Showing 121–132 of 177 results
This rare and beautiful cadence drum was used in a Chinese temple to help monks and chanters think about the meaning of the texts they recite. Carved fish scales and two fish heads embrace a pearl carved on the handle to symbolize unanimity and accord. The fish pair is similar to the popular pair of…
Yixing stoneware teapots are praised as the best in the world for tea infusion. This gorgeous, extremely rare antique teapot with tight-fitting lid and elegant spout is finely decorated with a brown wash and hand applied bright painted enamel designs designs of a scene from the Peking opera Romance of Three Kingdoms. The floral images are a wish for a long and healthy life, perfect metaphors for those sharing a fresh pot of tea with those they love. Kiln seals are impressed in the body, bottom and lid.
Balinese carvings and masks are ethnic folk art and a blend of Hinduism and its initial animism. Most masks made in Bali are from pulai wood that rarely cracks and is easier to carve. As it is not native to Lombok, carvers there use a variety of woods some of which were dense with others light….
This earthenware brick tile bordered with a deep scalloped frame depicts a vase with a bouquet of propitious flowers: a chrysanthemum and a peony wrapped with an elegant ribbon. Tiles like this were made to decorate the large numbers of buildings created during the prosperous Song dynasty and to adorn tombs. This elegant brick is in good condition for its age with expected chips and cracks, some restoration of background and a re-glued frame break on each side. It has earth adherents from its burial in a tomb.
This finely hand-painted rectangular porcelain cobalt blue and white box with underglaze designs was used to store ink cakes as part of an assortment of prized items on a Chinese scholar’s desk. The cover is painted with bindweed designs, wave-like curved lines usually indicating water, and a fanciful bat’s face inside a continuous geometric meander or fret pattern. The box sides are covered with bindweed, spirals, and circles, and although circles and round shapes are usually associated with or represent heaven, these seem strictly decorative. There are traces of red, brown, and black ink inside and on the edges of the unglazed portions and rough and stained areas on the unglazed portions of the box and wear consistent with and demonstrating its age and use.
This antique coconut grater is a very practical multi-use creation designed to cut, grate, shave, husk, and shred coconuts and large fruits and vegetables. Some were carved as crouching rabbits and others like this were realistic renderings of small mammals. Its decorative appeal includes lovely 6-petal flowers above its four legs and elegantly curved and metal piece extending ” W:from its mouth. With its warm and rustic feel, it would be a unique decorative addition to any kitchen and an interesting conversational piece.
The Mid Autumn Moon Festival, also called the Mooncake Festival, is the 2nd most important holiday after the Chinese New Year, celebrated when the full moon is at its brightest point on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. It is a time for multi-generational gatherings when families dine together in harmony,…
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.
A potlatch means “to give away” or “a gift” and is a traditional feast central to many cultures of indigenous peoples of the Canadian Pacific Northwest Coast including the Haida tribe who have existed for over 17,000 years and currently inhabit Northern British Columbia, Pacific Northwest United States, and Southeast Alaska. Its main purpose is…
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.
This rug was made in China for Vajrayana/Tibetan Buddhists who were taught this form of Buddhism by Tibetan monks invited there to teach Tibetan Buddhism. Rugs like this were made both for domestic Chinese use and for export to Tibet. Made from wool and natural dyes, this fringed small square has a cotton foundation and…
This elegant Chinese Republic Period porcelain is the Taoist immortal Han Xiangzi carrying his auspicious flute dressed in a beautiful blue robe with wide black borders, fine internal decorations and a decorative yellow floral undergarment. On the bottom is the kiln seal. As the patron saint of musicians and florists, it is a great gift for someone who enjoys these pursuits.
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