In Asian cultures, mythical animals fulfill cultural, spiritual and practical functions as motifs in art and in spiritual, decorative and utilitarian items such as architecture, furniture, textiles, jewelry, decorative items, musical instruments and ceramics. Their origin reflects legends, myths and religious and animistic beliefs and they are often associated with deities. They often symbolize spiritual goals, good fortune and averting evil. Common mythical beasts are Buddhist or fu lions, dragons, nagas, bats, birds, Hǒus, oxen/bulls, taotie, and combination of animal and human forms.
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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…
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…
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…
Shakyamuni Buddha was born Prince Siddhartha Gautama in 560 BCE in Lumbini Park in the Himalayan foothills, son of king Śuddhodana Gautama of the Shakya clan and Queen Maya. Buddhist scriptures state his conception and birth were miraculous and that he was born fully formed. This rural statue portrays him fully developed standing on infant…
Finely crafted antique boxes like this were often used to store jewelry and valuables in the top and money in the side drawer with a teardrop metal pull. Told it was a lucky money box, it was likely a gift to wish newlyweds a harmonious, successful and happy life. Auspicious carved images are symbols for…
While larger stone fu-lions pairs protected imperial and government buildings and rich residences, carvers in provincial areas took great liberties depicting these auspicious mythical animals as folk art in all sorts of public, religious and domestic settings. During the Ming and Qing fu lions were especially popular in smaller versions in homes and gardens as…
Leigong, (Lei Gong Leikung, Leishen), is the mythological Taoist and folk religion protective “Thunder God) The Chinese character Lei (雷) means “thunder.” An official of the Jade Emperor’s imperial court, Leigong was given responsibility for watching for injustices on Earth. He was ordered to punish earthly beings and wicked spirits who commit secret crimes or…
The Hou (Hǒu) is the most powerful of the mythical animals in Chinese beliefs, a composite of 10 animals and revered for its ability to gather and guard money for its master, defend him from evil, and protect against bad fortune. As the mount of Guanyin, it sometimes resembles, as here, a Buddhist lion or…
Burmese carvings are known for fine craftsmanship, masterful decoration, and functional items including carved heddle pulleys used in strip-weaving. Used in pairs at the top of the loom, heddle pulleys are functional and aesthetic and usually decorated with auspicious images symbolizing figures or animals protecting the weaver, assuring good quality weaving, and pleasing the gods…
Oil lamps (diya) are used daily by Hindus throughout India for prayer rituals (puja) performed on a home altar or in temples for devotional worship. Hindus believe that diyas are essential, as light itself is the absence of darkness and where evil forces dwell. Light and the act of lighting a lamp signify purity, virtuosity,…
Chinese artisans devoted as much time and effort to create small accessories like home altar tables as they do with larger pieces. This home altar table is handcrafted with mortise-and-tenon joints, using no nails or glue which made it more stable and longer lasting. The surface blend multiple layers of different colors of blacks and reds…
During the Ming and Qing dynasties fu lion images were especially popular in smaller versions used in private homes on home altars, as free-standing decorative Buddhist statues, design elements on furniture and architecture and on utilitarian objects like candlestick holders and bed posts to bring blessings of fu and prosperity. In the Buddhist tradition, they…
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