Mid-19th Century Sculptures and Carvings

Japan, a rare dated large bronze hand hammered temple bell rin, Edo period , incised and dated Tenpo era 13th (1842) around rim. When struck emits a pleasing bold reverberating sound guaranteed to please you. Bell is in very good condition... Includes red lacquered display base as shown and a complimentary striker This hand-hammered and wrought bronze percussion instrument created by specialized Samurai craftsmen with dimpled construction and incised signature of maker along rim sets atop a round red lacquered footed wood display base with wooden striker and when struck creates a serene reverberating sound. Perfect for meditation gardens or interior spaces. Total Height of bronze bell with red lacquered stand...

In 19th-century Japan, kimono-clad men compensated for the garment’s lack of pockets by wearing small pouches secured by button-like fasteners known as netsuke. Although these tiny, ...

This 19th-century Buddha's hand sculpture from Thailand is finely cast of bronze with lifelike features and a beautiful dark patina. The hand is held upwards in abhaya mudra, the ges...

Antique Hand Carved Polychromed Balinese Garuda Statues on Glass Top Side-Table/Pedestals - Set of 2 This fantastic set of hand-carved polychromed wood statues would be stunning accents to flank a stately doorway. They are Balinese representations of the Hindu God of strength, Garuda. Each winged being sits atop a pedestal with a glass table top. The pedestal bases are also finely carved wood. Maned animals clutch...

Stunning and unique pair of matching horse sculptures. With a combined experience of almost 30 years in the antiques trade, we were thrilled to once again find beautifully hand-crafted and decorative antiques that we had never seen before. From the density and the weight we can see and feel that these highly decorative horse sculptures are made of a tropical hardwood. Like, for example, with antique mirror frames or church sculptures these horses too were first covered with a mixture of chalk and glue so that the paint would hold longer. And, as so often is the case with antiques, the colors that were used for painting these horses are so much more beautiful than anything you find in this day and age that they truly are an absolute joy to look at. From the colors, the wear, the materials and the techniques that were used to create these horses we can see that these are 19th century antiques. However and unfortunately we lack the knowledge to be able to tell you from which country these highly decorative and sizeable works of art originate. We just can't find matching style horse sculptures anywhere on the worldwide web. They could be Chinese or Nepalese, but they could also be Persian or Arabian. We just have not been able to find out. What we do know is that they are definitely antique, they are in beautiful condition (with some wear, consistent with their age), they are highly decorative, probably unique and they have a look and feel that will instantly change the atmosphere of the room they are in. Mind you, our sharp price for this wonderful pair of horse sculptures...

Finely carved as tanuki no hara tsuzumi By Tanaka Minko (1735-1816), Tsu, late 18th century. The tanuki seated, its right foreleg raised, its other foreleg beating its distended st...

Serpentine jade group, China, late 19th century Ancient Chinese statue made of serpentine jade, high quality finishes and details, no deficiencies can be seen. Excellent condition, a...

Jizai okimono sculpture of an articulated bronze praying mantis. Insects (mushi) play an important role in Japanese culture. Insect hunting is a popular pastime, especially among chi...

A pair of 19th century wooden elephants from the Rajasthan area in India with their original paint and vibrant colors. Originally they would have stood outside of a home by the front...

Antique bronze figure of Baby Bala Krishna crawling figure holding the pearl of wisdom or butterball. An Indian Bronze Figure of Balakrishna, the baby Krishna wearing chains around his waist and a necklace, his face with a humorous expression, holding a ball of butter in his right hand. Antique Asian collectible cast bronze copper sculpture figurine of Hindu God Lord Krishna in a baby form. 19th century lost wax cast bronze Bala Krishna figure, India Avatar of Vishnu, the Bala Krishna form represents him as a baby. Krishna is probably the most beloved avatar of god Vishnu and is widely worshipped all over India. Crawling Krishna is a common subject, the craftsmanship and the elegance of proportions make this Vigraha an outstanding one. Dimensions: Height: 3 inches Length: 2.50 inches Depth 2.50 inches. From the Art collection of Marian and John Scott. Acquisition date: 1986. From the Art collection of Marian and John Scott who purchased this item from the amazing private collection of Mark Lissauer who spent his life collecting niche ethnographic pieces. About Mark Lissauer: Mark Lissauer spent forty years travelling abroad for months at a time collecting ethnographic artefacts primarily from New Guinea and the islands of the West Pacific, and from Asia and Himalayan countries. Fluent in five languages and having in the course of business travelled to more than forty countries, Mark is well-known to museums and art-collectors around the world for his long career and his interesting and diverse collection of rare ethnographic material. Mark knows the origin and symbolism of each piece. Through extensive research and more than ninety trips around the globe, Mark familiarised himself with the traditions of the various cultures he visited in order to understand the meaning of each object to its region and tribe. His home has a specialist library and several rooms are filled with tribal carvings, textiles and ethnographica. He acquired his first tribal piece in 1948 during a business trip to Milne Bay, New Guinea, and has since documented the acquisition of some 35,000 items. Several thousands of these have been sold to important private collections and museums worldwide, including the Rockefeller Museum, the British Museum and the Musée National des Arts d’Afrique et d’Océanie, now incorporated into the Louvre Museum. Estimator certificate of authenticity by Wayne Heathcote Tribal Art Dealer and Expert. Heathcote has a flash gallery in Brussels, where much of the tribal art business is centred, and is an expert at Sotheby's tribal art sale...

Created in the mid-19th century, this charming limestone post likely once stood outside a building in China's Shanxi province as a spot to hitch livestock. Carved in reference to the Ming dynasty novel "Journey to the West," the monkey atop the post depicts Sun Wukong, the Monkey King...

Antique Japanese miniature model of a suit of armor made for the Boy’s day display. Constructed of a lacquered paper cuirass, upper arm guar...

A Fine and Decorative Pair of Rampant Lions With scrolling foliate supports, raised upon floral stepped bases Wood, polychrome, gilt Anglo–Indian Mid 19th Century Size: 89cm high, 26cm deep, approx. 50cm wide - 35 ins high, 10¼ ins deep, approx. 19¾ ins wide Provenance: Ex Private English collection Probably from a huge ‘armorial’ device or building pediment...

Rare 19th century Buddhist Taoist Prayer Board. Beautifully carved gilded calligraphy prayer board blessing. This is a singular solid board of wood. A...

An excellent mid 19th century French Caen stone architectural fragment on stand reputedly from a church destroyed in WWII. With its beau...

Chinese white jade wine cup with chilong handle, 19th century. Fine detail and execution.

These carved wooden panels were once a part of the railing to a grand Qing-dynasty daybed or canopy bed enclosure. Expertly crafted, the panel displays a beautiful relief carving wit...

Buddha sitting in Bhumisparsa mùdra (or earth witness mudra ) Buddha calls the goddess of the earth to testify that he has definitively overcome the fears and temptations sent by Mar...

This pair of intricately carved limestone fu lions once protected the entry of a grand courtyard home in 19th-century China. Also known as shizi or foo dogs, the mythical creatures a...

A wonderfully impressive and amusing classical 19th Century patinated Bronze statue of a Court Jester, signed A. Bolle. Batch 73 CZZK 60825

A hand carved pair of male and female Chinese foo dogs, circa 1850. Each with original gilt with the old remnants of the import stickers. The male with hairy paw and foot on rattle...

From our recent Japanese acquisitions, a rare find, stem #3 Antique Original Japanese temple "blossominig lotus" flower bud stem. This finely hand carved wood and lacquered gold flower stem was made for a Buddhist 19th century temple altar...

Absolutely beautiful large polychromed Burmese temple dancer from the 19th century hand carved out of a piece of teak. Very decorative piece of art. 127 cm / 50 Inches tall. Please n...

Once an original part of a Mid-19th Century Buddha wood sculpture from Thailand, this reclaimed hand fragment is lacquered in black and gold, showing the...

Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a skeleton. The skeleton naturalistically carved in the foetal position in preparation for transitional burial. With...

Antique Burmese Mon Style "Jambupati" Bronze Buddha. Large, Beautiful Wood-2.5 feet tall! From the lifetime collection of Roger McCarthy, who served 30 years in the CIA (1952-1982). ...

Absolutely beautiful large polychromed Burmese temple dancer from the 19th century hand-carved out of a piece of teak. Very decorative piece of art. 127 cm / 50 Inches tall. Pleas...

From our recent Japanese acquisitions, a rare find, stem #3 Antique Original Japanese temple "blossoming lotus" flower bud stem including itsd original red lacquer display base. This finely hand carved wood and lacquered gold flower stem was made for a Buddhist 19th century temple altar. Its flower blossoms and leaves symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. The individual parts of each lotus is carved separately then joined in an arrangement and inserted in altar vessels. This lovely Japanese antique gilt Lotus flower is an early survivor, circa 1840, and a hard to find treasure that was originally placed on or around a temple altar. This ensemble consists of a single stem, the top most flower, and the bottom leaf- all mounted in the original square red lacquer display base. A gold gilt 3.5 inch long tortoise "minogame" is affixed to the base as seen in the photo. Its attractive original old patina coupled with much of the original gilding remaining present is just the way we like to find them. Dimensions: With original red lacquer display stand Height, 17 inches height and 9 inches in width. The lotus flower stem alone measures 16 inches in height. Provenance: acquired from a Kyoto Japanse monk and collector History of the Japanese turtle "minogame" One of the most famous is the mythological giant turtle...

Made of Chinese northern elmwood, this smooth block of wood was once used as a rigid headrest or neck pillow. The soft curve and height of the block not only supported the head while...

A wonderfully carved 18th century Burmese Shan period stupa with many seated Buddha's set in niches. With original gilding and red and green polychrome. The stupa is a Buddhist arc...

19th century bronze Chinese Foo Dog.

Fabulous vintage Asian Tang Dynasty horse. Beautiful 19th century terra cotta with a beautiful distressed finish. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.

Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. Typically made of stone, they are also known as stone lions or shishi (石獅; shíshī). They are known in colloquial English as lion dogs or foo dogs / fu dogs. The concept, which originated and became popular in Chinese Buddhism, features a pair of highly stylized lions—often one male with a ball and one female with a cub—which were thought to protect the building from harmful spiritual influences and harmful people that might be a threat. Used in imperial Chinese palaces and tombs, the lions subsequently spread to other parts of Asia including Japan (see komainu), Korea, Philippines, Tibet, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. There has been extensive interaction between Chinese mythology and Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Elements of pre-Han dynasty mythology such as those in Classic of Mountains and Seas were adapted into these belief systems as they developed (in the case of Taoism), or were assimilated into Chinese culture (in the case of Buddhism). Elements from the teachings and beliefs of these systems became incorporated into Chinese mythology. For example, the Taoist belief of a spiritual Paradise became incorporated into mythology as the place where immortals and deities used to dwell. Sometimes mythological and religious ideas have become widespread across China's many regions and diverse ethnic societies. In other cases, beliefs are more limited to certain social groups, for example, the veneration of white stones by the Qiang. One mythological theme that has a long history and many variations involves a shamanic world view, for example in the cases of Mongolian shamanism among the Mongols, Hmong shamanism among the Miao people, and the shamanic beliefs of the Qing dynasty from 1643 to 1912, derived from the Manchus. Politically, mythology was often used to legitimize the dynasties of China, with the founding house of a dynasty claiming a divine descent. Mythology and philosophy. Further information: Chinese philosophy True mythology is distinguished from philosophical treatises and theories. Elaborations on the Wu Xing are not really part of mythology, although belief in five elements could appear. The Hundred Schools of Thought is a phrase suggesting the diversity of philosophical thought that developed during the Warring States of China. Then, and subsequently, philosophical movements had a complicated relationship with mythology. However, as far as they influence or are influenced by mythology, divides the philosophical camps into two rough halves, a Liberal group and a Conservative group. The liberal group being associated with the idea of individuality and change, for example as seen in the mythology of divination in China, such as the mythology of the dragon horse that delivered the eight bagua diagrams to Fu Xi, and methods of individual empowerment as seen in the Yi Jing (Book of Changes). The Liberal tendency is towards individual freedom, Daoism, and Nature. The relationship of the Conservative philosophies to mythology is seen in the legendary Nine Tripod Cauldrons, mythology about the emperors and central bureaucratic governance, Confucianism, written histories, ceremonial observances, subordination of the individual to the social groups of family and state, and a fixation on stability and enduring institutions. The distinction between the Liberal and Conservative is very general, but important in Chinese thought. Contradictions can be found in the details, however these are often traditional, such as the embrace by Confucius of the philosophical aspects of the Yi Jing, and the back-and-forth about the Mandate of Heaven wherein one dynasty ends and another begins based according to accounts (some of heavily mythological) where the Way of Heaven results in change, but then a new ethical stable dynasty becomes established. Examples of this include the stories of Yi Yin, Tang of Shang and Jie of Xia or the similar fantastic stories around Duke of Zhou and King Zhou of Shang. Mythology exists in relationship with other aspects of society and culture, such as ritual. Various rituals are explained by mythology. For example, the ritual burning of mortuary banknotes (Hell Money), lighting fireworks, and so on. A good example of the relationship of Chinese mythology and ritual is the Yubu, also known as the Steps or Paces of Yu. During the course of his activities in controlling the Great Flood, Yu was supposed to have so fatigued himself that he lost all the hair from his legs and developed a serious limp. Daoist practitioners sometimes incorporate a curiously choreographed pedal locomotion into various rituals. Mythology and practice, one explains the other: in these rituals, the sacred time of Yu merges with the sacral practice of the present. Various ideas about the nature of the earth, the universe, and their relationship to each other have historically existed as either a background or a focus of mythologies. One typical view is of a square earth separated from a round sky by sky pillars (mountains, trees, or undefined). Above the sky is the realm of Heaven, often viewed of as a vast area, with many inhabitants. Often the heavenly inhabitants are thought to be of an "as above so below" nature, their lives and social arrangements being parallel to those on earth, with a hierarchical government run by a supreme emperor, many palaces and lesser dwellings, a vast bureaucracy of many functions, clerks, guards, and servants. Below was a vast under ground land, also known as Diyu, Yellow Springs, Hell, and other terms. As time progressed, the idea of an underground land in which the souls of the departed were punished for their misdeeds during life became explicit, related to developments in Daoism and Buddhism. The underground world also came to be conceived of as inhabited by a vast bureaucracy, with kings, judges, torturers, conductors of souls, minor bureaucrats, recording secretaries, similar to the structure of society in the Middle Kingdom (earthly China). Chinese temple Dogs...

Material: wood 110 cm high 72 cm wide 64 cm deep Originating from Burma The Buddha is not included.  

A large and heavy well cast bronze image of the Buddha seated in meditation, late or just post Kandyan period (1597 - 1815), early to mid 19th century, Sri Lanka. The Buddha sits ...

A wonderful Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha in royal attire, mid 19th century, Thailand. The lovely figure depicts the Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra, the gesture of calling the earth to witness. Seated in full lotus position, with one hand resting in meditation in his lap, the other extended over the knee to touch the ground, this gesture commemorates the moment the Buddha attains enlightenment. The Buddha is dressed in elaborate robes, cast with floral and foliate designs in high relief. Over his robe, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape, diamond shaped pectoral, and a winged crown upon his head - all with studded designs in high relief, imitating heavy embroidery...

Passing through these impressive posts, a visitor to a Qing-dynasty estate would know he was entering someplace special. Used in a traditional courtyard entry to secure the doors as they swung open, these hand-carved posts are nonetheless ripe with symbolism. Double dragon medallions...

Beautiful antique hand carved panel dating back to the Chinese Quing Dynasty 1850s. On one side there is a red wax seal. The panel features a rich and elaborate decoration with anima...

Bouddha en bronze cloisonné sur son socle en bois. Époque XIXème.

Japanese Hearth Hook “Jizai Kogi” repurposed as Sculpture Beautifully executed craftsmanship showing rope marks from being suspended from ceiling...

Offered here is a monumental carved wood Quan Yin ( also spelled as Kuan Yin or Guan Yin) bust, from the Qing dynasty. Has export wax stamp on top.

Decorative Rajasthani palace animal sculpture of a camel ridden by a man and woman, decorated in rich polychrome, both dressed in traditional attire.  

An absolutely adorable Japanese Hirado Mikawachi ware white glazed porcelain model of a puppy dog, Edo to Meiji period, early to mid 19th century, Japan. The cute puppy is portray...

This carved stone stele depicts the historical Buddha, known also as Shaka, Shakyamuni, or Siddhartha Gautama. Seated in perpetual meditation, the Buddha embodies virtues of wisdom and composure. Hand-carved of limestone in the style of Northern Wei (386-535) statuary, the Buddha is depicted upon a lotus plinth with legs crossed in lotus position. His hands are held downwards in bhumisparsha mudra, a gesture representing the moment that the Buddha claimed the earth as witness to his awakening. The Buddha has a peaceful, benevolent expression and is framed by a halo of concentric circles. His figure is surrounded by attendant bodhisattvas, carved in relief on the curved stele behind and platform below. Leafy tree branches add a naturalistic touch to the background, wrapping around to the back of the stele to form a canopy above a second, smaller Buddha...

This set of four, Chinese carved window screens is from an 19th century house from the Shanxi province of China. Carved from Chinese Northern Elm...

This 19th-century Buddha's hand sculpture from Thailand is finely cast of bronze with lifelike features and a beautiful dark patina. The hand is held upwards in abhaya mudra, the ges...

Chinese carved red coral lady with flowers and flowing robes. Very fine work from Qing Dynasty. Weight 145g.

An unusual Japanese carved wood, lacquer, and gilt decorated portrait sculpture of a shogun, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The unidentified shogun (possibly Tokugawa Iey...

A delightful Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha in royal attire, mid 19th century, Thailand. The charming figure depicts the Buddha in dhyanasana, the gesture of meditation. The Buddha sits serenely in half lotus position, his hands resting comfortably upon his lap, one on top of the other. The Buddha is dressed in elaborate robes, cast with floral and foliate designs in high relief. Over his robe, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape...

This pair of monumental Fu-Lions, also known as shizi, once would have flanked the entrance to a Qing-dynasty home in China’s Shanxi province. One has a pearl under its foot, and the...

From our recent Japanese acquisitions A rare couple. These Japanese Tachibina dolls represent the simplest essential form of the imperial couple. Their beautiful faces were crafted from crushed shell called gofun coated over carved wood and their dress feature period Edo (1840) textile kimono dress. Used as the display for the Girl’s day celebration, more specifically they are constructed of kinran brocade fabric covered paper, the heads carved of wood and covered in gofun with painted features and inset hair, the male form with outstretched arms and conical legs, the female has a cylindrical form. They come in an original kiri wood storage box. Dimensions: Large doll 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide Small doll...

This large polychromed wood figure from southeast Asia dates to the mid-19th century and depicts a male attendant or entertainer. Hand-carved by...

Antique giltwood statue originating from Burma depicting a Nat spirit figure seated upon a red painted base with faded script, the right knee and elbow bent and her hand closed to form a circle, possibly having held a staff at one time. She is adorned in elaborate dress with allover geometric motif, the breastplate wings at the shoulders and her tiered hat is topped by a Shiva linga...

Carved in wood, this 19th-century figure of a spirit paid tribute to ancestors past on a traditional altar table. Allowing the base to reflect the wood’s natural state, the artist ca...

A lovely Thai lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, portrayed in Maravijaya, Rattanakosin Period, early to mid 19th century, Thailand. The B...

This small marble head of the Buddha is from the Shan States of Burma and carved from white marble. The face is framed by elongated and intricately c...

In traditional Chinese architecture, classic timber framework buildings were often enhanced by elaborate finishes and finely carved embellishments - such as this 19th-century elmwood...

Hand-carved and lavishly pigmented, these gilt fragments originated as decorative elements of ornate Qing-dynasty furniture or architecture. Elevated by ...