Showing 85–96 of 137 results
This human figure is an honored Dayak effigy called a hampatong, the name used for both ancestor and protective human and mythical animal figures made from Borneo ‘iron wood’. The…
Guandi, the God of War and Justice and Protector of China and its citizens was a Chinese model of loyalty, virtue and morality and was depicted in Temples and home shrines throughout China. This antique figurine was probably part of a larger carving. He wears military maille, black gloves with a carved taotie which is a warning against gluttony and is covered in gold as a sign of power. The open back confirms it was consecrated by a Taoist priest. Mounted on a frosted acrylic stand.
This finely carved and highly detailed carving of Guandi, the God of War and Justice is a decorative element in a bed framework of a wealthy family to protect them while they sleep. He became one of the most popular gods in China and in the 19th century the Emperor designated him Military Emperor and elevated him to the level of Confucius. In Mahayana Buddhism he is the Protector of the Dharma, with images placed in Buddhist temples. He sits on a mythical Hǒu who also protects them from evil and bad fortune. It is mounted on a lucite stand and ideally should b e displayed with Antique Thunder God Leigong on a Hou 16327.
Fu lions are auspicious mythical animals used as decorative motifs on accessories, furnishings, architectural structures and as free-standing inside and outdoor figures s. Carved red and gilt lacquered lions appeared…
Wood opera figures are rare and difficult to carve as they wear multicolor costumes with attached trappings and unique headgear and have complex painted faces providing viewers insight into their character. This is a simplified official and his wife with uniform coloring and a unifying lacquer coat seated on pedestals reflect the consummate carving skills in fashioning the many details reminiscent of opera costumes.
This extraordinary rare and delicately rendered rural carving is a female bodhisattva possibly Guanyin seated on a lotus throne atop an ox. Beautifully highlighted in vibrant gold and adorned with intricate designs on the lotus petals and ox’s saddle coverings, this statue shows how the concept of a bodhisattva was adapted to the deification of “draft animals” (beasts of burden) who were integral to rural daily and agricultural activities in Chinese Popular Religion, Buddhism and Taoism beliefs.
Cadence drums in the form of carved pairs of fish are used by monks and lay people in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition to create a cadence and chanting rhythm during rituals when reciting and memorizing sutras, mantras, and other Buddhist texts. This rare beautiful drum is held by its handle composed of a pair of fish surrounding a pearl symbolizing unity and harmony and struck on the side with a wood mallot. Wear on its rear side indicates years of use.
This finely carved vintage jauk mask is the manis (sweet, softer) version of a jauk mask. It and the dance present the gentle traits of a giant having more normal human features and a smile, and its white color is usually symbolic of purity. Those colored red or orange represent one easy to anger. Collected in the 1970s in Lombok, this mask is rare as then Lombok the Balinese community usually did not sell their masks. It has a fine aged patina with expected hairline cracks and frayed eyebrows consistent with its age and use.
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 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.
This intricately hand carved antique Chinese hardwood confection mold was used to create mooncakes to celebrate the Mid Autumn Moon Festival. The five separate molds are references to the Jade Rabbit, the mythical hare residing on the moon who creates the elixir of mortality and eats Osmanthus leaves. Filled with symbolic references, it is an intriguing and beautiful piece of art.
Utilitarian kitchenware was an integral part of a communal feast called a potlatch, a traditional feast central to many cultures of indigenous peoples of the Canadian Pacific Northwest Coast including the Haida who have existed for over 17,000 years. This antique thin, large and elegant, and boldly decorated Haida spoon is well designed with motifs like the whale’s tail, the eye, and a feather that imparts great visual and symbolic strength. The style and coloring of Northwest Coast Canadian art is so bold and unique, their pieces are readily recognized.
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