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This antique brocaded document or bible cover from Bolivia is decorated with symbolic stylized flowers widely used in Christianity: passion flowers and roses. Nicolas Monardes, a 16th century Spanish doctor…
Hand carved coconut cutters were commonly used in Asia to facilitate the difficult task of extracting all parts of a coconut which were routinely used. Carvers made unique and functional folk art tools using local artistic motifs in nature. This carving with its intricate circular patterns surrounded by florals impart a warm and rustic feeling that would be a special decorative addition to any style kitchen and an interesting conversational piece.
This Shiwan green chopsticks holder is divided into two parts with holes on top for hanging and small holes on the bottom for drainage. Chopsticks were often wedding gifts from mothers to daughters with many auspicious wishes: phrases for sons as soon as possible, upside down bats with coins and ribbon meaning “blessings in front of your eyes,” and border clouds and thunder symbolizing life-giving rain and abundance.
This vibrant antique icon of Virgin Mary of the The Three Hands is a traditional Eastern Orthodox image of the Mother of God with the infant Christ seated on her right arm and one underneath supporting him and her left raised and pointing to him. Her three hands confirm her special healing powers based on the legend of Saint John of Damascus. She is bordered on each side of the frame by saints. Russian icons are regarded as the Gospel in paint and are typically small paintings on wood panels using tempera and often ornate gold leaf. Panel cross members or “back slats” were used in pre-1890 Russian icons like this one.
H: 9.25” W: 5.75” D: 2.25” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!
This antique Chinese wood hand-carved mask was used in Nuo Operas mask in Southern China She is a smiling woman with a slender face, delicate features and hair in a topknot. She is a zhengshen, a friendly female deity (shen) with a kind, honest nature and a gentle disposition and a symbol of the power of good capable of defeating evil. Most Nuo masks are brightly painted, but the age and heavy use of this one has resulted in paint losses. Different colored bases under the reddish-brown indicate it was repainted and reused a number of times. The bright red lips have faded and areas around the eyes, mouth, nose and hair reveal what may be an original first layer of white gesso. Mask enthusiasts will appreciate the resulting paint and lacquer layers which tell the story of this mask’s colorful history, and, yes, the pun is intended. In very good condition for its age and use and for its journey surviving China’s modernization, masks like these were initially considered ethnic folk art offerings to the gods.
This amusing antique Nuo Opera mask portrays Tudi Gong, the benevolent Earth god with a smiling animated face, long eyebrows, a hemp beard and large ears wearing a high decorative hat. Tudi is a zhengshen, a god who is kindly, honest with a gentle disposition, symbolizing the great power of good, through which evil can be defeated. Nuo was popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties and although they are still performed in rural areas, there are few remaining troupes.
This beautiful and tranquil 19th century painting of a seated scholar is a fine example of the Chinese “literati aesthetic,” that integrates poetry, calligraphy and painting into a single work of art. The meditative scholar sits in his studio his arm resting on his work table supporting the Four Treasures of a Scholar’s Studio: a brush, ink stone, paper in front of a decoratively framed calligraphy screen in elegant antique cursive script.
Decorative every day Shiwan ware pieces are recognized for their fine craftsmanship, vivid expression, and colorful apple-green and drip glazes. Shiwan potters mixed waste materials with local and inexpensive clay – one of the earliest artistic forms of recycling. Shiwan chopsticks holders are unique kitchen accessories, especially as wedding gifts.
Wall pockets remain a very common decorative element in Asian homes. In China, they are used to hold chopsticks and flowers to bring good fortune to a space where the family gathers. This Shiwan stoneware pocket has 2 very auspicious symbols: a frog and a lotus that symbolize nurturing energy and transformation. With a hole in the back for hanging on a wall, it is great addition to enhance a kitchen’s coziness and feng shui and a wonderful wedding gift.
Decorative utilitarian Shiwan ware pieces are recognized for their fine modeling, vivid expression, and colorful apple-green and drip glazes. Chopsticks were commonly stored in wall pockets with a hole for mounting. Covered with auspicious symbols, they were often part of a bride’s dowry as “chopsticks” is a pun for “speedy arrival of sons.” It can hold utensils, dried flowers, and other objects and is a unique wedding gift.
Decorative utilitarian Shiwan ware pieces are recognized for their fine modeling, vivid expression, and colorful apple-green and drip glazes. Chopsticks were commonly stored in wall pockets with a hole for mounting. Covered with auspicious symbols, they were often part of a bride’s dowry as “chopsticks” is a pun for “speedy arrival of sons.” It can hold utensils, dried flowers, and other objects and is a unique wedding gift.
This glass painting of a peacock was one of a pair of inset panels along with Krishna Playing his Flute (3982) in a highly decorative piece inset in antique Indian cabinet or chest. Beautifully painted with reflective silver accents it is a vibrant and remarkable wall hanging. As both panels were originally displayed together, we recommend they be kept as a pair. Peacocks, the national bird of India, are an integral part of Hindu and Indian art and culture depicted in spiritual and decorative art.
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