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Since the Han Dynasty when the Silk Roads opened trade with the rest of the world and especially during the Tang Dynasty, pottery and carved wood images of foreigners were popular in China. The term Silk Roads refers to the network of routes used by traders for over 1,500 years starting when the Han dynasty…
This delicately carved Theravada Lao Buddha from the latter part of the 2nd Classic Period (1827-1893) in Northern Laos reflects many of the artistic traditions of the Lao Golden Age (1520-1777). The unique Lao interpretations of the lakshanas (“auspicious marks” of the Buddha)are seen in this statue: egg-shaped head and face, golden skin, eyebrows like…
Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is one of the most beloved Mahayana Buddhist deities, the embodiment of loving-kindness who hears the cries of all beings, and who is one of the Great Chinese Goddesses – who are compassionate protectors who grant health, long life and safety to all devotees regardless of their social position. During…
The Kitchen God (Zao Shen) was and still is among the most important Chinese house gods. Traditionally every family had its own Kitchen God with or without his wife above the stove to reflect his and its central position in the family’s life. The Kitchen God is both a syncretic and a tutelary deity embraced…
This elegant antique-Chinese-carving of Nanhai Guanyin is from the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties. She sits on a round pedestal a rock at the entrance to her Cave of Tidal Sound on the island of Mount Putuo, represented by the arched overhead covering and the rough indentations symbolizing the bottom of the cave. She…
These antique wood carvings were probably on a side altar in a Bolivian Roman Catholic church and are 3 remaining images of a complete presentation of the Twelve Apostles that have been refitted on individual handcrafted bases. Although Apostles have traditionally been portrayed on the walls or entrance doors to Catholic churches, there are no…
One of the most important and revered Taoist deities, Zhenwu was a protector of the state and the imperial family venerated for his ability to heal and protect China and its emperor and during imperial dynastic times, he was considered a patron of soldiers and a protector of national security. He was a renowned emperor,…
Zhenwu (aka Xuanwu, Wuandi and Zhenwudadi) is one of the most revered Chinese Taoist figures, venerated for his ability to heal as well as to protect his country and the emperor. There are various depictions of his attire, but here he wears a plain black robe with an official’s belt which he holds in his…
Zhenwu was known by many names and titles, the most common ones being the True Warrior, Perfected Warrior or Northern Emperor. As one of the most popular Taoist-Deities during the Ming and Qing dynasties he was an emperor known as protector of the state and the imperial family. During the imperial dynasties was a patron…
Artisans from Burma/Myanmar are masterful carvers of lyrical teak figures in action, whether they are dancers, nats, attendants, or deities. Although there is a metal hook on the back ostensibly to attach the piece to a surface or wall to embellish architectural religious, governmental, or secular structures, it was fashioned to be viewed in the…
Nagas are powerful folk art serpents similar to dragons who live in the underworld or in waters, move through the earth as if it were water or fly through the heavens. Often described as a half-serpent, half-human, these semi-divine mythical animals have a past in animism and were object of rituals, worship and devotion as a…
In India, as other Asian countries, Hindu children were given votive objects and carvings as dolls representing murti (deities), legendary heroes, and myths to entertain, educate, and reinforce pride in their heritage and religion. This Indian folk-art carving is a Devi, the Sanskrit word for goddess meaning heavenly, divine, and a thing of excellence. Carved…
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