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 37–42 of 42 results

  • Sale!

    Song Dynasty Tile of a Lion Dance, China (4001BLE) $495

    Original price was: $495.00.Current price is: $420.75.
    H: 7.25”  W: 11.5”  D: 1.75” | FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This animated scene of this 10-12th century tile depicts the traditional Chinese Lion Dance performed at Chinese New Year, weddings, other important events and to honor guests, bring prosperity, happiness, good luck and ward off evil spirits. During the Song Dynasty tiles adorned the wall of government and important buildings as well as tombs with depictions of celebrations, mythology and deities and often included mythical animals, plants, vegetation and other auspicious objects.

  • Sale!

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

    Original price was: $485.00.Current price is: $412.25.
    H: 6.25”  W: 10.125”  D: 2.5” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!
    This Song dynasty pottery brick tile depicts a pixiu, a mythical and a powerful feng shui symbol of wealth that brings money and good fortune and protect people from losing wealth. This fantastic winged creature has a dragon’s tail and head and a lion’s with an intensely angry expression to protect its master and his wealth and possessions. There is a rare handprint of the artisan who created it on the rear.

  • Sale!

    Stoneware Green Glazed Censer, Shiwan Kiln, China (16901C-CKE) $1450

    Original price was: $1,450.00.Current price is: $1,232.00.
    Ht: 15.25″ W: 7.27″ D:5″ | CALL 213-568-3030 or EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    This vibrant stoneware Shiwan censer is the central part of a 5-piece altar set featured in our Instagram post.  Placed in a special room considered the home’s center it was used to perform ritual offerings honoring ancestors deities to bring good fortune and long life and repel malevolent energy and spirits. Joss (incense) sticks were held inside, and smoke could waft from the lid. This truly special set should be kept in tact in the home of a lucky resident to continue to foster positive feng shui.

     

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

    Original price was: $790.00.Current price is: $671.50.
    H: 25.5”  W: 11”  D: 6.5” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This fine vintage brass Buddha Shakyamuni sculpture reflects characteristics of unique Nepalese style. With both hands in teaching mudra, wearing in the “wet style” monks robe, he stands with similar to a contrapposto posture, weight supported on a single leg suggesting movement.  His elaborate regal pedestal has a removable aureole with  wheel of the dharma above two Buddhist protective lions. This piece is elegant in its simplicity and expresses the Buddha’s refined and restrained meditative spirituality.

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    Vintage Heddle Pulley with a Mythical Animal (3303EKE) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $245.00.Current price is: $208.25.
    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 it is mounted on a metal pole on a black wood base.

  • Sale!

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

    Original price was: $395.00.Current price is: $335.75.
    H: 6.375” W: 4.875” D: 2.5” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This traditional but unusually small mask (topeng) of Rangda was a rare toy or was used to teach  children Balinese lore and religious and artistic expression. It has wonderfully carved upper fangs, bulging eyes and protruding teeth and, as a personification of evil Rangda, who leads an evil army that instills anxiety and fear.

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