Wood More Asian Art, Objects and Furniture

This Antique Indian wooden temple fragment holds a captivating history within its design. Crafted from wood, it stands at a height of 43.3 cm wi...

A wonderful Japanese Buddhist portable traveling zushi shrine altar with Amida Buddha (Amitabha) concealed inside the folded wood doors. This work dat...

This is a very old Japanese elephant wood carving. This wood carving dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1920s). We estimate the material to be cedar w...

A wooden bowl made around the Meiji and Taisho eras (1868-1910) in Japan. It weighs 2.2 kg. Wood is a wood called "sen" in Japanese, which has a grain similar to zelkova. In Engli...

Antique Japanese Lacquered lidded circular box. Wonderful wooden box with lid. Black lacquer to the exterior and red lacquer inside the box with gold painted decoration to the edge o...

This is an introduction to a slightly unusual item. This is a wooden sword possessed by the Buddha statue. Only the sword remained. Gods such as Fudo Myo, who reign as Buddhist guardians...

Large wood carved Otafuku , Goddess of Mirth, Japanese, 20th Century. Sometimes known as Okame, a beloved and popular symbol in Japanese culture. With plump cheeks and joyful smile...

An exceptional Indo-Portuguese colonial mother-of-pearl veneered casket with silver mounts India, Gujarat, 2nd half of the 16th century, the silver mounts Goa or probably Lisbon Measures: H. 16 x W. 24.6 x D. 16.1 cm An exceptional Gujarati casket with a rectangular box and truncated pyramidal lid (with slopes on each side and a flat top) made from exotic wood, probably teak (Tectona grandis), covered with a mother-of-pearl mosaic. The tesserae, cut from the shell of the green turban sea snail (Turbo marmoratus, a marine gastropod) in the shape of fish scales, are pinned to the wooden structure with silver ball-headed nails. The casket is set on bracket feet on the corners. The masterfully engraved decoration of the silver mounts follows the most refined and erudite Mannerist repertoire of rinceaux and ferroneries dating from the mid-16th century. The high quality and refinement of the silver mounts and, likewise, the silver nails that replaced the original brass pins used to hold the mother-of-pearl tesserae in place indicate the work of a silversmith probably working in Lisbon in the second half of the 16th century. The Indian origin of this production, namely from Cambay (Khambhat) and Surat in the present state of Gujarat in north India, is, as for the last three decades, consensual and fully demonstrated, not only by documentary and literary evidence - such as descriptions, travelogues and contemporary archival documentation - but also by the survival in situ of 16th-century wooden structures covered in mother-of-pearl tesserae. A fine example is a canopy decorating the tomb (dargah) of the Sufi saint, Sheik Salim Chisti (1478-1572) in Fatehpur Sikri in Agra district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, north India. This is an artistic production, geometric in character and Islamic in nature, where usually the mother-of-pearl tesserae form complex designs of fish scales or, similar to the dishes also made using the same technique, with the thin brass sheets and pins, stylized lotus flowers. The truncated pyramidal shape corresponds, like their contemporary tortoiseshell counterparts also made in Gujarat, to a piece of furniture used in the Indian subcontinent within the Islamic world prior to the arrival of the first Portuguese. This shape, in fact, is very old and peculiar to East-Asian caskets, chests or boxes used to contain and protect Buddhist texts, the sutras. A similar chest is the famous and large reliquary chest from Lisbon cathedral that once contained the relics of the city's patron saint, Saint Vincent. Both match in shape, having the same kind of socle or pedestal and bracket feet, and in their engraved silver mountings, featuring the same type of refined, erudite decoration. Their differences lie in the silver borders that frame the entire length of the edges of the chest (both the box and the lid), pinned with silver nails, and on the lock plate, shaped like a coat of arms in the Lisbon example. Given the exceptional dimensions of the reliquary casket...

This is a very old Japanese wood carving of a god. It is called "Tenjin. Tenjin" is a general term for "a god who lives in heaven. This wood carving dates from the Edo period (1...

AN INDIAN ROSEWOOD AND EBONY BRASS MOUNTED BOX FOR THE ISLAMIC MARKET Malabar Coast, 18th century With a large drawer with several compartments under a lid with two com...

1287 This exquisite piece features six shelves with varying levels and glass door for displaying small items such as jade carvings and snuff bottles. Wall hung with hooks on back. ...

Very old Japanese large wooden carving of a horse. It dates from the Edo period (1800s-1860s). It is made of cedar wood. In Japan, there is ...

Moorish style micro mosaic marquetry inlaid jewelry box with lid. Intricate inlaid Anglo Indian box with floral and geometric Islamic Moorish mosaic Sadeli design in a square shape form with mosaic inlay and marquetry, very fine artwork, lined in red velvet. Museum collector piece like the one in Doris Duke Islamic Art Museum. The repeating geometric patterns of Sadeli Mosaic are what give it beauty and richness. This decorative technique is a type of micro mosaic featuring repeating geometric patterns. A highly skilled craft, it has had a long history in India and the Middle East with early examples dating back to the 16th century. In the 1800s, it became popular as a decoration on a variety of boxes, card cases, and chess boards imported from India. Since Bombay became a center of making them, they became known as Bombay boxes...

Beautiful miniature stools are made of the most spectacular wenge wood. This type of wood has very distinctive wood grains. It is highly prized for its...

South Indian carved wood sculpture depicting the Hindu Deity of Nandi, a recumbent black bull figure, known within the Hindu faith as the vehicle for Siva, often depicted in sculptur...

A splendid Dutch-colonial Sinhalese ebony two-door cabinet with silver mounts Sri Lanka, Kandy, 2nd half 17th century, the mounts later The cabinet with a central drawer with hidde...

This antique Mahjong set is unsigned and documentation shows it to have originated from China and date to approximately 1900 and done in the Chines...

Handcrafted and rare, Asian style, hand-painted & gilt table, desk or mantel clock. This rare combination-of-styles clock is in good condition, in perfect working order and a joy to...

This is a small Japanese wooden drawer. I think it's a drawer that was used in shops and other places where small tools were put. The handle is made of iron. It is a cool drawer...

This beautiful late 19th-century Tibetan box has an unusual trapezoidal form and is highly decorated in the Sino-Tibetan style in a palette of red, orange,...

This is a very old Japanese wooden Buddha. It is a wood carving from the Edo period (1700s-1800s). It appears to be carved out of cedar wood. It is indescribably beautiful with dust...

Wood netsuke of three peanuts. A naturalistic grouping, dark stained. An ivory plug may bear a highly stylised signature. Provenance : Arlette Katchen, Paris. Japan, 20th centu...

Century old teak wood hand carved into this stunningly beautiful vessel from a single block of wood. Originally used to store rice in Sumatra. We sanded it down with a wire brush rev...

A signed Okimono from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912). Very rare, unusual and large sculptural assembling of a dysplaying piece of okimono. Created in Japan during the imperial period of the Meiji (1868-1912). This extraordinary piece okimono sculpture depict a group of four intricately and realistically rendered carousing males skeletons representations (Gaikotsu) standing in several position. One skeleton is crouched down playing with mouses in the floor. The second is seated resting in the other's back, peacefully smoking opium. The others two are fully standing in interacting position. The entire composition is arranged freely displayed on the wood base including a woven basket, apparently with food and four playfull mouses. There are an extra five mouses in different positions, freely playing around, all of them with the eyes accented with carved black ebony. The composition is displayed on a four-legged free form carved wood platform with an inlaid red plaque engraved with the artist's signature. The level of detail and the quality of the carving is truly exceptional. Has an exact measurements of 216.15 mm by 139.7 mm by 359.41 mm (8.51 x 5.5 x 14.15 Inches). After an extensive collection of data, comparables and references to this piece, we have only been able to find only three okimono sculptures like this, with similar themes and the same quality of work. References Note: A similar carving of four skeletons playing an animated game of dominos, signed Shutaro in an inlaid rectangular red plaque, was sold in London by Christie’s South Kensington in October 14 2014, Lot 120 Sale 5546. References Note: A similar carving with four skeletons in an otherwise typical victorian scene of a photographer and three sitters signed Shutaro in an inlaid rectangular red plaque, was sold in Edinburgh at Lyon & Turnbull in November 7, 2018. References Note: A similar carving with five skeletons seated, playing cards and drinking, was sold in London by John Nicholson Fine Art on September 26, 2018. Meiji period, is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keio era and was succeeded by the Taisho era, upon the accession of Emperor Taisho. Okimono, is a Japanese term meaning for display an ornament; art object; or decorative object, usually displayed in a tokonoma or butsudan "Buddhist altar". It is an ornament or figure, especially one placed in a guest room. An okimono may be a small Japanese carving...

Exquisite handcrafted Middle Eastern Lebanese mosaic marquetry wood box. Small octagonal walnut Syrian style box intricately decorated with Moorish...

This tray is made of pine wood with beautiful grain. In Japan, many round and square wooden trays have been made since ancient times. They come in various sizes and materials. Amo...

A large Indian Colonial ‘Vizagapatam’ pen-engraved bone inlaid ebony box Masulipatnam or Vizagapatam, 2nd half 18th century H. 10.8 x W. 47 x D. 34 cm ...

Early 19th century fine antique Indo-Persian carved sandalwood wooden box. Incredibly intricate, highly detailed and deeply carved beautiful handcrafted and carved wooden box with Mu...

Exceptional Large Incised Lacquer Hsun-ok Offering Box With Interior Tray, Bagan, 20th Century.   The large round bowl form is for holding cooked rice and the interior tray is for ho...

Vintage Asian Apothecary Chest, 20th Century. Chest has a narrow footed base, and 18 fabric lined drawers with metal pulls. Double rows of nail ...

Very Unusual Horn Sectional Hand Carved Chinese Walking Stick or Dress Cane of outstanding quality, last half of the Nineteenth Century. The ...

A truly magnificent and special work - this beautiful and exceptionally long string of Japanese handcrafted natural wood (perhaps rosewood) Buddhist Juzu mala beads with four large square-like beads called shitenshu beads said to represent the Four Heavenly Kings: Jikko-Ten, Zocho-ten, Hiromoku-ten, and Tamon-ten (Since there are four square beads, the denomination is probably Tendai or Nichiren sect). These rosary-type prayer bead necklaces were used by Buddhist monks in temple prayers / rituals and worn by Samurai as amulets of protection. We have not come across another set of Juzu beads...

This handled box is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the traditional...

A charming carved giltwood Chinese export mirror frame with a watch-stand Canton, Qing Dynasty, early 19th century H. 65 x W. 34.5 cm At the top of the frame, two angels are suppo...

We Japanese introduce unique items with unique aesthetics, purchasing routes and methods that no one can imitate. This is a small wooden Buddha statue made in the Edo period in Japan. And this pose is called "Shaka Nyorai". It is the highest Buddhist statue in Buddhism. It is a very precious existence that saves the lives of many people. I think it was in a private house such as a small village. Since it is a simple sculpture, it was not carved by a person who specializes in carving Buddha...

A hand woven karagumoy Filipino basket from the 19th century, with checkered two-toned structure, side opening and rustic character. Created in the Phi...

A rustic Chinese Qing Dynasty period wooden grain basket from the 19th century, with large carrying handle and metal braces. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period in the 19...

This charming tabletop secretaire is decorated in gold and black in the Chinoiserie style. The exterior is finished with black lacquer and painted with scenic mountain landscapes, br...

Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. Typically made of stone, they are also known as stone lions or shishi (石獅; shíshī). They are known in colloquial English as lion dogs or foo dogs / fu dogs. The concept, which originated and became popular in Chinese Buddhism, features a pair of highly stylized lions—often one male with a ball and one female with a cub—which were thought to protect the building from harmful spiritual influences and harmful people that might be a threat. Used in imperial Chinese palaces and tombs, the lions subsequently spread to other parts of Asia including Japan (see komainu), Korea, Philippines, Tibet, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. There has been extensive interaction between Chinese mythology and Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Elements of pre-Han dynasty mythology such as those in Classic of Mountains and Seas were adapted into these belief systems as they developed (in the case of Taoism), or were assimilated into Chinese culture (in the case of Buddhism). Elements from the teachings and beliefs of these systems became incorporated into Chinese mythology. For example, the Taoist belief of a spiritual Paradise became incorporated into mythology as the place where immortals and deities used to dwell. Sometimes mythological and religious ideas have become widespread across China's many regions and diverse ethnic societies. In other cases, beliefs are more limited to certain social groups, for example, the veneration of white stones by the Qiang. One mythological theme that has a long history and many variations involves a shamanic world view, for example in the cases of Mongolian shamanism among the Mongols, Hmong shamanism among the Miao people, and the shamanic beliefs of the Qing dynasty from 1643 to 1912, derived from the Manchus. Politically, mythology was often used to legitimize the dynasties of China, with the founding house of a dynasty claiming a divine descent. Mythology and philosophy. Further information: Chinese philosophy True mythology is distinguished from philosophical treatises and theories. Elaborations on the Wu Xing are not really part of mythology, although belief in five elements could appear. The Hundred Schools of Thought is a phrase suggesting the diversity of philosophical thought that developed during the Warring States of China. Then, and subsequently, philosophical movements had a complicated relationship with mythology. However, as far as they influence or are influenced by mythology, divides the philosophical camps into two rough halves, a Liberal group and a Conservative group. The liberal group being associated with the idea of individuality and change, for example as seen in the mythology of divination in China, such as the mythology of the dragon horse that delivered the eight bagua diagrams to Fu Xi, and methods of individual empowerment as seen in the Yi Jing (Book of Changes). The Liberal tendency is towards individual freedom, Daoism, and Nature. The relationship of the Conservative philosophies to mythology is seen in the legendary Nine Tripod Cauldrons, mythology about the emperors and central bureaucratic governance, Confucianism, written histories, ceremonial observances, subordination of the individual to the social groups of family and state, and a fixation on stability and enduring institutions. The distinction between the Liberal and Conservative is very general, but important in Chinese thought. Contradictions can be found in the details, however these are often traditional, such as the embrace by Confucius of the philosophical aspects of the Yi Jing, and the back-and-forth about the Mandate of Heaven wherein one dynasty ends and another begins based according to accounts (some of heavily mythological) where the Way of Heaven results in change, but then a new ethical stable dynasty becomes established. Examples of this include the stories of Yi Yin, Tang of Shang and Jie of Xia or the similar fantastic stories around Duke of Zhou and King Zhou of Shang. Mythology exists in relationship with other aspects of society and culture, such as ritual. Various rituals are explained by mythology. For example, the ritual burning of mortuary banknotes (Hell Money), lighting fireworks, and so on. A good example of the relationship of Chinese mythology and ritual is the Yubu, also known as the Steps or Paces of Yu. During the course of his activities in controlling the Great Flood, Yu was supposed to have so fatigued himself that he lost all the hair from his legs and developed a serious limp. Daoist practitioners sometimes incorporate a curiously choreographed pedal locomotion into various rituals. Mythology and practice, one explains the other: in these rituals, the sacred time of Yu merges with the sacral practice of the present. Various ideas about the nature of the earth, the universe, and their relationship to each other have historically existed as either a background or a focus of mythologies. One typical view is of a square earth separated from a round sky by sky pillars (mountains, trees, or undefined). Above the sky is the realm of Heaven, often viewed of as a vast area, with many inhabitants. Often the heavenly inhabitants are thought to be of an "as above so below" nature, their lives and social arrangements being parallel to those on earth, with a hierarchical government run by a supreme emperor, many palaces and lesser dwellings, a vast bureaucracy of many functions, clerks, guards, and servants. Below was a vast under ground land, also known as Diyu, Yellow Springs, Hell, and other terms. As time progressed, the idea of an underground land in which the souls of the departed were punished for their misdeeds during life became explicit, related to developments in Daoism and Buddhism. The underground world also came to be conceived of as inhabited by a vast bureaucracy, with kings, judges, torturers, conductors of souls, minor bureaucrats, recording secretaries, similar to the structure of society in the Middle Kingdom (earthly China). Chinese temple Dogs...

Antique collectible opium container Mughal Art round lidded box. This stylish lidded box is veneered with ivory color white bone sections engraved and hand painted with floral Mughal design int he same work as in the Taj Mahal palace.. Beautiful round Bombay box...

This is a very old Japanese wooden mask. In Japan, it is called "Kamado-gami". It was made during the Edo period (1800s to 1860s). It is hand-c...

This exceptional and rare antique "Honor Reward" sign board which issued by Qing Dynasty - Dao Guang government at year 1839. This Sign board has been kept in very good care and in i...

This is a very old Japanese "KOMAINU". It is an item from the early Edo period (1600s-1700s). It is carved from cedar wood. A-Un," or "A-Un," is the Japanese word for "guardian dog....

This 2 panel cabinet is beautifully painted with a pair of dragons, vases and lotus blossoms adoring both the front doors. Both sides of the cabinet are painted with the same floral ...

It is a wooden folk craft in the shape of a bear. Mainly manufactured in Hokkaido. It is a wood carving made from 1930 to 1950. The eyes are made of glass. This type is rare in Japa...

A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period antique lacquered octagonal basket from the early 20th century with hand painted floral décor, large handle and made to deliver gifts. Created in C...

Beautiful detail in this reclaimed teak sculptural vessel. Great as an art object or useful to hold towels or magazines to name a few suggestions. Hand carved from a single piece of ...

This beautiful amorphous single slab is great as a wall hanging or as a low table. We can also produce a base of your choice. Please inquire. The Triple...

Look at this primitive Antique Chinese official wooden rice measurement bucket "Dou". It is 100 percent hand made and has about 140 years history. You...

Once an original part of a Mid-19th Century Buddha wood sculpture from Thailand, this reclaimed hand fragment is lacquered in black and gold, showing the...

A mid 19th century Japanese export elm and calamander parquetry workbox with a divided interior and lift out tray. This charming box would work e...

This well-proportioned birdcage was once home to the pet of a Qing-dynasty aristocrat. Dated to the early 20th century, the square cage is carefully assembled of thin rods of bamboo ...

Beautiful hand carved primitive man from Kalimantan. Rare. Full dimensions; 12" wide at arms x 8" deep sitting x 20" high. This antique hand carved statue was sourced in the spir...

Beautiful antique statue from Kalimantan. Hand carved from a single block of wood. Circa 1900. This impressive statue was sourced in the spirit of Wa...

We have a unique Japanese aesthetic sense. And only we can introduce unique items through our purchasing channels in Japan and the experience we have gained so far, in such a way th...

Nice wooden and mother-of-pearl box from the 1900s. The mother-of-pearl inlays form plant motifs (flowers and foliage), incised to give volume to the different parts. It closes with ...

Material: Sandstone Material: wood Measures: 48 cm high 34 cm wide and 11 cm deep Weight: 20.6 kgs Originating from India 18th century.   

Antique Wooden Pot or Tekhi, from Nepal, 13" Tall, circa 1900s Early 20th century wood pot from Nepal, this particular style of wooden container, pot has a r...