Showing 73–84 of 94 results
This stoneware glazed garden stool was used by a wealthy family reflected in its complex designs, auspicious symbols and its use of so much cobalt blue, a highly prized and expensive mineral paint color normally used sparingly. The pierced side to side circles running through the inside from side to side and the pierced design…
Fine open-lattice fret work cupboard door with auspicious symbols of blessings associated with a fulfilling life: longevity, wealth/ prosperity, health/peace of mind and love of virtue/high moral standards as well as a happy marriage. .
This Queen Mother of the West, the highest ranking female Taoist deity was probably displayed as a pair along a statue of Guanyin, the most significant Buddhism female (Guanyin on a Lotus Pedestal (16206B) highlighting the importance and similarity of these revered female images Like the Guanyin, the Queen Mother’s delicately carved face has half closed eyes, serene composure mouth with a hint of a smile, which is more Buddhist than Taoist. Her headdress, centered by her iconic phoenix, rests under a hood extending to her shoulders and back. She wears a high collared three-layered Taoist robe, her hands covered by a ritual cloth.
This rare and intriguing Nanhai Guanyin sits in her cave with internal layers at Putuo. On the top is the donor who commissioned the piece, seldomly placed within the Guanyin tableau.Two levels of attendant pairs flank her: the upper with her two acolytes Longnu, (the Dragon Princess) on her right holding a flaming gem, and Shan Tsai (Sudhana) on her left with hands, now missing, clasped in anjali mudra of reverence and two generic attendants are on the on the bottom. This work is truly remarkable in its execution and iconography.
Magnificent joyful Queen Mother of the West radiant smile, regal jewelry and exquisite attire and striking headdress with phoenix symbolizing the sun. She holds a cup with elixir of immortality, fingers in Taoist karana mudra to cleanse and purify and emanate energy to rid obstacles and unwanted energy.
Red lacquered Ancestral Memorial Tablet with raised gold-gilded characters signifying the ancestor’s prosperity and high status These tablets are considered the home in which the ancestor’s spirit reside. The characters identify the ancestor, his two wives, and designates the tablet as a location where spirits are invited to reside and receive offerings from their descendants. Topped with a scalloped oval panel with the Three Stars Gods Fu, Lu and Shou on celestial clouds.
This large rare vibrant carving is the Taoist Deity of fertility Niangniang (“The Maiden Who Brings Children”) is often confused with Songzi Guanyin. Represented as an empress like figure, she glances serenely at 3 diminutive children, 2 males and a female extending their arms for protection. Stunning and peaceful, it is covered with gold highlights with intricate details.
This traditional African hammered iron gong is elegantly shaped like a flaring bell. Heat riveted, a forging process joining two metal pieces together, it was made by Congolese tribal people. Made with 5 parallel lines of 5 decorative round bulges on both sides, it was often held using a raffia handle and beaten using sticks covered with rubber at its end. Originally a ritual instrument, they were also beaten to call members of special restricted societies to meetings and were a symbol of wealth, prestige, and influence.
Constructed in the Taisho Period, this finely crafted jewelry box is covered with Japanese Tamo Ash, one of the world’s most prized, and beautiful hardwoods known for its beautiful grain. Perfect for storing jewelry, papers or other valuables. This piece is featured in a VA Instagram post.
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.
This outstanding delicately antique carving is Nanhai Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, seated on a rocky outcrop covered with a cloth, a reference to her home in a cave on the island of Putuo in the South China Sea. Other than the Buddha, she is the most revered deity in Mahayana Buddhism and one of…
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.
End of content
End of content