Mythical Animals

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.

  • SOLD Bejeweled Wood Naga, Burma/Myanmar (11134B)

    SOLD Bejeweled Wood Naga, Burma/Myanmar (11134B)

    $1,133.00
    H: 32″  W: 20″  D: 7.5″  SHIPPING INFORMATION REQUIRED. CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This exceptional naga was one of two that comprised a gong stand. Gongs were used in Burma for both ceremonial and musical purposes in religious, state, or secular settings. A protection figure, this naga is a superb carving elaborately decorated with gold lacquer and pigmentation. He opens his mouth wide bearing mother-of-pearl teeth and a curled blood red mouth and tongue to drive away malevolent spirits, also reinforced by the large glaring eyes circled in red. On first glance it is menacing, but its history as a protector of Buddha Shakyamuni make it prized as a fanciful, gleeful guardian. His scales are arched relief designs of mixed lacquer and ash and they are highlighted with inset cut mirrors and green sequin-like glass “jewels.” It is mounted on a museum quality stand and is in excellent condition for its age and use despite missing an ear.

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  • Sale! SOLD Song Dynasty Tile of a Mythical Winged Pixiu, China

    SOLD Song Dynasty Tile of a Mythical Winged Pixiu, China

    Original price was: $485.00.Current price is: $395.00.

    The Song dynasty (960–1279) is considered the most culturally brilliant era in later imperial Chinese history. A massive expansion during this dynasty produced government, public and religious buildings and tombs with walls decorated with earthenware unglazed mold-made brick tiles. Some were purely decorative and others were wishes for happiness and comfort in the  deceased’s  afterlife…

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  • Sale! Vintage Black Lacquer Monk's Offering Hsun-Ok, Burma/Myanmar (6211)

    Vintage Black Lacquer Monk’s Offering Hsun-Ok, Burma/Myanmar (6211)

    Original price was: $695.00.Current price is: $495.00.
    H: 26.25″ Dia: 12.5″ |CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    Artfully shaped lacquered Hsun Ok for offerings to monks lid with a finial symbolizing a Buddhist stupa and applied mythical animals and floral decorations. Early 20th century pieces with these special details are harder to find and copies abound.

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  • Sale! Vintage Heddle Pulley with a Mythical Lion (3303)

    Vintage Heddle Pulley with a Mythical Lion (3303)

    Original price was: $245.00.Current price is: $175.00.
    Ht: 12”  W: 4.125”  D: 3.25” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    Vintage Burmese teak heddle-pulley used in strip-weaving on small handlooms. Here surmounted by a ferocious mythical lion as guardian of Buddhist law. Mythical beasts believed to protect the weaver and assure high quality weaving.

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