Chinese Metalwork

A Chinese Brass Jewellery Lidded Box, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1980s. Dimension: Width: 11cm Height: 7cm Depth: 9cm.

The gu vase form dates back as far as 1600 BC, when it was originally cast in bronze. This set of early 20th century pewter gu vases would have been used in traditional Southern Chin...

Pair of tall tapered cylindrical vases presented on carved hardwood bases. Enamel decorated with dragons in a floral field of a deep red background.

In 19th century, China government officials wore different hats to show their various ranks of office—the styles and designs changed depending on the season. A one of a kind folding ...

19th century Chinese bronze urn as lamp. Decorated with florals and dragon in high relief. Surmounted by two handles depicting phoenix...

A charming, small Chinese export silver dessert fork marked KH and Bai Xi, early 20th century, China. The small dessert fork with three tines. The ha...

This very finely cast bronze urn in an archaistic form was made in the very late 19th century approximately 1895-1900. Done with an apocryphal feeling to honor the ancient past, the vase is beautifully rendered in low relief in bronze covering almost the entire body of the urn. The predominant features are the divided taotie masks that compose the swelling middle body of the vase and also at the corners of the upper section. Crisp but subtle, the casting is clearly handled with great attention to linear form. The patina is very nice and consists of a modeled golden brown with a slight but very lite Verdigris color. The urn has an old rosewood base and lid that seems to have been purpose made for the object. Finally, the whole is set off with a carved jade finial...

Pair of Asian gilt metal lamps, probably Chinese, circa 1950s. The price noted includes the shades. They have been rewired and are ready to use.

Coppia di vasi di draghi cinesi in bronzo, ben fusi e di grande effetto, periodo Qing, inizio XIX secolo. Sono due vasi pesanti vasi di bronzo a forma anfora con due grandi e complic...

A Chinese Brass Double Fish Shaped Lock with Key, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimension: Width: 13cm Height: 1cm Depth: 7cm.

In 19th century China government officials wore different hats to show their various ranks of office—the styles and designs changed depending on the season. A hand-crafted, one of a ...

This vintage iron mortar from China's Shanxi province was cast in low relief with a delicate chrysanthemum in bloom. Originally used in a traditional apothecary to create herbal medi...

decorated in relief; floral motif on yellow ground

Pair of Chinese Export silver candlesticks with the character for "Luck" on one and "Longevity" on the other. They are attached to round wood stands. Marked with SW, for Shing Wo, “...

A rare pair of Chinese export silver mugs/tankards, each with figural Court scenes, bamboo, and dragon handles. They have the mark for Hoaching of Canton, circa 1860, and the Chinese...

A pair of Chinese Export silver candlesticks, marked with TC, for Tuck Chang, 德祥 公记(DeXiangGongJi), a Shanghai retailer from 1901-1934, and with the maker's mark of 培记 (PeiJi). 230gm...

Chinese export silver mug, ca 1860. Straight and upward tapering sides with applied pictorial frieze on engraved and stippled ground: Scenes of social life with contemplative sages and chaste maidens amongst palm trees and pagodas. Pastoral exoticism enlivened with scaly, slithering dragon handle...

Chinese silver repousse and openwork bowl, decorated with dragons and flaming pearl. The bowl is marked on the bottom with a Chinese character, "90" for silver purity, and " WH" for ...

Tall hexagonal lantern in bronze with a blue, red and green enamel openwork with stylized lotus flower motives. The shaft has a nice brown patina. The base is decorated with taotie m...

This impressive Chinese Export Silver Centrepiece, consists of a large central dish, pierced with bamboo decoration, supported by five shoots of bamboo also with bamboo leaf decorat...

A Chinese Export silver bowl decorated with chrysanthemum against a matte background. Made by the firm of Lian xiang sheng of Shanghai and Ca...

The wave bench designed by Zhoujie Zhang continues to implement his design philosophy of spontaneity. By applying the laws of its own gravity, the bench naturally faces downward and ...

Large Japanese, Bronze Relief Enameled Vase, Early 20th Century The vase's surface is adorned with intricate relief work that depicts a stunning tableau of flowers and birds. The re...

20th Century Chinese Cast Bronze Statue of Guan Yu with Guandao on Bespoke Wooden Stand Description: Presenting a captivating 20th-century Chinese cast bronze statue of Guan Yu, the...

A Chinese Export Silver Goblet with dragon stem, engraved foliage to the bowl, and a gilded interior. The maker is FengzhaoJi (冯朝记), and it was retailed by the firm of Leeching, circ...

A Chinese export silver goblet with prunus decoration on a matte background, and the base and stem formed as prunus tree branch root. The body has a single round cartouche engraved "...

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

A Chinese export silver oval bowl or jardiniere, made by Tu Mao Xing, '涂茂興‘, circa 1890. There are two dragon handles, and four dragon feet. There is a beaded rim and two animal head...

A lovely Chinese silver bowl, embossed and chased with three birds and chrysanthemum against a textured matte background. Made by the firm of Shao Ji'绍记’, and retailed by Luen Hing '...

An interesting and delightful Chinese export silver mug, of double-skin construction and decorated with bamboo leaves against a matte backgro...

Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné enamel vase for the Islamic Market. Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 18cm, diameter 26cm Crafted in Chin...

A rare and exquisite Chinese Export silver & enamel bowl, made in Shanghai around 1895 by Huang Qui Ji, and retailed by the firm of Woshing. The bowl feat...

A Chinese Export silver mug with dragon handle, decorated with five birds among bamboo against a matte background. There is a round vacant cartouche to t...

A Pair of Chinese Export Silver Dragon Candelabra, circa 1890. Each finely detailed dragon is coiled on an original wood stand, carved with cloud pat...

A Chinese Export silver mug with a bamboo handle, and decorated with a bird and moth amongst profuse bamboo decoration on a matte background. T...

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...

A Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box, round with a collet foot and profusely decorated with applied prunus. against a smooth plain background. The box has...

A Chinese Export Silver Tea Caddy of shaped oval form, with applied prunus and chrysanthemum decoration and a plain, pull-off lid. The retailer is sho...

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 ...

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

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

An archaic bronze vessel in flattened flask form with ring handles and mottled red and green patination.

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...

This vintage cast iron mortar and pestle from is from China's Shanxi province and is patterned in low relief with floral motifs. It...

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.

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....

The bow tie chair is a perfect example of Zhoujie’s philosophy of actionless. Like a force of an airplane, polymerizing inward and flowing with natural ...

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 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...