Chinese Buddhist Traveling Shrine, circa 1850

Originally tucked in a pocket as a charm, this tiny shoe was kept close at hand as a talisman for marital happiness. Meticulously carved from wood, the shoe is decorated with a double happiness symbol, the traditional symbol for conjugal bliss. A lovely Valentine’s Day or anniversary gift, the charm has a compartment ready to be filled with a note or small gift...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

Made of Chinese northern elmwood, this smooth block of wood was once used as a rigid headrest or neck pillow. The soft curve and height of the block not only supported the head while...

Hand carved and vibrantly painted, this 19th century figure of a mythical spirit was once placed upon a traditional altar table to pay tribute to ancestors past. The figure is carved...

Qing Dynasty Chinese Buddhist Wood Carved Portable Shrine with Bronze Bell. Imperial Qing Dynasty Chinese intricately carved openwork altar shrine. It is hand carved in hardwood and...

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

In Indian Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is a male Bodhisattva, however in Chinese Buddhism he takes the form of the female Bodhisattva, Guanyin - ‘The One Who Hears the Cries of the Worl...

A fine and unusual wooden book or manuscript cover with a carved exterior and painted interior, 15th century, Nepal. The exterior of the manuscript cover exuberantly carved with ...

China antique monumental Pagoda Shrine with carved Lohans, 115" high, red sandstone, eight sections, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) This stone pagoda is a monumental work of art seldom seen in the west. Pagodas evolved from Indian stupas which were originally designed to hold the Buddha’s relics and textual paper sutras. This tiered tower composition became popular all over Asia and its architectural form differed from region to region. In China, its origins date to Buddhist missionaries who traveled the Silk Road. Early examples were built in temples but by the 13th century they were found outside the temple complex. Oldest examples had simple round or square bases and then later octagonal or more stylistic forms like the “censer” type of base on this pagoda. The 18 Arhats (lohans) portray Buddha’s messengers and each Lohan cylindrical tier is unique. This tour de force could serve as the centerpiece in the finest indoor space, or private or public Chinese or Asian inspired garden or Buddhist art collection. Photographs taken in natural light. Provenance: Private New England Collection acquired in 2005 in China from private collection Cheng Du, Sichuan Province. About Pagodas: Chinese pagoda towers...

Unique hand-carved jade flying eagle bird with 18 karat gold jewelry This is an authentic Chinese "Flying Eagle Bird” jade pendant expertly fashioned...