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This small vibrant carpet square with fringed edges can be used for meditation to sit on, an accent piece or hung on a wall. Made from wool and natural dyes,…
Earthenware pottery jarlets like this were made in ceramics center in Roman North Africa territories called Africa Proconsularis. They were made to hold liquids such as oils, perfumes, ointments or cosmetics . This small vessel was made with a potter’s wheel with decorated grooved ribbing etched on the surface and fired in a kiln. It is a good example of a ceramic pouring vessel from ancient history used throughout the Roman Empire. This uncleaned authentic vessel is in very good condition with no repairs, and aged patina, surface mineral deposits, hairline cracks, minor chips and discoloration.
Although raw metals were found in nature and hammered into desired metalwork objects, no evidence of melting, smelting and casting has been found in North America prior to the 15th-century…
To pay homage and respect to one’s ancestors, Chinese rural families commissioned images to honor and protect family members, and in some instances, their domestic and farm animals as seen in this exceptional, fine and rare carving. Intricately carved from one piece of wood, it depicts a Taoist official holding a hu tablet on top above the “Spring Ox” accompanied by the “Herd Box”, who together perform an ancient agricultural rituals at the end of each winter to wake the earth up so that spring can arrive.
Although this wonderfully carved antique figure portrays an ancestor depicted as an official, his atypically benevolent and finely modeled face makes him a very endearing figure. Old and weathering from age in its rear, this piece was repainted probably in the 20th century, as was always periodically done with old figures with losses, here especially due to the seasonal South China climate. With his individualized convincing features, he is a very relatable rather than authoritarian figure, possibly resulting from the affection of the family that commissioned it.
Artisans who were commissioned by family members to carve an ancestor figure they often emphasized positive personal features as well as their high status (or wish to enhance it). So,…
This exceptional Qing carving portrays a seated official ancestor wearing traditional official’s attire, a red and black official’s hat and black boots. His inset glass eyes and high cheekbones frame a large curved nose, a strong projecting chin and forehead wrinkles indicating a man of importance with the wisdom of age who demands respect. The top two robe layers have wide borders with marvelous raised lacquer decorations that include beautiful cloud forms, flying phoenixes with spread wings and floral sprays.
This rare fine woodcarving represents Chou Ts’ang, the aide-de-camp to Guandi, the most revered military hero in Chinese history. Portrayed with black skin tones wearing a military uniform with raised beads, heavy military boots and hat he exhibits and air of authority. His downcast inset glass eyes represent his respect to his general while his left foot is forward ready to spring into action. The closed back cavity shows it was consecrated by a priest and the indentation in his pedestal indicates it possibly was affixed to a larger configuration. A great gift for a military aficionado.
This fine woodcarving is Chou Ts’ang, the aide-de-camp and attendant to Guandi, the most revered and well-known military hero in Chinese history and the Taoist God of War. As an attendant his hands held together and eyes down cast in respect and legs firmly planted on the ground. His protective military clothing and heavy boots presented in detail and the high red and black pedestal with painted gold florals make him a key figure even though the figure of Guandi he attends would have been much larger and important.
This precious finely-carved diminutive figurine is an enlightened Buddhist attendant who stands on a double lotus base used only for enlightened beings as part of an array of images to bless the family for a special occasion – the marriage of a son or daughter as indicated by the inscription on the back. With hands in reverence her eyes glance down down modestly with dellight for the figure she attends and the joyous occasion . The skillful modeling of the image and the detailed inscription make this a very special piece.
Attendants like this often accompanied Taoist figures on home altars, along with other deities and spiritual images. They frequently presented offerings to them which, when tied with ribbons, symbolized “ longevity for generations”. This 18-19th century carving may have accompanied a significant deity as the statue was covered in gilt and lacquer, some which has naturally darkened from age and from years of incense, age and use.
This finely cast antique figurine with finely articulated features portrays Nandi with jewels sitting recumbent on a high-tiered throne. Kneeling in reverence to serve Lord Shiva he is a symbol of purity and strength. Small figurines were placed on home shrines with other deities and significant family items. Made using lost wax it is a one-of-a-kind piece
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