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.

Showing 37–41 of 41 results

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    Song Dynasty Tile of a Lion Dance, China #4001BLE

    Original price was: $495.00.Current price is: $395.00.
    H: 7.25 ”   W:  11.5″    D: 1.75 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Song brick tiles like this decorated government, public and religious buildings, often depicting mythical animals, auspicious objects and holiday celebrations. This tile shows a traditional lion dance performed at Chinese New Year to attract prosperity and good luck for the coming year.The lion is flanked by 2 frightened children and a person in anjali mudra, symbolizing composure that could counter balance the children’s fear. 

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  • Song Dynasty Tile of a Mythical Winged Pixiu, China (4019LKE) $485

    $485.00

    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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  • Vintage Brass Buddha with Aureole, Nepal (30611LEM) $790

    $790.00

    This finely cast metalwork brass Shakyamuni Buddha reflects the conservative tradition of Nepalese sculpture which experienced few changes in proportion or decorative details over the past several hundred years. Originating stylistically from Gupta and later Pala Indian art, Nepalese artists created their unique style from the 6th-7th centuries that evolved to a distinctive physiognomy including…

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    Vintage Heddle Pulley with a Mythical Animal (3303)

    Original price was: $245.00.Current price is: $150.00.
    Ht: 12”  W: 4.125”  D: 3.25” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    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.

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  • Vintage Small Rangda Mask, Balinese from Lombok (1265GCE) SPECIAL PRICE

    $395.00

    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…

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