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.
Showing 25–35 of 35 results
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…
This image from Guandong wears typical Taoist priest or shaman attire – an undergarment crossed at the neck, an overcoat clasped at the waist and a double-winged high hat centered with an image of a taotie. The taotie is a mystical animal sometimes on the hat of Taoist priests or shamans as a guardian or…
In the Han, belt hooks became a symbol of wealth, high status and power hung vertically from belt holes used in life and buried with the deceased for his journey to the afterlife . Ornamented with incised decoration this beautiful piece is dragon shaped with beautiful verdigris deposits.
Rare provincial carving, possibly Guanyin on lotus throne atop an ox. Vibrant gold with intricate designs on the lotus petals and ox’s saddle coverings, this statue shows how the concept of a bodhisattva was adapted to the deification of “draft animals” (beasts of burden) who were integral to rural daily and agricultural activities in Chinese Popular Religion, Buddhism and Taoism beliefs.
This rare and beautiful cadence drum was used in a Chinese temple to help monks and chanters think about the meaning of the texts they recite. Carved fish scales and two fish heads embrace a pearl carved on the handle to symbolize unanimity and accord. The fish pair is similar to the popular pair of…
This remarkable figurine is Guanyin on her mythical mount, the Hǒu, guardian master of the universe and model for righteousness and morality who symbolizes bringing forth peace and prosperity.The round orb in its mouth representing a pearl can be rubbed for good luck. It is one of our most unique and favorite Buddhist statues, mounted on a frosted Acrylic stand.
The Mid Autumn Moon Festival, also called the Mooncake Festival, is the 2nd most important holiday after the Chinese New Year, celebrated when the full moon is at its brightest point on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. It is a time for multi-generational gatherings when families dine together in harmony,…
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.
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…
Burmese heddle-pulleys are decorated with carvings of mythical or auspicious animals to provide protection and assure good quality weaving. A powerful ferocious Burmese Lion with open roaring mouth and thick main sits atop the pulley highlighting the area below where the weaving thread travels around the bobbin between the wood triangle pieces holding it. A fine folk art teak carving in excellent condition mounted on a a black wood base.
This rare folk art Rangda mask was made on the island of Lombok, Indonesia by ethnic Balinese Hindu craftsman. Primarily Muslim, a Balinese Hindu minority ruled the island from 1750-1895 and Hindu temples (pura) have been centers for Balinese activities since the 17th century. Balinese girls are encouraged to “dance with their hands” and formal…
End of content
End of content