rare vintage Balinese mask of Jatayu used in performances of the Ramayana. Jatayu is the Hindu mythical vahana (vehicle) of Vishnu, one of the triad of principal Hindu gods. On a museum quality stand.
This Kitchen God and his Wife is posed as streamlined virtual mirror-images and fashioned with a general quality relying on paint rather than deep carving for details. They sit on backless chairs on a plinth, with simplified gold officials’ robes with long color sashes, and well-carved black and gilt head gear. The wife’s face is smooth, generalized and the male face has a more deeply carved surface and painted highlights.
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