Folk

Folk art is a traditional artistic expression that reflects shared cultural, aesthetic and social values which evolve and changes with the times. Generally handmade by local artisans who have formally or informally learned techniques and skills passed down for generations, it can be decorative or utilitarian, used for daily activities or reserved for ritual or ceremonial purposes.

Showing 1–12 of 60 results

  • Antique Agricultural Deity and Spring Ox, China

    $885.00

    To pay homage and respect to one’s ancestors, Chinese families commissioned images to protect family members, and in some instances, their domestic and farm animals as seen in this exceptional and rare carving.  Intricately modeled and deeply carved from one piece of wood, it depicts two distinct juxtaposed images. On the top is a Taoist official in typical official attire holding a hu and on bottom is the “Spring Ox” accompanied by the “Herd Box”, who together perform an ancient agricultural rituals at the end of each winter to wake the earth up so that spring can arrive This is an exceptional and rare statue with considerable history and iconographic significance.

     

  • Antique Brass Nandi, India

    $195.00

    This finely cast antique recumbent miniature statue with finely articulated features portrays Nandi decorated with jewels and sitting recumbent on a high-tiered throne.  Waiting to serve his Lord Shiva and kneeling in reverence and worship, Nandi is a symbol of purity and strength. Small figurines like this were placed on home shrines with other deities and items of significance to the family. Made using lost wax casting method whose mold is destroyed after use, it is a one-of-a-kind piece in very good condition with casting and plating flaws in the rear and a surface scratch and minor plating loss on the back left side.

     

  • Antique Bronze/Brass Nandi, South India

    $325.00

    This small antique brass Nandi is well-proportioned, exquisitely handcrafted and has 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.

  • Antique Carved Teak Figure (Nat?), Myanmar (Burma), 19th Century

    $495.00

    This wonderful teak carving may be an indigenous Burmese Nat placed atop a large fleur-de-lis shield reflecting the British influence. Wearing a native sarong (longyi) having 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.

     

     

     

  • Antique Cast Pot w/Handle and Hook, India

    $178.00

    This is plain 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 to any kind of décor.

  • Antique Dhokra Brass Measuring Bowl, India

    $155.00

    Dhokra items like this measuring bowl for rice or other grains are beautifully and often intricately decorated, very accessible, made with an appealing simplicity and in uncomplicated forceful and captivating forms. Made by the lost wax technique, each item has a distinct one-of-a-kind identity as the mold is broken after use so no copies can be made. This charming piece is a typical small grain measure and has a rounded lip, bulging body, and handle for hanging and decorated with horizontal striations across the top half bordered by a band of downward striated triangles, and a broad horizontal band at the center. It is in very good condition with a smooth patina from prolonged use and its considerable age.

    Click here for the Blog Dhokra Metal Smiths: Retaining Primitive Techniques with Unfailing Success 

    Click here for the Blog Hindu Home and Temple Shrines and Religious Practices

     

  • Antique Dhokra Brass Measuring Bowl, India

    $155.00

    Dhokra items like this measuring bowl for rice or other grains are beautifully and often intricately decorated, very accessible, made with an appealing simplicity and in uncomplicated forceful and captivating forms. Made by the lost wax technique, each item has a distinct one-of-a-kind identity as the mold is broken after use so no copies can be made. This charming piece is a typical small grain measure with a rounded lip, bulging body, and handle for hanging and decorated with horizontal striations across the top half. It is bordered by a band of downward striated triangles with bosses at the tips, and a broad horizontal band at the center. It is in very good condition and has a smooth patina from prolonged use and considerable age.

     

    Click here for the Blog Hindu Home and Temple Shrines and Religious Practices

     

  • Antique Dhokra Brass Measuring Bowl, India

    $155.00

    Dhokra items like this measuring bowl for rice or other grains are beautifully and often intricately decorated, very accessible, made with an appealing simplicity and in uncomplicated forceful and captivating forms. Made by the lost wax technique, each item has a distinct one-of-a-kind identity as the mold is broken after use so no copies can be made. This charming piece is a typical small grain measure with a rounded lip, bulging body and handle for hanging. It is decorated with horizontal striations across the body and small and large raised zig-zag horizontal bands at the top and underneath are crossing bands with signs of verdigris. It is in very good condition with a smooth patina from prolonged use and its considerable age with a slight loss above the handle.

    Click here for the Blog Dhokra Metal Smiths: Retaining Primitive Techniques with Unfailing Success 

    Click here for the Blog Hindu Home and Temple Shrines and Religious Practices

     

  • Antique Dhokra Brass Measuring Bowl, India

    $155.00

    This antique brass vessel was a daily measuring bowl for rice or other grains made by the Dhokra metalsmiths from Eastern India using lost wax casting which creates a unique and distinct identity and a one-of-a-kind object.  Dhokra items are beautifully and intricately decorated, very accessible, made with an appealing simplicity and their uncomplicated forms are forceful and captivating.  This charming one is a typical small grain measure with a round lip, bulging body, handle for hanging and decorated with horizontal striations across the top half bordered by a band of downward striated triangles and a broad horizontal band at the center. It is in very good condition with a smooth patina from prolonged use and its considerable age.

     

  • Antique Dhorka Brass Measuring Bowl, India

    $155.00

    Dhokra items like this measuring bowl for rice or other grains are beautifully and often intricately decorated, very accessible, made with an appealing simplicity and in uncomplicated forceful and captivating forms. Made by the lost wax technique, each item has a distinct one-of-a-kind identity as the mold is broken after use so no copies can be made.  This charming piece is a typical small grain measure, with a rounded lip, bulging body, and handle for hanging and decorated with horizontal striations across the top half bordered by a band of downward striated triangles, and a broad horizontal band at the center. It is in very good condition with a smooth patina from prolonged use and its considerable age.

     

  • Antique Female Puppet Head on Acrylic Stand, China

    $335.00

    Antique Chinese puppets were often made in several parts, with the head being removable. This antique female carved wood head of a beauty has delicately painted features with a porcelain white face with animal hair braided down the back. Since there is an area without hair towards the back, it may have had a headdress.  A hole on top probably accommodated strings. Mounted on a frosted acrylic base, it is in good condition with surface losses and a ding on the left side of the face consistent with age and use.

  • Antique Footed Lacquer Sweetmeat Confection Mold, China

    $625.00

    Although wood sweetmeat (tianshin) confection molds were used to make pastry deserts for religious and secular occasions, this exceptionally crafted and beautiful hardwood footed one was most likely a marriage gift in a wealthy family as seen in the decorative images and their symbolic meanings which were easily recognized by the owners. Elaborated and elegantly decorated in vibrant reds and gilt the mold sits on feet decorated with lotuses and the side apron with upside-down bats. Wishes for fidelity and fecundity are represented by paired fish and lotus pods filled with seeds. This is one of the ultimate wedding gifts, a blessing for the newlyweds and their future children.  Although slightly warped from age, it is in excellent condition.

     

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