Ancient China Hand Glazed Female Equestrian Horse Rider Ming Dynasty, 1500

China, a monumental pair (2) of 500 year old lime stone “Spirit Path” Equine horse head sculptures. Ming dynasty, (1368-1644 CE). A pair of near life size and robust head sections with fine, wavy combed manes, well defined mouths, ears, nostrils, and ornamental bridles, all carved in a medium to dark gray limestone with considerable weathering to surfaces. The smaller head with a later inscription on bottom and signed “Zhuang”. Formerly exhibited “Treasures from Asia”, Shelburne Vermont, Shelburne Art Center, 2006. Originally found in the vicinity of the village of Chuan near Luoyang City, Henan Provance, China. Each mounted on a custom iron display stand. Dimensions: A the smaller 32.5cm, 13” high and 62.5cm, 25” in length and with display stand, 60cm, 24” high; b the larger 37.5cm, 15” high and 67.5cm, 27” in length and with display stand 65cm, 26” high. Please view additional photographs from our Chinese antiquities catalog 35 Years Collecting 35 Treasures, page 60. History: Placing stone animals and human figures along spirit paths in front of important tombs can be traced back at least to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), some two thousand years ago. In ancient times, stone animals and human figures placed before imperial tombs symbolized royal power and privilege in addition to decorative functions. Life size “spirit path” stone horse sculptures are known and can be viewed from Ming dynasty tombs including thirteen imperial tombs of the Ming Dynasty scattered over an area of forty square kilometers in Changping District to the northwest of Beijing. The first Ming tomb...

Mint Kyo ware bowl From Japan, a beautiful hand-built, painted and glazed, Kyo ware large bowl or large tea bowl with a proud rooster and birds motif created in the 1930s.- over se...

China an ancient limestone figure of an Entertainer replete with hands holding tambourines and a top a drum, -for the afterlife- , Han dynasty 206 BC...

A Chinese hand carved and hand painted wooden effigy of an extraordinary unicorn dating to the Song dynasty before 1279 AD. Please enjoy the beautiful remnants of its aged original ...

A stoneware figure depicting a seated armored warrior with a striking pose circa 15th-17th century. He is likely one of the four heavenly kings, th...

A sublime Chinese celadon glazed shallow dish or charger, Qing Dynasty, mid 18th century, China. Beautifully glazed, with a carved decoration of a group of lotus, leaves, stalks and blossoms. The interior wall with radiating S-shaped lines, a motif that is repeated on the wide rim of the dish. The back undecorated. Glazed all-over with an even bright celadon glaze, with some attractive areas of crackle. Ex. Butterfield's, San Francisco. Plate stand for display...

A petite Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed table from the 15th or 16th century with polychrome finish. This petite Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed table from the 15th or 16th century captivates with its polychrome finish and refined proportions. Crafted during the celebrated Ming period, the table features a rectangular top that gracefully rests above an elegantly carved base. The arching apron below is adorned with delicate curves, further enhanced by a delightful palette of green, black, and yellow tones, showcasing the artistic spirit of the era. The polychrome glaze, subtly weathered by time, adds character and a sense of history, making this table a charming addition to any interior. Whether displayed as a standalone piece or paired with other decorative elements, this antique Ming Dynasty table...

Longquan celadon glazed charger having fluted rim with well centre and incised stylized decoration. Ming dynasty. Underside with burnt orange firing m...