Showing 61–72 of 424 results
Ancestor-figures portrayed as Chinese officials were placed on a home altar with other house gods and Buddhist or Popular Religion images to bring “fu” to the household. During the Qing dynasty, designation as an official was so significant families sought to emphasize this achievement in their family ancestral figures. They normally have serious expressions and…
This lacquered confection-mold was likely made in Fujian province where small vernacular furniture, decorative accessories and functional utilitarian items were made for the new wealthy merchant class of nouveau riche dissociating themselves from the imperial court about 1850-1920. Qing furniture and accessories were more flamboyant than Ming ones and often decorated with gold leaf, ornate pierced…
Nats worship was integral to indigenous beliefs in Burma/Myanmar since before the arrival of Buddhism. Burmese-carvings of these mythical or deified humans are seen in Buddhist temples, pagodas, government buildings, and in nat centers throughout Burma. Nats existed in early forms in shamanism and animism beginning when life was associated with agricultural pursuits and the…
Leigong, (Lei Gong Leikung, Leishen), is the mythological Taoist and folk religion protective “Thunder God) The Chinese character Lei (雷) means “thunder.” An official of the Jade Emperor’s imperial court, Leigong was given responsibility for watching for injustices on Earth. He was ordered to punish earthly beings and wicked spirits who commit secret crimes or…
Taoist images were represented as scholars, sages, heroes, officials and priests. Taken out of context, it is almost impossible to specifically identify individual images but given certain features and symbols: air of solemnity and importance, static pose, officials attire with round collar, and elaborate hat, this is is probably a Taoist official. Seated on a…
Representations of wood food offerings with a lacquer coating are often part of the array of images spread on a temple or home altar and shrines and are substitutes or additions to what is ordinarily fresh fruit and food. This one was an auspicious ornament for a Chinese bed. Very auspicious, food offerings are to communicate…
This beautiful and touching antique carving of Guanyin the Bodhisattva of Compassion is an extremely rare depiction seldom seen in carved Buddhist statues. According to the Lotus Sutra, Guanyin has 33 manifestations or forms, one of which is Songzi Guanyin or Child Giving Guanyin. This form originated in the 16th century and continued through the…
Made in the rural areas of Rajasthan, India and heavily used over a long period of time, this nicely crafted and forged iron folk-art pot was made for multiple functional and utilitarian purposes. Its wide handle allowed scooping water from a river and also to carry a rather heavy load. In addition, the hook attached…
Cast iron hand-crafted kettles called “Tetsubin” in Japanese (literally iron pot”), have been produced for hundreds of years developed for use in the Japanese Tea Ceremony (chanoyu), loved teaware sought by tea aficionados. The iron content of these Japanese antiques altars the taste of boiled water, makes it richer, sweeter and has positive effects on…
Cast iron Tetsubin are teaware kettles produced for hundreds of years and admired by tea aficionados worldwide. These hand-crafted teapots were developed for the Japanese tea-ceremony (chanoyu) and are metalwork pieces used only to boil water. One-of-a-kind finely crafted Japanese antiques like this are made using clay molds and are renowned for their zen simplicity…
Cast iron Tetsubin are tea kettles produced for hundreds of years admired by tea aficionados worldwide. These hand-crafted teapots are metalwork pieces used only to boil water traditionally part of the Japanese Tea Ceremony (chanoyu). Their iron content makes the taste of water boiled for tea richer, sweeter and more mellow; the iron provides additional…
Smoking tobacco in Burma/Myanmar and Thailand has been an integral part of Southeast Asian cultures for centuries and are usually found underground by hill-tribe farmers when ploughing their fields in Northern Thailand and Burma. They usually have small chips on the bowl, body and stem and are otherwise very good condition. The bowl often has…
End of content
End of content