Plaster Antiquities

Unusual Himalayan Buddha. Early style with good Age- hard to date or place, but 19thC at least and from the Himalayan region. Sits 2 3/8 inches tall, 3.5 inches on custom stand. Beau...

Japanese Haniwa terracotta head of a warrior, Haniwa figures are Japanese terracotta funerary figures that accompanied the dead buried in early Japan, ...

Pair of Earths Spirits "Zhenmushou" from the China Tang Dynasty 618-907 AD. A beautiful and rare pair of "Earths Spirits guardians" from the Yunnan province region in the ancient China. This was created in clay earthenware pottery during the Tang Dynasty period between 618 and 907 AD. Featuring the molded figures of two seated guardians with decorations with polychrome pigmentations. The figures are seated on their haunches with cloven hooves planted firmly on the base looking forward with their front legs in a straight position. Both with face and body alert expressions on a rectangular base. Earth spirits usually appear in pairs, one with a human head and the other with a lion head. Their supernatural powers, indicated by antlers, spiky flanges and flames, enable them to confront evil spirits and protect any precincts within their gaze. Have been believed to protect the living by keeping the spirits of the dead from inappropriately roaming the world outside the tomb. Zhenmushou or guardian deities, developed from a line of protective spirits found normally in pairs at the front of Tang dynasty tombs. They served both to protect the figure from untoward spirits, and the outside world from the roving spirit of the dead. Combining features from a number of animals to form the perfect mythic beast, these mythical creatures were perceived to be the ideal guardians of the dead The semi human faced figure has a measures of 11.25 by 4.5 by 5.75 inches (28.57 x 11.43 x 14.60 Cm). The mythological lion animal figure has a measures of 10 by 5 by 5.8 inches (24.5 x 12.7 x 14.73 Cm). Tang dynasty or Tang Empire, was an imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 618 to 907, with an interregnum between 690 and 705. It was preceded by the Sui dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Tend Kingdoms period. Historians generally regard the Tang as a high point in Chinese civilization, and a the golden age of cosmopolitan culture. Tang territory, acquired through the military campaigns of its early rulers, rivaled that of the Han dynasty. The Li family founded the dynasty, seizing power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire and inaugurating a period of progress and stability in the first half of the dynasty's rule. The dynasty was formally interrupted during 690–705 when Empress Wu Zetian seized the throne, proclaiming the Wu Zhou dynasty...

A lovely carved sandstone torso of the Buddha, Ayutthaya period (1350-1767), Thailand. Wonderfully simplistic, the only ornamentation this torso displays...

A Thai bronze head of Buddha, Ayutthaya period, late 16th-early 17th century. His face with serene expression, arched eyebrows above incised eyes and ...

Masterpiece 15th century Northern Thai bronze Buddha. This is the best of the best. Traces of gilding in the crevices of the hair, behind the ears, etcetera. The casting is crisp, the sculpting shows great finesse and depth, the patina is beautiful and complex and desirable, the proportions are classic, and the face as deep and serene and beautiful as any you will find on any Buddha. It is extremely large and is the largest high-end period bronze Buddha from Thailand I have ever had the pleasure of offering at 31 inches tall and in the range of 50 to 60 pounds (most of the clay core scooped out) (Outstanding provenance -from the personal collection of Ali A. Abssi (1934-2020) founder of the Ishtar gate...

Bronze cast with delicate serene features, very refined detailing throughout. Featuring bow-shaped mouth and downcast eyes, flanked by pendulous pierced ...

The form of Longquan celadon vases from the Northern Song dynasty evolved from an early design with a long neck and tapering body to a later ovoid body with a shorter neck. Over time, the glaze developed a more olive tone, and the carved decorations became more pronounced and intricate. Examples of such vases include one without a cover dated to the Yuanfeng era (1078~1085) and documented in literature, and another similar vase without loop handles preserved by the Qingyuan County Cultural Relics Bureau. An earlier example featuring loop handles and a lotus-like cover is also mentioned in historical texts. The use of Longquan covered vases, especially as funerary jars for offerings like wine and grains, was highlighted by an inscription on a piece from the Sir Percival David Collection, London. This inscription wishes for the vessel to preserve fragrant wine for centuries, blessing the owner with prosperity, longevity, and a vast lineage, dated to the third year of the Yuanfeng period (1080). This practice was common in the regions of Southern Zhejiang and Northern Fujian. A similar celadon vase from the Linyushanren collection was auctioned at Christie’s Hong Kong, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of these artifacts. Period : Five Dynasties or Northern Song Dynasty Type : Celadon, Zhejiang province Medium : Celadon Size : 31.5 cm(Height) x 11.5(Diameter) Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) The British Museum image id - 01613270570 2) Christies New York 23–24 MAR 2023 - Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art - Lot 1012 (Price Range : USD 18,000 – USD 25,000 / Type : Related) 3) National Gallery of Victoria - Accession Number - AS5-1973 * Celadon from Five Dynasties (907~960) to the early Northern Song Dynasty (960~1127) The period from the Five Dynasties (907~960) to the early Northern Song Dynasty (960~1127) marked a significant transitional phase in the development of Chinese celadon ceramics...

A Thai bronze head of the Buddha. Sukothai period, late 16th-early 17th century. His face with serene expression, arched eyebrows above incised eyes a...

This cafe table has attractive legs that form a unique curve. The bow-like curves, lavishly carved from high-quality ash wood, are both cute and elegant. Another attractive feature ...

A charming antique Japanese wooden ball toy, hand-carved with a striking radial design. Crafted from richly toned wood with beautifully aged patina, it embodies both the simplicity a...

Burmese pottery seated crowned Buddha. Age: Burma, Ava Period, 15th Century Size: Height 10.8 C.M. / Width 5 C.M. Size including stand: Height 16.2 C....