Ashville Fine Arts

Rare Vietnamese Gilt & Polychrome Carved Teakwood Buddha Seated on Lotus Throne, ca. 1850 Origin: Vietnam Period: 19th Century, circa 1850 Material: Carved teakwood with gilt and po...

Chinese Qing Dynasty Famille Rose Porcelain Moon Flask with Peaches and Bats, circa 1880 Origin: China Period: Qing Dynasty, Late 19th Century, circa 1880 Style: Chinese Export Porc...

Korean Hahoe Yangban Carved Wood Theatrical Mask with Movable Jaw, circa 1910 Carved from alder wood, this remarkable mask exemplifies the distinctive artistry and theatrical charac...

Chinese Gilt Bronze Dragon Turtle Sculpture, Meiji–Taishō Period, circa 1900–1920 Origin: China Period: Late Meiji to Early Taishō Period, circa 1900–1920 Materials: Bronze with gil...

Monumental Chinese Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Vase w/ Chrysanthemum Relief, Ca. 1600 China, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), attributed An impressive and exceptionally large Chinese Lo...

Important Japanese Gosho Ningyō Imperial Presentation Doll, Edo Period, circa 1750 Japan, Edo Period, circa 1750 An exceptionally rare and important Japanese Gosho Ningyō (Imperial ...

Chinese Qing Dynasty Famille Rose Porcelain Moon Flask with Peaches and Bats, ca. 1880 Origin: China Period: Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1880 Style: Chinese Export / Qing Dynasty Decor...

Korean Hahoe Yangban Carved Wood Theater Mask, ca. 1910, Late Joseon Tradition Origin: Korea Period: Early 20th Century, circa 1910 Materials: Carved alder wood Style: Korean Folk A...

Japanese Gilt-Bronze Patinated Dragon Turtle Sculpture, circa 1900–1920 Origin: Japan Period: Late Meiji–Early Taishō Period, circa 1900–1920 Materials: Bronze with gilt patina Styl...

Ancient Chinese Song Dynasty Polychrome Wood Guanyin Figure An exceptional and deeply spiritual Chinese carved wood figure depicting Guanyi...

Ancient Japanese Kamakura Period Pair of Carved Cypress Shishi (Komainu) Temple Guardians An exceptional and exceedingly rare pair of Japanese carved cypress wood Shishi (Komainu), probably dating to the Kamakura period. Originally created as guardian figures for the entrance of a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple, these imposing sculptures embody the powerful spiritual symbolism and remarkable sculptural achievements of medieval Japan. Surviving examples from the Kamakura period are exceptionally scarce, particularly as a matched pair retaining such strong sculptural presence. Masterfully carved from solid Japanese cypress (hinoki), each guardian is depicted seated in an alert and commanding posture, conveying both strength and vigilance. Their boldly modeled heads feature dramatically expressive faces with deeply carved eyes, broad noses, and powerful open mouths that radiate protective energy. The robust bodies display muscular proportions softened by elegantly stylized carving, while the sweeping tails and finely incised manes provide a lively sense of movement and rhythm. The beautifully weathered surface reveals the warm natural grain of the ancient cypress, enhancing the sculptures' authenticity and timeless character. Known in Japan as Komainu, these guardian creatures traditionally stand in pairs at the entrances to Shinto shrines and important temples, serving as sacred protectors against evil spirits and misfortune. One figure typically represents the sound "A", with its mouth open, symbolizing the beginning of all things, while the companion forms the sound "Un", with its mouth closed, signifying the end of existence. Together they represent the eternal cycle of creation and completion, a profound philosophical concept deeply rooted in Japanese religious tradition. The Kamakura period is widely regarded as one of the great golden ages of Japanese sculpture. During this era, artists achieved an unprecedented level of realism, vitality, and expressive power, producing some of the finest religious carvings in Japanese history. The bold forms and confident execution of this pair reflect the artistic innovations that made Kamakura sculpture...

Ancient Japanese Kofun Period Haniwa Terracotta Warrior Figure An exceptional Japanese Haniwa terracotta warrior figure, probably dating to the Kofun period, circa 6th century AD, r...