Large Fine Bronze Head of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Qing Dynasty

A finely cast bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara in his four-arm form with gilt and polychrome surface. The Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion is worshiped in all Buddhism sect as one ...

On offer is a fine Bodhisattva head made of stucco around a wood core circa 6th century AD. The fragment was part of high-relief wall sculpture based ...

An antique Korean bronze bottle of bulbous pear form with a long neck and flared open mouth from Goryeo Dynasty (918 AD-1392 AD) circa 12-13th century I...

A fine Korean iron box that was traditionally used to store tobacco leaves dated to the late Joseon Dynasty circa 19th century. The box is made from iron and has a heavy weight, although the wears along the edges of the lid and base exposes a bronze metal color underneath, indicating the iron metal may contains a high level of copper. The surface was beautifully decorated with elaborate silver inlay that covers the entire surface except the base. The extraordinary workmanship depicts a pair of deer within the circled square (shape of heaven and earth) and a lined background on the long sides and a crane with spread wings on the shorter sides. Both animals were associated with longevity. Their eyes were highlighted with copper inlay, adding a lively touch to the animation. The lid is centered with a Chinese character "Xi" (Paired-Hui in Korean), which means double happiness. (In Chinese culture, it is often used in a wedding ceremony). The large symbol was set on geometrical background of tightly scrolling diamond pattern surrounded by stylized Ruyi mushroom heads, another floral longevity symbol. Archaic fret cloud band borders the entire perimeters of the lid and the container. Tobacco was introduced to Korean in the first half of the 17th century and gradually gained popularity. When the tobacco was started being smoked in shredded form instead of rolled leaves, there rose the production of the smoking accessories, with some in fine quality as luxury items for the elite. The accoutrement such as this box is a fine example made in late Joseon dynasty, using extensive silver inlay, a technique called "jjoeum-ipsa", in which the silver wires were hammered into the scorched iron surface to create the elaborate design. Similar boxes with variation of shape and motifs are in the collection of several major museums. Compare the box with item Gu 754 in the National Museum of Korea; item 22.78 in MET NYC and M.240:1, 2-1926 in V& A Museum in London. The most closely related example we found is item C232 in the collection of the Museum of East Asian Art...

A small and lovely Chinese cast bronze garlic head scholar's "chilong" vase, early Qing Dynasty, Kangxi period, late 17th century, China. The elegant vase of beautiful proportion...

Chinese Qing Dynasty Small Bronze Tripod Censer Small bronze censer from the Qing Dynasty 1644-1912, standing on three cabriole legs. Twin handles depict mythical creatures’ heads. ...

Large Chinese Cloisonne enamel bowl, Qing Dynasty Exceptional and finely decorated Chinese cloisonne punch bowl with gilt metal foot and rim. The bowl has slightly flaring sides ...

An antique Qing dynasty period bronze oversized planter from the 19th century, with mythical animal handles. Crafted during the 19th century Qing Dyn...