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 37–44 of 44 results

  • SOLD Antique Moon Cake Confection Mold, China (1150LEM) $1150

    $850.00
    SOLD H: 18.25”  W: 9”  D: 1.875” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This intricately hand carved antique Chinese hardwood confection mold was used to create mooncakes to celebrate the Mid Autumn Moon Festival.  The five separate molds are references to the Jade Rabbit, the mythical hare residing on the moon who creates the elixir of mortality and eats Osmanthus leaves. Filled with symbolic references, it is an intriguing and beautiful piece of art.

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

    $495.00
    H: 7.25”  W: 11.5”  D: 1.75” | FREE SHIPPING

    This animated scene 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 tombs as well as government and important buildings with depictions of celebrations, mythology and deities and often included mythical animals, plants, vegetation and other auspicious objects.

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

    $485.00
    H: 6.25”  W: 10.125”  D: 2.5” | FREE SHIPPING

    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.

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

    $1,450.00
    H: 15.25 ”    W: 7.27 ”    D:5  ”    | CALL 213-568-3030 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. Jost (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

    $790.00
    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 , Burma/Myanmar (3303EKE) $225

    $225.00
    Ht: 12”  W: 4.125”  D: 3.25” | FREE SHIPPING!

    In Burma/Myanmar, heddle-pulleys are usually decorated with carvings of mythical or auspicious animals believed to provide protection to and assure good quality weaving from the weaver. This heddle pulley is surmounted with a carved chinthe, a Burmese lion depicted here as a powerful beast with its mouth open in a roar with a powerful neck covered with a thick mane, and hair piled on top of the head, all reinforcing his ferocity.  This fine carving is in excellent condition with few signs of wear and age and  is mounted on a metal pole on a black wood base. His feet firmly rest on top of the downward-pointing triangle and he pushes his body unnaturally high on its hind legs and bends its tail up and forward to touch his head. This tail-touching-head image is often used with Burmese heddle pulleys to highlight the area under the animal where the thread used in the weaving travels around the bobbin between the wood round triangle pieces holding it.

  • Vintage Small Rangda Mask, Balinese from Lombok (1265GCE) $395

    $395.00
    H: 6.375”  W: 4.875”  D: 2.5” | FREE SHIPPING!

    This traditional but unusual 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. This mask is in very good condition considering its age and use.

     

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    Vintage Terracotta Ganesh on his Mouse, India (11284A-YLK) $165

    $165.00
    H: 9″    W: 4.5 ”    D: 2.5 ”    | FREE SHIPPING!

    This vintage terracotta Ganesh sits on an oversized mouse, his vehicle, holding sweets (laddo) representing earthly prosperity and well-being, a weapon to overcome fear and obstacles, and a conch shell symbolizing victory and fulfillment. The pointed aureole with raised orbs reflected is divine status and energy. Its rustic and earthy style with red, green and gold pigmentation is a fine example of Indian folk art.

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