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Hu vessels, first made in the Shang Dynasty is an ancient-pottery wine vessel whose body swells in the middle, flares into a narrow neck and often has a raised circular foot. Very popular during the Han dynasty, it was used as an ancestral tomb burial object (mingqi) to hold liquids and elixirs for the deceased…
This rare carving of the infant Buddha with well defined features is clearly a provincial rendering that uniquely departs from traditional renderings. He holds a monk’s begging bowl as he points to the heavens and he stands on a lion’s head, as he is the lion of the Shakya clan. Given its small size, it was probably displayed on a home altar.
This charming carved and lacquered multi-use box opens from the top and has a side drawer with a metal pull. It is decorated with auspicious carved symbols for a good, healthy, prosperous and long life Carved fu lion heads with flowing manes adorn the front and plum blossoms and a fan the front and frame. Painted calligraphic phrases refer to a wish for many sons. It was likely a wedding gift to newlyweds and still for that or other purpose.
The hand crafted Tetsubin teapot displays simple yet elegant design: a scalloped top, gently curved handle, and short rounded spout, textured surface. The body is divided in 4 quadrants with meander border designs and the lid is has tiny diamond shaped indentations and is topped with a lotus shaped knob. A raised manufacturers seal on the back. Like all old Tetsubin cast iron kettles, it has rust on the bottom which can be removed by boiling green tea inside it, and is thus for display purposes only.
This Meiji (1868-1912) hand crafted cast iron Tetsubin is especially charming with a textured surface, unique shape and temple ornamental knob on its lid. Two manufacturer’s seals are impressed on its side. The outside is in excellent condition. Since, like all old Tetsubin cast iron kettles, it has developed rust on the bottom that can be removed by boiling green tea, it is recommended for display only to enhance any style kitchen.
This charming fanciful vintage underglaze blue and white porcelain pillow has added hand-painted green and red florals, fruits and vases in relief within framed geometric borders of blue cobalt oxide pigment. The top curves in the center to cradle the neck for comfort and flares outward. The front and back sides have charming painted relief images of vases on the front and fruit on the back. The top and bottom have seals applied to Chinese antiques indicating they were approved for export. There is a slight chip on the front, otherwise it is in excellent condition.
This Shiwan green chopsticks holder is divided into two parts with holes on top for hanging and small holes on the bottom for drainage. Chopsticks were often wedding gifts from mothers to daughters with many auspicious wishes: phrases for sons as soon as possible, upside down bats with coins and ribbon meaning “blessings in front of your eyes,” and border clouds and thunder symbolizing life-giving rain and abundance.
Women have played a large role in Taoism as Taoist beliefs are compatible with feminine characteristics like modesty, softness, yielding to the Tao, and non-aggression. Women were welcomed as priests during the start of Taoism. The unusual headdress on this carving has a long necked phoenix, the Chinese “king of birds” who represents virtue, propriety, duty, mercy, and credibility.
This five-sided Shiwan stoneware pillow with slanted top, open bottom, vibrant glazed surface, and etched coin and diamond design was used for smoking opium as the cool shell cradled the users’ heads and necks and offset the warmth of smoking and the hollow inside stored valuables. We have another which can be paired with it. If a candle is placed inside it emits an amazing shadowy form of a coin, which appealed to those in an opium state.
This beautifully carved God of Wealth (Caishen) is portrayed as are all Taoist deities as an authoritative figure, right hand firmly placed on his knee and left hand holding a tael. His outer robe has decorative borders down the front and carved coins at the shoulders, stomach, and an undergarment is gathered with a floral designed tasseled cord. His well-defined face with incised wrinkles and long beard has a benevolent expression with rounded cheeks and an open mouth, topped by an elaborate official’s hat with ribbon-like extensions. Very fittingly, it is painted with red and gold both associated with wealth.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, artists created small scale icons of Bodhisattva Guanyin and other deities for private use on a home altar and in local temples and shrines. While more sanctioned images and those made for wealthier devotees were created in porcelain, jade, bronze and ivory, those created for Popular Folk Religion, Taoist…
Guanyin is portrayed in this gilt and lacquer carving seated on a lotus with her hands in the lap in meditation mudra atop a decorative footed stand in elegantly draped robes. In this regal form, she wears a 5-lobe crown with a cross hatch design in the center while her hair rests atop her head in a bun encircled within the crown.
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