Grand Chinese Qing Dynasty Village Bell

This lovely Qing-dynasty bell once pealed in a Chinese village, sounding out in celebration or giving notice of important events. Expertly forged, the cast-iron bell is detailed with characters in intricate relief, and its exaggerated scallop rim is traced with oversized rivets. Frosted with snow or lit from within by flickering candles, this sculptural bell takes on a magical presence in the winter...

A cast iron bell, when struck with a wooden beam, announced the time of day to villagers. This monumental example is covered in relief casts of chrysant...

Happening upon an intersection, a traveler in Qing-dynasty China would have been grateful for the guidance of this limestone path marker. Still bearing traces of its original pigmentation, each side of this marker is inscribed with directions. One side directs towards the Zhen De Teng household, another towards the Liang family, and a third towards the North East Road. The fourth inscription announces the year of its construction, the 33rd year of Emperor Guangxu (1908). This second-to-the-last emperor...

Unlike many objects of its kind, this limestone hitching stone was carved into a simple rounded shape without any figural references. Used to secure a horse by rope or reins, the sto...

This carved limestone charm promises longevity in the form of the immortal peach. According to Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor’s palace was surrounded by peach trees that provided ripe fruit every three thousand years. A single bite of this charmed fruit...

This pair of limestone Fu dogs once protected a grand courtyard home in 19th century, China. Skilfully carved in attentive postures, the lion-like dogs are “shizi,” symbols of power ...

China, a carved antique stone Penjing or painting form garden table, middle Qing dynasty (1644-1911), limestone, three pieces Dimensions: 34 inches high and 55 inches long and 16 in...

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...

China Monumental Pair (2) Antique Stone “Spirit Pathway” Tigers, middle Qing period 1750-1850. Dimensions: 115cm, 46” high and 60cm, 24” in width. Likely utilized as spirit pathway...

One of a kind. From western China and collected some 20 years ago, comes this large hand carved red sandstone Lohan or Monk sculpture dating to circa...

Important Chinese antique Daoist sculpture of the "Emperor of the North Pole", Hsuanwu or Hsuan Tien Shangti, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), hand-carved an...

Early Qianlong Period Painted Chinese Export Reticulated Pierced Blue and White Porcelain Double Walled Shallow Planters of Rectangular Outline. Circa last quarter of the Eighteenth ...