Metalwork

About the Virgin of Chiquinquirá Virgin of Chiquinquirá, carrying baby Jesus and a marshal cane on his hand. On her sides, San Antonio de Padua, and Saint Andrew, apostle, with the X-shaped cross, sign of his martyrdom.. Her Story Dominican friars carried evangelization expeditions into the central region of Colombia. In 1560 Antón de Santana, Spanish gentleman obtained commission to build a house with different uses, the administration of settlers, indigenous people and slaves; he further build a chapel for religious services in Suta, Fray Andrés Jadraque, saw the need to put a painting of the Virgen del Rosario...

Two Chinese silver vases of cornucopia form, both decorated with applied bamboo and chrysanthemum and on a circular base. The vases are similar yet were made by different silversmith...

Pair of Chinese silver vases with all-over bamboo decoration and each with a wavy-edge flared rim. They were made by 涂茂兴, TuMaoXing, a retailer in JiuJiang (九江), next to the Yangtze ...

Group of fourteen Japanese Meiji period gilt metal plaques Japanese, Late 19th Century Height 2cm, width 2cm These beautiful Japanese Meiji period plaque...

Large Tibet bronze and copper vase with handles: exceptional and perfect. Sizes: diameter at the top cm. 52, with handles cm. 61. Base 35 cm. High cm. 43....

Chinese export silver bowl on plain round pedestal base. The decoration is of two applied opposing dragons against a plain background. The bow...

A Big Size Vintage Bronze Wine Cup Covered with Full Ancient Characters is a fascinating and historically significant artifact, often evoking the grandeur and cultural depth of ancie...

A small fine quality Meiji period cloisonne enamel vase, with silver wires and gilt rims decorated with lappets of dragons of ho-ho birds on a brown ground, with textile designs arou...

This Chinese Vintage Old Bronze Candlestick is a beautiful and historically significant item. Bronze has been a popular material in Chinese art and crafts...

Raised Detailing of Dragons and Flowers with Vibrant Colors in Reds, Blues, Greens. Hibachi is Bronze,

This Vintage Bronze Statue depicts a kneeling human figure, gracefully holding a lantern with both hands, evoking a sense of serenity and reverence. The intricate details of the huma...

A very decorative large coloured painted metal fish with candleholder. This beautiful fish made by a Jodhpur ironworker is painted and patinated by hand. Wonderful decorative object,...

This fascinating piece dates from the 19th century in India, where it was used as a water base for a hookah, or shisha pipe. In traditional hookah smoking, the base of the pipe is no...

19th Century Tsuba former Japanese Katana guard in bronze and gilding, diameter approximately 8 cm.

Bronze Koro (Japanese incense burner) in the shape of a rooster Removable top.

19th century superior quality Japanese bronze vase with grape vine handles. Beautifully shaped Edo period (first half of the 19th century) vase with c...

Dark brown patina bronze figure of a standing kappa with its right leg leaning on a cucumber. The figure is put on four-legged rattan-like bronze stand. The kappa (??) is a aquatic creature taken from Japanese folklore having the appearance of an anthropomorphic turtle. His skull is either slightly hollowed out to accommodate water, from which it derives its power, or hidden with a water lily leaf hiding this sag. Naturally polite, it is advisable to bow to him in order that it should do so in return, thus losing all the water he has gathered and leaving it harmless. Kappa has the reputation of attempting to lure both humans and animals into the water. In some areas, it ravages fields, stealing eggplants and cucumbers. Some people prefer to worship it and give it offerings rather than be its victims. Signed Shokaken (???). His real name is Ôshima Yasutarô. He was born in 1849 and is the third generation of a metalworkers family. Together with his brother Ôshima Joun...

This 20th century South Asian oil lamp is made of brass in the shape of an aircraft. Oil lamps like these were likely handcrafted using the century old lost-wax process of metal cast...

A wonderful Cyrian bronze urn, handmade in the Middle East with engravings around the whole of the urn. With beautiful circular solid bronze handles. Some age related dents . Possib...

This culinary masterpiece, designed for the preparation of rice, transcends its utilitarian purpose and becomes a work of art in its own right. The entire surface of the rice pan is adorned with intricately engraved calligraphy, adding a touch of elegance and cultural significance. The brass rice pan is substantial, reflecting its purpose as a tool for large-scale cooking. Its sheer size and sturdy construction make it a standout piece in any kitchen or culinary setting. The brass material provides a warm and lustrous backdrop for the detailed engravings that grace its surface. The calligraphy on the rice pan is a testament to the artistry and precision of the craftsman. Delicate Arabic or Persian script, characterized by flowing lines and elegant curves, covers the entire exterior of the pan. The calligraphy may feature verses from poetry, blessings, or traditional sayings related to food, hospitality, and prosperity. Each inscription is meticulously engraved, creating a visually striking contrast between the polished brass and the finely detailed letters. The combination of the monumental size, brass material, and engraved calligraphy transforms this rice pan into a cultural artifact that goes beyond its culinary function. It becomes a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and the importance of communal gatherings around food. Whether displayed as a piece of art or used in the preparation of meals, this monumental brass rice pan stands...

A pair of good quality brass fire dogs in the aesthetic movement taste. England, c1890s. Small in size but very well crafted, remaining very contempo...

Exceptional reproduction of a he type liquor Jug in bronze of the Shang Dynasty (17th-11th century BC). This bronze jug trypod represent a owl's head. We...

Chinese Export Silver Centerpiece with dragon decoration. The centerpiece bowl has two repousse dragons with attached dragon handles. The bowl rests on...

This vintage bronze bull statue is a truly unique and special collectible piece. Bull statue details: Material: bronze Height: 34cm Length: 43cm Wide: 20cm Weight: 6150g Originati...

This Old Chinese Iron Lantern is a beautiful and historical piece of Chinese craftsmanship, showcasing the timeless elegance and functionality of ...

A sculpted Japanese bronze of a Bactrian camel.

Set of three Japanese bronze vases. Measures: high 27 cm diameter 9 cm high 27 cm diameter 7 cm high 21 cm diameter 7 cm.  

Chinese export repousse beaker, circ 1890. Wieght 3.3 oz., 4 3/8" tall

This vintage cast iron mortar from China's Shanxi province is patterned in low relief with a simple floral design. Originally used in a traditional ap...

Chinese Export silver repousse sauce boat with dragon handles. Marked for Luen Wo.. Very fine decoration. 7 1/4" long, 4 " tall, 3 1/2", 7 oz weight.

Brass tray with paisley design.

Japanese Meiji period fine pair of scroll weights decorated with shakudo and silver samurai figures. The weights fill solid and heavy. One of the weights has Japanese writing ( see i...

Beautifully crafted vintage Japanese urn shaped vase, featuring elephant head double handles in bronze and enamel. Colorful enamel adorns the vase...

Antique Indian Hindu Bronze Sculpture – Krishna with Flute (18th Century) A captivating and finely crafted antique bronze figure depicting Lord Krishna, rendered in the distinctive ...

Beautiful necklace of cultured pearls, extra quality (Akoya Japan) and amethysts. 11 mm diameter Secure clasp and 18k golden silver hinges. Long: 50 cm.  

Beautiful necklace of cultured pearls, extra quality (Akoya Japan) and amethysts. Measure: 11 mm diameter Secure clasp and 18k golden silver hinges. Long: 50 cm.  

Chinese Export silver tankard with detailed repousse dragons and dragon handle. The tankard is 5 3/4" tall, 3 1/4' in diameter, 4 1/8" at the handle....

From the 1890s until his death in 1914, John Bradstreet, the important American Arts and Crafts furniture and interior designer, worked from The Crafts House, his landscaped orientalist compound in Downtown Minneapolis. There, he also received his clients, and dealt in Asian art acquired on frequent trips to the Far East. He used similar bronze Japanese lotuses...

This exquisite cloisonné set, meticulously crafted, is a testament to the timeless artistry of this ancient technique. Each piece, adorned with intricate...

Chinese silver censer, circa 1910. Drum-form agate body set in silver gilt mounts with scrollwork and lunettes. Leaf-capped side bracket handles. Upward tapering support and stepped ...

A pair of Meiji period solid silver bowls by Eigyoku, each of lobed oval form on four scroll feet, deeply embossed with continuous chrysanthemum hea...

A Chinese paktong basin, engraved with scenes of many children at play and before pagodas, within borders of shou characters, bats and flowerheads, the flattened rim with vases of flowers and lingzhi, swords, lotus pods...

Of typical form with a shibuichi ground worked in shakudo, silver and gold with a central continuous frieze showing a 3-toed dragon amongst roiling clouds and spume-flecked waves, the shoulders with fields of shakudo bosses between triple vertical lines, the knop formed by paired dragons...

This Chinese Vintage Bronze Kneeling Down Buddha Candle Holder Statue is rare and special. Unlike traditional Buddha sculptures that depict the figure seated in meditation, this par...

Old collection of this Vintage Bronze Two Sided Sitting Man on Lotus Stand, unique style and exquisitely carved, it is a truly unique and special collectib...

This Vintage Bronze Man Burner from China is a truly unique and special collectible piece. Burner Details: Material: bronze 30 cm high 16 cm wide and 10 cm deep Originating from C...

Beautiful necklace of cultured pearls, extra quality (Akoya Japan) and amethysts. 11 mm diameter Secure clasp and 18k golden silver hinges. Long: 50 cm.  

A Monumental Gilt-Lacquered Bronze Ornamental Buddha Sculpture of Vajravidarana: A Masterpiece of Sino-Tibetan Craftsmanship, Late 19th Century, Qing Dynasty This monumental gilt-lacquered bronze ornamental sculpture of Vajravidarana is an extraordinary and commanding piece of art, showcasing the pinnacle of Sino-Tibetan craftsmanship from the late 19th century. The figure of Vajravidarana, a powerful purification deity in Tibetan Buddhism, is meticulously sculpted to embody both spiritual authority and artistic excellence. Vajravidarana is primarily known for his role in removing spiritual impurities and negativities. Unlike other deities associated with wisdom or compassion, Vajravidarana’s function is centered on purification and healing. He is typically depicted holding a vajra and a bell, symbolizing the cutting away of delusions and the resonance of divine truth. In this striking sculpture, Vajravidarana is shown holding a vishva vajra (the double vajra), a unique and powerful variation of the traditional iconography, which signifies ultimate protection and the dispelling of negative karma. Vajravidarana: The Supreme Purifier and Protector Vajravidarana is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the deity of spiritual purification, called upon to cleanse practitioners of defilements and negative influences. His vajra represents the indestructibility of truth, while his bell signifies the wisdom that resonates through purification rituals. In this sculpture, the presence of the vishva vajra, or double vajra, enhances his association with supreme protection, ensuring the destruction of all spiritual obstacles and afflictions. The figure’s powerful yet composed expression conveys a sense of unwavering resolve and divine authority. His posture, along with the carefully sculpted details of his robes and ornaments, highlights his function as a guardian against impurity. The inclusion of the vishva vajra rather than the usual single vajra reinforces his role as a supreme protector, capable of dispelling all forms of negativity and restoring balance. Symbolism of the Mantras and Aureole: Unlike deities that embody wisdom through duality, Vajravidarana’s iconography is centered on purification and exorcism. The aureole surrounding him is inscribed with sacred purification mantras rather than depictions of a consort. These mantras emphasize his function as a remover of obstacles and impurities, reinforcing his role in Buddhist healing rituals. The presence of the sacred inscriptions elevates the sculpture’s spiritual significance, making it a focal point for meditation and ritual purification. Practitioners often visualize Vajravidarana radiating purifying light, dissolving afflictions and negative karma. This theme is mirrored in the sculptural repetition of the purification symbols on the aureole, reinforcing the deity’s role as a divine cleanser. Gilt-Lacquered Bronze: The Artistry of Sino-Tibetan Metalwork: The craftsmanship of this monumental figure reflects the expertise of late 19th-century Sino-Tibetan metalwork, where traditional Tibetan themes were infused with Chinese artistic sensibilities. Cast in bronze and finished with a rich gilt lacquer, the statue has an otherworldly glow, giving it an ethereal, almost divine presence. The gilding process—applied with exceptional skill—gives the sculpture a striking luminosity that enhances the fine details of the facial features, flowing robes, jewelry, and other elements of the deity’s attire. The technique employed to create this figure speaks to the high level of craftsmanship that flourished during the late Qing Dynasty and early modern Tibetan art. The ornate details of the robes and the fine texture of the sculpture highlight the exceptional skill of the artisans who brought this work to life. The use of gold and lacquer not only reflects the preciousness of the sculpture but also its spiritual significance as an object meant to inspire reverence and meditation. An Ornamental Sculpture of Monumental Scale: Unlike smaller devotional objects, this sculpture is designed as an ornamental masterpiece, intended to make a grand visual and spiritual statement. Its monumental size allows it to dominate any space, offering a commanding presence that is both physically and symbolically impressive. In Buddhist practice, large sculptures of this nature are often placed in temples or meditation halls, where their imposing size and serene presence would encourage contemplation and devotion. The grand scale of the statue further amplifies the spiritual power it is meant to convey. As a representation of Vajravidarana, it is not only a physical object of beauty but also a conduit for meditation, purification, and enlightenment. The scale of the sculpture also emphasizes the divine stature of the deity, highlighting his importance in the Buddhist tradition as the ultimate force for spiritual cleansing and protection. Provenance: Acquired in China in circa 1900 1905 Private Buddhist Temple, Northeast, USA Private Sale Solomon Treasure...