Sculptures and Carvings

Claude Viseux est un peintre, sculpteur et graveur aquafortiste et lithographe français né le 3 juillet 1927 à Champagne-sur-Oise et mort le 9 novembre 2008 à Anglet. 'est dans les années 1959-1960 que la sculpture de Claude Viseux, qualifiée de « protéiforme, onirique, fantastique » — ami de Max Ernst, Man Ray, Francis Ponge et Henri Michaux, il ne désavoue pas une parenté avec le Surréalisme9 — se substitue à la peinture, ses premières réalisations étant les objets trouvés en bord de mer qu'il pétrifie dans la cire10 d'une part, les empreintes de pierres et d'algues coulées en bronze d'autre part. En 1960, il signe le Manifeste des 121 titré « Déclaration sur le droit à l’insoumission dans la guerre d’Algérie ». En 1961, ses expérimentations s'orientent vers les corps organiques, notamment avec sa série Ostéales constituée d'assemblages d'os fossilisés qu'il patine ou au contraire décape, qu'il visse, scie, assemble et plastifie. Les Concrétudes ou Coulées directes qui suivent en 1961-1962 sont obtenues à partir de coulées de métal en fusion dans le sable, générant des reliefs qu'il soude sur des plaques d'acier. Il va cependant adopter rapidement l'acier inoxydable — qu'il est avec Pol Bury parmi les premiers à employer en sculpture — comme matériau de prédilection. « Il assemble divers rebus industriels — tuyaux, écrous, boulons, cuves… — pour créer des sculptures à mi-chemin du mécanique et du biologique » restitue ainsi Sophie Serra11. Claude Viseux, qui fréquente alors Jean Tinguely, Piotr Kowalski, Michel Guino, Takis et César, confirme : « Ma récupération de l'élément industriel s'élargit vers les aciers spéciaux, avec un essai de vocabulaire formel : des barres, des profilés, des sphères, des rotules, des fonds de cuves, des chambres à combustion de Boeing, des tubulures, des soupapes de navire »9. « L'artiste entre au cœur de la réalité industrielle, prospecte dans les chaînes de montage de Renault et rôde dans les terrains vaques autour des usines », restitue donc l'encyclopédie Les Muses : « il récupère ferrailles, pièces détachées, débris de voitures, vieux châssis, toute une série d'éléments devenus inutiles. Ils les assemblent, tels quels, sans les modifier. Des créatures agressives ou pathétiques vont surgir de ce combat physique et dialectique que l'artiste livre avec la matière et entrer dans le domaine d'une poétique étrange, surnaturelle5 ». Dans les années 1967-1970, Les « structures actives » en acier inoxydable procèdent ainsi de la production industrielle de série. Elles se répartissent en familles de formes combinatoires composées par addition, soustraction, multiplication, division. Il confirme : « le monde industriel est ma nature, mon bouillon de culture, où je cherche des corps, des familles de corps, des genres, des espèces, dans un aller-retour de l'artificiel au naturel pour confondre les règnes, pour en inventer d'autres selon une géométrie organique qui féconde les différents types de structures, qui aménage la forme concernée par la forme à venir »9. En 1968, Claude Viseux s'installe à la villa Baudran à Arcueil, atelier qu'il conservera jusqu'en 1992. Si des corps imaginaires naissent ainsi des pièces mécaniques que Claude Viseux emprunte à l'automobile, à l'avion et au bateau, en 1972, « la symétrie de ces formes pures en inox », constate Lydia Harambourg, « l'amène à s'interroger sur la notion d'équilibre instable »12. Ses Instables sont de la sorte exposés à la Biennale de Venise en 1972 où, rappelle encore Lydia Harambourg, une salle entière est consacrée « aux dessins qui reprennent son vocabulaire mécanique identitaire de sphères, toupies, hélices, anneaux, astrolabes et balanciers »12. Les Instables sont de même, en 1973, présentés à la galerie Le Point cardinal à Paris où Claude Viseux avait déjà exposé en 1968 avec Henri Michaux et Joaquin Ferrer...

An attractive Chinese Heavenly jade Bi disk carved in a rarely found combination of yellow and green jade with patches of brown accents in the stone that depict a green earthy feel. ...

First we've seen A great multi legged "cricket" lighting lantern- first we've seen this style. This handsome Japanese hand painted quality lantern is a special find and an authent...

This is a stone mined in Japan. Not only in China but also in Japan from ancient times, rocks in the mountains have been shaved and stones for viewing have been quarried. Such stones for appreciation are collectively called "suiseki". Suiseki means "water" and "stone". The name comes from the fact that I enjoyed pouring water on the stones and changing the color of the stones. And this item is also Suiseki, but it is for viewing without splashing water. It is made with the image of a mountain view. The flow of the river...

Nguyễn Thanh Le (1919-2006) was a Vietnamese painter and sculptor. This bust of a young Vietnamese woman is black patinated. It stands on its original ...

1194 Hand hammered brass Japanese Foo Lion sculpture/storage box.

1492 Japanese gilt carved wood seated Buddha with hidden compartment in back

This lavastone sculpture, originating from Indonesia in the late 20th century, is a true work of art. It stands impressively at 101 cm in height and boasts dimensions of 81 cm in wid...

These lavastone sculptures, originating from Indonesia in the middle of the 20th century, are both impressive and distinctive. Each sculpture stands tall at 77 cm, with dimensions of...

This Brazilian modern kinetic sculpture of a cat in resin was designed by Abraham Palatinik in the 1960s. This is part of the Artemis collection that features hundreds of different a...

This lavastone sculpture is from the late 20th century and originates from Indonesia. It measures 84 cm in height, with dimensions of 45 cm in width and depth. The estimated weight o...

This lavastone sculpture is truly extraordinary, originating from Indonesia during the middle of the 20th century. Crafted from a single block of lavastone, it showcases the remarkab...

Colorful Pair of Asian Foo Dogs, believed to be Chinese, circa 1960s or earlier.

This vintage Chinese Kwan Yin porcelain figure is an exquisite piece for any collector of decorative items. Crafted by internationally known and desired Cybis Porcelain...

An early 20th century Chinese decorative cloisonne sculpture of a five clawed dragon gripping a ball. This bright and unusual dragon is a Chinese ...

From our recent garden Acquisitions, Rare issue This handsome quality tall Chinese export pagoda top "Watch Tower" hand cast and hand painted lante...

Beautiful hand carved panel newly made from old wood. This intricate Toraja carving symbolizes peace and happiness. This carving was hand made in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese...

A well carved wooden portrait bust of a young girl wearing an elaborate headdress carved by a Balinese artist around the mid 20th century. The bust is carved from a single piece if w...

Pair of Chinese hardstone tree sculptures comprised of amethyst, rock crystal, greenstone, turquoise, and coral, housed in cloisonne jardinieres with sc...

This is one set of three (3) authentic Japanese made bamboo water ladles -hishaku- handcrafted new quality and often seen in use at Buddhist, Shinto shrines, and private gardens. ...

This old bronze Nepali Kuber statue is a remarkable piece of art that reflects the rich cultural and religious traditions of Nepal. Crafted from bronze and fire-gilded with 24-karat ...

Vintage doll / figurine portraying Jinmu Tenno – Japan’s legendary first emperor. The doll is crafted with un-glazed porcelain / bisque head and hands, painted features and a lovely white silk robe...

4 Vintage Chinese hardwood Qing Dynasty inspired carved panels. Features a pierced and scrolled detail with foliate, Chinese Greek key and immortal figures with lattice backing. Ha...

Chinese "Wavy" Mountains Stone Landscape Screen With Original Black wood Display Stand Signed lower right. Impressive work of art with original wooden display stand. Dimensions: ...

Japan, a fine big plump and old hand cast winged creature masterfully crafted in bronze into a realistic two part owl with fine wing, head, eye, ear, and feet details.  Gold gilt fi...

This old marble Hanuman statue is a remarkable piece of art and cultural heritage. It is crafted from marble and stands at a height of 45 cm, with dimensions of 22.5 cm in width and ...

An attractive Chinese Heavenly jade Bi disk carved in a rarely found black jade with patches of blue and brown accents in the stone that depict an earthy ancient feel . This comes from our private collection which we formed over a period of twenty years while traveling extensively through out all of China. Dimensions: bi disc is 5 inches high with custom stand as shown; bi disc only is 4 inches diameter Jades were handmade and hand abraided and hand polished using tools of the time: bamboo, stone, water and stone dust . Notice the considerable calcification on the bottom edge of this example- evidence of submersion and good age. Provenance: Our private collection and accompanied by our Schneible fine arts Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. Jade bi and Cong History These bi are regarded as cosmological symbols and as signifiers of status and wealth. These jades are hand abraided and hand polished using special polishing tools with stone, water. Notice the beautiful colors and "waves" pattern in the stone, uncommon in this kind of jade. Provenance: Our private collection and accompanied by our Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. Early History: Flat jade discs with a round central hole bi are among the earliest surviving artifacts of China and must be considered among great ancient art forms- masterpieces of the Neolithic period. Nephrite jade from which discs were fashioned is a prime hard and strong stone, arduous to work by hand using Primitive...

Object of crab with bronze: A very precious object made before the second world war, when bronze was rare to find. There are a signature 'N' on the bottom of this crab in red. -Deta...

Vintage Large "Kokeshi" by Kyutaro Ogura. This large size is very rare. With signature. Kyutaro Ogura (Ogura Kyutaro: 1906-1998) Master: Hisashiro Ogur...

Vintage Japanese doll pair depicting a Noh theater / play, "The Old Couple from Takasago" from the Taisho period (1912-26). The man's name is Jo and...

This is a wooden doll which is called Kokeshi in Japanese. This kokeshi was made in Japan around 1970s by kokeshi artist Chujiro KOBAYASHI. He was born in Yamagata prefecture in 13th...

This is a stone mined in Japan. Not only in China but also in Japan from ancient times, rocks in the mountains have been shaved and stones for viewing have been quarried. Such stone...

A well carved wooden portrait bust of an elderly man carved by a Balinese artist around the mid 20th century. The bust is carved from a single piece if wood and is well carved with g...

2 American Mid-Century sculptures of a brass model of a large sailboat standing on a 2 T post stands (by CURTIS JERE) (PRICED EACH)

A very beautiful and decorative Vietnamese deep red colored hand carved soapstone lidded jar.The carved details depicting a landscape with workers, a house, trees and mountains are a...

Vintage wall art by Dean Johnson 1980s post modern sculpture Excellent condition Dimensions: 82 x 49 x 6

Nostalgic opportunity. America's friendly gnome- a jolly eyed garden guardian clutching a merry pot 'o flowers. This rare american whimsical hand cast iron sculpture still exh...

This is a stone mined in Japan. Not only in China but also in Japan from ancient times, rocks in the mountains have been shaved and stones for viewing have been quarried. Such stone...

This wooden doll is called Kokeshi in Japanese. This kokeshi was made by a kokeshi artist Sakyo NIIYAMA. He was born in 1934, 18th March. It is made with Yajiro style from Miyagi p...

The large old lavastone Buddha statue is a captivating embodiment of spiritual artistry, skillfully carved from the enduring lavastone material. Standing at an impressive height of 1...

This is a wooden doll which is called Kokeshi in Japanese. This kokeshi was made with Togatta style. And the kokeshi artist who made this is Kouichi SATO. He was born in 1929, 22nd N...

The very large old lavastone figure of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is a truly impressive and monumental work of art. Crafted from lavastone, a material that holds cultural and geolog...

20th century Beautiful sculpture in precious green jade made in china. Fine censer with carved decorations. The censer rests on a wooden base. Perfect conditions.

Signed and in largest scale Here's a beautiful and unique way to accent your indoor display space with this very unusual treasure from Japan. This is a superb and attractive s...

This is a wooden kokeshi doll made around 1980s in Showa era. It was made in Nagano prefecture in Japan. The wood is a white birch. Betula platyphylla, the Asian white birch or Jap...

Le Van Mau (1917-2003) was a Vietnamese sculptor. This is a black patinated bronze on its original wooden cube base. It is signed on the back of the neck in Chinese characters. It is...

This is a wooden doll which was made in Japan around 1950 in Showa era. This kind of dolls are called Kokeshi in Japanese. This kokeshi's style is Naruko from Miyagi prefecture. This kokeshi was made by a kokeshi artist Takumi KUMAGAYA. You can find his signature on the bottom of this doll. Kokeshi are wheel-carved wooden dolls. Characterized by a big head and a stable silhouette with a chrysanthemum pattern, Naruko kokeshi dolls...

Hand carved wall hanging made from natural teak wood from Sumatra.The dragon symbolizes power, change and spirituality. It also symbolizes good luck, fortune, and prosperity. In some...

The large old lavastone Buddha statue commands attention with its majestic presence, carved from durable lavastone that has withstood the test of time. Standing at an impressive heig...

The pair of old bronze Burmese Monk statues is a captivating and culturally rich ensemble that offers a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic heritage of Burma. Crafted from bronze...

The very large old lavastone figure of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is an awe-inspiring and monumental work of art originating from Indonesia. Crafted from lavastone, this magnificent...

This is a kokeshi doll made with a white birch. It was made around 1980s in Showa era. This kokeshi is with new style. Dimension: H21 x 6.5 x 6.5 cm Betula platyphylla, the Asian ...

The large old lavastone Ganesha statue is a truly magnificent and spiritually significant artifact originating from Indonesia. Crafted from lavastone, this Ganesha statue stands tall...

From our recent Japanese acquisitions. Japan, a hard to find heavily hand cast frog or toad -kaeru- sculpture weighing almost 4 pounds, circa 1920 It is mar...

A vintage bronze Buddha head sculpture on custom base, with verdigris patina, made with the lost wax casting process. Experience serenity and grace with this vintage bronze Buddha he...

This is an antique netsuke made in Japan around Showa period 1970s. Netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan. Initially a simply-carved button fastener on...

Bronze Sculpture with a Wooden Pedestal of a Dancing Thai Woman

Mint Shozan tea bowl, Akatsu ware, Blue Impressions. From Japan, a beautiful hand-built, painted and glazed, Akatsu ware tea bowl in an impressive Picasso like impressionistic mot...