Antique Ritual

The pieces are very diverse, including vessels, human figures, animals, architectural models, and ritual objects. All were buried for the afterlife, their locations forgotten over t...

The pieces are very diverse, including vessels, human figures, animals, architectural models, and ritual objects. All were buried for the afterlife, their locations forgotten over t...

Beautiful in its imperfection, this earthenware jar from Yunnan province is an offering vessel, or spirit jar, originally filled with ritual offerings such as coins, shells, flowers ...

Each amphora-form vase is ornamented with mythological reserves depicting figures associated with the classical world, including a likely representation of Hermes presenting or safeg...

Repairs and traces of years of use can be seen everywhere, quietly testifying to a fabric that has been passed down along with the memories of specific rituals and communities.

An elegant German silver besamim spice tower designed in a refined architectural form, combining traditional Judaica ritual function with elaborate Victorian decorative artistry, dat...

Originally used in religious processions and festive celebrations, this portable temple would have played an important role in communal worship, carrying sacred images during ritual ...

A powerful decorative piece that combines ritual symbolism with contemporary sculptural design.

The pieces are very diverse, including vessels, human figures, animals, architectural models, and ritual objects. All were buried for the afterlife, their locations forgotten over t...

The pieces are very diverse, including vessels, human figures, animals, architectural models, and ritual objects. All were buried for the afterlife, their locations forgotten over t...

The inhabitants of 19th-century Palestine, both Jewish and non-Jewish, had produced mostly folk art, ritual objects and olive-wood and shell-work souvenirs, so the founding of Bezale...

A charred interior indicates the 19th-century vessel was originally used for burning fragrant incense, plants or ritual offerings. The squat vessel was sculpted by hand to a freefor...

Below, a single generous drawer opens to reveal a tripartite interior, quietly practical, designed for tools, twine, and the rituals of use. Flanking the drawer, two iron Eastlake-s...

This detail speaks to the table’s original purpose as an intimate writing or work surface—ideal for correspondence, study, or quiet daily rituals. The table stands on gracefully tur...

A rare and refined collectible, ideal for lovers of Asian decorative arts or for elevating a tea or coffee ritual with timeless elegance.

In addition, the beautiful patina, complements, sculpting, and finishing, and centuries of ritual wear. It retains an excellent detail. There is old, stable cracking visible along ...

The figures’ crested helmets, circular shields, and ritual gestures evoke both martial readiness and ceremonial display, underscoring the 18th-century fascination with ancient Greek ...

Rectangular composition inspired by ancient Greek black-figure pottery, depicting a dynamic Pyrrhic dance, the martial ritual dance traditionally associated with armed warriors of cl...

Reference: See Cincinnati Art Museum, Scene Before an Inn (Huntsman and Villagers), Artist: Samuel Percy (English, 1750–1820) for a very similar work,, Accession Number2002.316, Hi...

The sterling silver construction provides durability and refined surface finish, while the mirror format reflects the grooming rituals and domestic aesthetics of its period. As a dis...

Fascinating vases crafted in the manner of archaistic examples Displays a desirable aged patina and in pleasingly time-worn condition Quality bronze presents deep chestnut hues with ...

A rare and expressive artifact of Himalayan Buddhist ritual tradition.

The scene captures a moment of quiet preparation and social ritual, embodying the sophistication of late 19th-century fashion culture.

The pieces are very diverse, including vessels, human figures, animals, architectural models, and ritual objects. All were buried for the afterlife, their locations forgotten over t...

The pieces are very diverse, including vessels, human figures, animals, architectural models, and ritual objects. All were buried for the afterlife, their locations forgotten over t...

The pieces are very diverse, including vessels, human figures, animals, architectural models, and ritual objects. All were buried for the afterlife, their locations forgotten over t...

As a complete set, it operates both as a serving instrument and a visual centrepiece, reinforcing the cultural ritual and social refinement associated with traditional tea service.

The right thangka depicts a seated teacher engaged in discourse, holding a ritual object (likely a scripture or offering bowl), with monks gathered in attendance below.

Together these three objects constitute a complete symbolic vocabulary of Buddhist ritual, rendered in gold maki-e with the precision and refinement of a master lacquer artist.

Beautiful in its imperfection, this lidded jar from Yunnan province is an offering vessel, or spirit jar, originally filled with ritual offerings such as coins, shells, flowers and g...

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the serving of hot or cold alcoholic punch was a central, highly ritualized aspect of formal entertaining and gentleman's clubs.

The figure is finely cast with softly modeled features, a serene and engaging face, and delicately articulated hands, all enhanced by a naturally developed surface patina that speaks...

On the western side of the altar there is a depiction of the ritual sacrifice of a bull, led by a priest who performs a ceremonial offering on a tripod aided by his assistants.

Historically, such censers were used in religious rituals, ceremonies in Taoist and Buddhist temples, and for personal use in imperial and wealthy households.

The gently inclined posture, hands pressed together in prayer, and finely patterned skirt create a sense of quiet reverence and ritual presence. Surface wear, casting irregularities,...

This unusual bronze sculpture is a 19th-century dorje, or vajra, a scepter used during Tibetan Buddhist ritual recitation. Translated as thunderbolt or diamond, the dorje symbolizes ...

Visible tool marks, surface cracking, and erosion add to its authenticity and sculptural presence, telling the story of decades of handling and ritual or domestic use.

In fact, in the cult of this god, clothing enjoyed a special ritual importance; the miter was one of the main attributes of Dionysus and, therefore, of his followers and his mythical...

Beautiful in its imperfection, this round jar from Yunnan province is an offering vessel, or spirit jar, originally filled with ritual offerings such as coins, shells, flowers and gr...

Beautiful in its imperfection, this lidded jar from Yunnan province is an offering vessel, or spirit jar, originally filled with ritual offerings such as coins, shells, flowers and g...

Historically, the dallah holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing generosity, welcome, and social ritual. It was traditionally used to brew and serve Arabic coffee during gather...

The theatrical mask is a motif closely linked to Dionysus, so its appearance in the funeral ritual alludes directly to the triumph over death.

Images such as this were often included in illustrated Bibles, theological works, or devotional publications and were intended to emphasize the sacred authority and ritual splendor o...

Each mold is shaped with expressive, stylized features characteristic of local tribal aesthetics, preserving the cultural and ritual significance of 19th-century craftsmanship.

The narrative and setting reflect the period’s fascination with sentiment, courtship, and everyday domestic rituals. Painted on tin, the surface retains a smooth, luminous quality, ...

The grouping depicts the full traditional company of the Eight Immortals, whose legendary powers could be transferred to their specific ritual vessels. Among the pantheon are He Xian...

The second plate complements this symbolic overview with narrative scenes depicting ritual processions, ceremonial gatherings, and daily religious practices.

The most numerous are burnished red pottery vessels in various cylindrical and globular shapes, geometric palettes or palettes with animal profiles for mixing cosmetics, stone mace h...

The most numerous are burnished red pottery vessels in various cylindrical and globular shapes, geometric palettes or palettes with animal profiles for mixing cosmetics, stone mace h...

Beautiful in its imperfection, this lidded jar from Yunnan province is an offering vessel, or spirit jar, originally filled with ritual offerings such as coins, shells, flowers and g...

The elongated muzzle, wide almond-shaped eyes, and contrasting dark slip across the face create a mask-like presence associated with ritual or supernatural identity in Moche iconogra...

Beautiful in its imperfection, this lidded jar from Yunnan province is an offering vessel, or spirit jar, originally filled with ritual offerings such as coins, shells, flowers and g...

Originally conceived as a devotional offering in Hindu temples—often dedicated to deities such as Shiva or Ayyanar—these “Temple Toys” were both sacred objects and cherished playthin...

Its harmonious composition, ritual significance, and authentic Nepalese origin make this exceptional bronze stupa a highly desirable acquisition for collectors of Himalayan Buddhist ...

Sculpted centuries ago in Yunnan province, the earthenware jar was originally an offering vessel, or spirit jar, filled with ritual offerings such as coins, shells, flowers and grain...

Sculpted centuries ago in Yunnan province, the earthenware jar was originally an offering vessel, or spirit jar, filled with ritual offerings such as coins, shells, flowers and grain...

These masks could undergo transformations during their lifespan, adapting to different forms of masquerade or dance rituals. The men who donned these masks and performed within them ...