Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
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Material: Hardwood
Asian Hand Carved Painted Wooden Lucky Baby Buddha on Melon
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand carved and hand-painted baby Buddha sculpture depicts Buddha as a boy, kneeling and hugging a large melon, ready to fall asleep. The...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Padouk
Chinese Dragon Telephone, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, rare, and exotic Chinese dragon landline telephone, circa 1980s-1990s. Phone is a hard carved wood with all the details of a dragon (claws, tongue, horns, tail, etc.) Phone handle has a beautiful oval piece of polished emerald green jade or other similar stone along with carvings in Chinese. A 'red' light on top of dragon's pearl indicates phone is 'on'. Dragon's green eyes light up when phone rings...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Meiji Style Antique Teakwood Dragon 20th Century
Located in Lomita, CA
The year of the dragon shines an additional spotlight on this beautiful antique teakwood sculpture. The detail and the patina are amazing. The hand carved dragon takes on a lifelike ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Teak
Chinese Carved Jade Covered Hu Vase
Located in Astoria, NY
Chinese Carved Jade Covered Hu Vase, with two mask head with rings handles, incised taotie design to each side, and on a fitted carved wood stand. Overall: 7.5" H x 4.25" W x 2.25" D...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Japanese Huge Antique Bronze Fish Bell Gong With Striker
Located in South Burlington, VT
Huge fish gong bell- first we have seen in this rare large scale size, 22 inches in length
Immediately useable.
Crafted using the ancient lost wax technique, this bell is a Japanes...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Carved Wood Sculpture of the Hindu Deity Nandi With Pedestal, Circa 1920
Located in Point Richmond, CA
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...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Japanese Oversized Wise Buddha Hand Carved Boxwood Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1157 Oversized hand carved statue of Okimono of Jurojin (godof langevity)
a symbol of long life carved from a solid block of boxwood.
Category
Early 1900s Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Boxwood
Hand-Carved Teak Wood Sculpture Panel Depicting Dayak Mythology
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This unique teak carved panel depicts Dayak Tribal mythology. The Dayak people are some hundreds of various native groups found in the interior rainf...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Organic Modern Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Chinese Scholar Stone Tall Slender Lingbi Rock on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A visually arresting tall vertical scholar stone of Lingbi type balanced on a fitted wood base. The rock formation features an elegant slender form of highly sculptural surface with ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Chinese Carved Zitan Figure of a Bodhisattva, Qing Dynasty
Located in Austin, TX
A finely carved Chinese zitan wood figure of an unidentified bodhisattva, possibly Guanyin, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The androgynous figure has a plump, almost matronly face, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile. The hair in long tresses, gathered and tied in a high chignon.
The enlightened being is portrayed seated in dhyanasana, bare feet resting on crossed legs, both soles pointing up.
Thick robes billow and drape around the full figured body. The hands display...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
Large 19th Century Polychromed Statue of a Burmese Nat Temple Dancer
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolutely beautiful large polychromed Burmese temple dancer from the 19th century hand-carved out of a piece of teak.
Very decorative piece of art. 127...
Category
Mid-19th Century Burmese Folk Art Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Asian Hand Made Peacock with Shells and Seeds Wall Decoration 1940
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-652 Asian peacock wall decoration made with shells and seeds.
Category
1940s Vintage Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Shell, Fruitwood
Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Temple Door with Shell Inlay
Located in New York, NY
Andrianna Shamaris temple doors in teak wood. We added the shell inlay by hand for that special finish. Great as a headboard or accent piece. Can also be used as a tabletop. We curre...
Category
20th Century Primitive Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Shell, Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Japanese Folk Art Tree Root Hand Carved Dolphin Sculpture
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1197 Japanese tree root hand carved dolphin sculpture.
Category
1950s Vintage Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Boxwood
Small Song Dynasty Carved Wood Bodhisattva, 13th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A small and very fine Chinese carved sandalwood figure of a bodhisattva, possibly Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin), Song Dynasty (960 to 1276), circa 13th ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Thai Buddhist Temple Pediment
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Thai Buddhist Temple Pediment.
An architectural remnant of an assembled teak triangular gable carved with elaborate and symmetrical “kanok” veget...
Category
19th Century Thai Folk Art Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
A MAGNIFICENT WOODEN NETSUKE OF A MONKEY. Edo period.
Located in London, GB
A MAGNIFICENT WOODEN NETSUKE OF A MONKEY.
Edo period.
A netsuke of a monkey seating in a leisurely manner, extremely realistically carved with a great expression on his face,the ...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Boxwood
Indonesian Wood Mask, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Penasar mask from Indonesia, circa 1975-1980. Hand-carved teak, polychromed in white and black. Mounted on a black metal stand.
This type of mask is used at Indonesian ...
Category
1970s Indonesian Other Vintage Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Thai Siamese Carved Teak Wood Panel of Temple Goddess
Located in New York, NY
Old Siamese hand-carved teak panel of a temple goddess and her admirer or consort, with finely detailed background.
Category
Mid-20th Century Southeast Asian Tribal Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Japanese Pair Hand Carved Wood Koi Fish Signed
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1202 Japan pair hand carved finely detailed pair of koi fish.
Category
1930s Vintage Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Rare Large 19th Century Carved Chinese Wooden Stool
Located in Atlanta, GA
This unusual carved Chinese wooden stool is from the Qing dynasty (circa 1820). The stool is finely carved from the center of a northern elm (Yumu...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Elm
Early 20C Thai Seated Boy Emperor Rama VIII Polychrome Statue
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A GORGEOUS Early 20C Thai Seated Boy Emperor Rama VIII Polychrome Statue.
Made in Thailand in the early 20th Century, circa 1935 – 40.
Hand carved wooden statue which ha...
Category
Early 20th Century Thai Country Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood, Giltwood, Paint
Monumental 19th Century Indian Building Facade
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent building facade was once part of a grand mansion in Gujarat, India. It is entirely made from Teakwood, which is highly resistant to in...
Category
19th Century Indian Anglo Raj Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Large Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Jade Vase
Located in Austin, TX
A large and impressive Chinese caved jade vase, Republic Period, circa 1930.
Carved from one massive piece of jade. The vase carved with the He He Er Xian...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Pair of Large Heavy South India Indian Carved Hardwood Elephants with Bone Inlay
Located in Studio City, CA
Intricately crafted by a master carver. Heavy and ornate. These two would liven any setting. Quite unique and eye-catching.
Dimension: 12" high, 14" wide, 7" deep.
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bone, Hardwood
Chinese Carved Boxwood Figure of Guanyin, Mid-Qing Dynasty
Located in Austin, TX
A sublime Chinese carved boxwood figure of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara, called Guanyin in Chinese, mid-Qing dynasty.
The an...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Qing Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Boxwood
An Extremely Fine and Detailed Large Carved Wood Skull
Located in London, GB
An Extremely Fine and Detailed Large Carved Wood Skull
Signed in a 'cartouche' - Dai Nihon Sentai Sukeyuki (Izumi Sukeyuki) 1838-1920
Boxwood
Japan
Meiji Period / Late 19th Century
...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Boxwood
Japanese Professional sneezer Boxwood Netsuke
Located in PARIS, FR
Boxwood netsuke of a seated professional sneezer depicted as an old man with his right hand raised, holding an stick to tickle himself. His head is slightly raised, his eyes practica...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Edo Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Boxwood
19th Century Carved Wood Panel
Located in New York, NY
19th Century carved wood panel with lotus bud motive. An Architectural Element from a Buddhist Monastery in Northen Thailand. A Lotus Bud representi...
Category
Early 1800s Thai Other Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
A Large Chinese Carved Wood Figure of Guanyin, Late Qing Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
Description:
A fine depiction of Guanyin, possessing the regal tranquillity that the Chinese Bodhisattva of compassion has come to be visually associated with. Marked by an urna signifying her spiritual enlightenment and crowned with a diadem depicting the Buddha Amitabha, the figure is immediately recognisable as Guanyin. Her androgynous figure is gracefully poised in the Lalit asana or “royal ease”, the pose classical in representations of the deity. The figure is asymmetric, with the weight of her supple form falling upon her left hand placed against the base, her right knee raised and left pendant. Her right hand rests upon her raised knee, delicately pinching at her draped attire. At first unassuming, this gesture may be suggestive of the Apana Mudra, the seal of purification. This Mudra is associated with physical wellbeing, fecundity and the cleansing of the body. Though she is adorned in the princely garb of dhoti, she bears features of idealised feminine beauty as prescribed in Asian art. With plump cheeks and near pouted lips, her full face gazes down upon the viewer with an empathetic and half-lidded gaze, upholding her title as ‘One who hears the cries of the world.’
Notes on the item:
Guanyin is the Chinese interpretation of Avalokiteshvara, the Indian Bodhisattva of compassion. The term “Bodhisattva” is derived from the Sanskrit “Bodhi”, meaning ‘awakening’ or ‘enlightenment’, combined with “Sattva”, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘being’, referring to one on the path to achieving enlightenment. Bodhisattvas in Mayahana Buddhism are recognised as figures who have effectively achieved enlightenment yet relinquish their accension to nirvana in order to remain amongst mankind in the ultimate act of compassion to aid as spiritual guides. As such, the Bodhisattva inhabit a liminal space between samsara and nirvana; enlightened beings that maintain a relationship with humanity that buddhas cannot, as attaining Buddhahood necessitates the abandonment of all worldly attachments, including mankind. Guanyin’s very name, ‘One who hears the cries of the world’ highlights this role as a compassionate figure who acknowledges the suffering and strife of man. Along with Mahāsthāmaprāpta, a fellow bodhisattva, Guanyin serves as an attendant to Buddha Amitabha, with these three deities recognised as the Three Sages of Western Pure Land Buddhism, a sect of Mayahana Buddhism popular in East Asia.
Avalokiteshvara is commonly posited to have been adopted from Indian Buddhism into China as Guanyin around 200-400 CE, however it was the Tang dynasty (618-907) which saw the popularisation of the deity. By the Ming (1358–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, Guanyin held the position as the most popular female deity in China. The unique state of religion in China held no monolithic canon regarding Buddhism and saw the assimilation of several belief systems, primarily Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Consequently, Guanyin became a deity to be revered beyond Buddhism alone, appointed as both an official imperial deity and Daoist deity in the 12th century. Guanyin may also be seen to fulfil the role of idealised femininity as prescribed by Confucianism, with the scarcity of female Chinese deities perhaps accounting for the gradual gender shift Guanyin underwent.
The Indian Avalokiteshvara is unequivocally recognised as male, whilst the supposed gender of Guanyin remains contentious. Although there is a clear shift from the masculine Avalokiteshvara towards a more feminine representation, it is unclear if Guanyin is understood to be entirely feminine, to inhabit qualities of both genders or to be elevated beyond gender entirely, embodying neither. Depictions of Guanyin are highly androgynous, which some believe lends credence towards Guanyin symbolising the unity of dualistic forces as recognised in Daoism, displaying the anthropomorphism of yin and yang.
Comparative Analysis:
Market comparisons of similar Qing Dynasty polychrome figures of Guanyin include lot 767 (no.2) From Christies ‘Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art,’ New York, 25 March 2022, with the price realised USD 52,920 (Estimate USD 20,000 – USD 30,000). Christies also auctioned a comparable polychrome Guanyin...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Large Chinese Sculpted Coral Depicting a Dignitary and Attendants
Located in London, GB
Large Chinese sculpted coral depicting a dignitary and attendants
Chinese, early 20th Century
Measures: Height 38cm, width 40cm, depth 20cm
Taking beautiful natural red coral as...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Coral
Mutton Fat Jade Carving on Hardwood Stand, Unsigned, China, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Mutton Fat jade amulet carving on elaborate hardwood stand - the hand carved jade with pierced scrolling vines and solid base and central column - the ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
A Large and Exceptional Japanese Meiji Period Tokyo School Bronze Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Presenting an extraordinary Large and Exceptional Japanese Meiji Period Tokyo School Bronze Sculpture depicting a delightful ensemble of six energe...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Pair Japanese Carved and Lacquered Inari Foxes, Showa Era, Dated 1951, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful and mischievous pair of Japanese carved and lacquered wood Inari foxes, kitsune, dated Showa year twenty six, corresponding to 1951, Japan.
The...
Category
1950s Japanese Showa Vintage Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Elm
Unusual antique Victorian quality hardwood walking stick
Located in Ipswich, GB
Unusual antique Victorian quality hardwood walking stick having an unusual quality hardwood antique Victorian walking stick with a carv...
Category
Early 19th Century Victorian Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Matching Couple / Pair Large Polychromed Burmese Nat Temple Dancers
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolutely rare and beautiful couple of two large matching polychromed Burmese temple dances from the 19th century hand-carved out of a piece of teak.
Th...
Category
Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Antique Carved Teak Architectural Panel with Floral and Foliage Decor
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique carved teak architectural panel from the 19th century, with floral and foliage décor. This antique carved teak architectural panel from the 19th century captivates with it...
Category
19th Century Indonesian Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Japanese Rare Mid Century "Wave" Pattern Garden Bench
Located in South Burlington, VT
Extraordinary mid century design
This is a handsome Japanese mid century heavy hardwood bench hand chiseled on plank in a dramatic "wave" pattern using traditional Japanese tools "Oire Nomi". The butterfly joint at the end reminds us of George Nakashima's popular technique he used on his famous mid century tables.
Solid and Heavy. Genuinely old waxed chocolate patina from care. We have applied a further protective coat of bees wax to ensure continued weather resistant use.
Dimensions: Seat height: 18 inches x width: 71 inches x depth: 11.5 inches, 65 pounds
Pair available.
About Japan's hand chisels "Oire Nomi"
The renowned metal-working arts of Japan are reflected in Japanese chisels...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indonesian Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Indian Carved Wood Sculpture of Parvati with Vibrant Polychrome
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Indian late 19th, early 20th century carved and painted wooden fragment depicting Parvati. A commanding presence in carved wood, this antique Indian sculpture...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Ornate Southeast Asian Carved Wood Temple Pedestal / Drum Stand
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
A captivating example of Southeast Asian wood carving, this piece likely served as a pedestal within a temple setting, potentially for a drum. The elaborate carvings feature figures ...
Category
Late 19th Century Thai Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Japanese Netsuke in Boxwoord in the form of two chestnut
Located in PARIS, FR
Boxwood netsuke of two chestnuts, one smaller on top of the larger.
Chestnuts are a central part of Japanese culture and gastronomy. Castanea Crenata or Japanese chestnut is an indi...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Boxwood
Early 20th Century Thai Temple Drum
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegantly carved temple drum wase use in Buddhist Temples. It’s carved from teak and lacquered black with red and green stripped details. The top and straps are made of leather. These gigantic goblet...
Category
Early 20th Century Thai Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Leather, Teak, Lacquer
Large 19th Century Polychromed Statue of a Burmese Nat Temple Dancer
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolutely beautiful large polychromed Burmese temple dancer from the 19th century hand carved out of a piece of teak. Very decorative piece of art. 127 cm / 50 Inches tall. Please n...
Category
Mid-19th Century Folk Art Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Japanese Boxwood Inro & Netsuke of Rats and Snakes in Basket
Located in San Diego, CA
A really nice vintage Japanese boxwood inro and netsuke of rats and snakes on a round basket, circa early 1940s. The piece is well carved with wonderful detail and in very good vint...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Boxwood
Chinese White Jade Cup with Stand
Located in Chicago, IL
Minimal and refined, this elegant Chinese cup has a simple silhouette sculpted from a single piece of luminous white jade, carefully selected for its clarity and pale color. The delicate form is shaped with a flared lip, short footed base, and thin walls that appear nearly translucent in the light. The jade cup...
Category
20th Century Chinese Minimalist Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Japanese Carved Wood Architectural Wood Panel 18th Century
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
Japanese 18th century carved wood architectural panel.
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Hand Painted Folk Art Table Lamp, Eva Fritz-Lindner Masterwork , One of a Kind
Located in South Burlington, VT
A stunning yet whimsical and unique Eva Fritz-Lindner hand painted Folk Art table lamp complete with new custom fitted linen shade.
Here's a beautiful and unique way to accent your home or office, or make a charming gift to someone special.
This is a unique hand painted pottery table lamp fitted with a beautiful rectangular linen shade.
It is hand painted in lovely cobalt blue and cream colors designed and hand painted by the now deceased master artisan Eva Fritz-Lindner working at Staatliche Majolika-Manufaktur Karlsruhe over the past 50 years.
Creative design, lovely vivid colors in cobalt blue and creams over a natural terra cotta pottery base , good opportunity to display a functional one of a kind work of art.
Glaze: Fine colors that only Eva Fritz-Lindner could execute by hand
Designer signature: signature i 3 on pottery base
It would surely "pop" out and create pleasant conversation in splendid fashion in your favorite spot!
Dimensions: table lamp with shade 33.5 inches high; shade only is 11.5 inches high x 18 inches wide and 11 inches deep.
hand painted pottry base is 21 inches high and 8.5 inches diameter at mid section.
We have installed this sculptural lamp with a 72 inch cord - all mounted on a handsome round hardwood stand.
Quality: Very good
Only one.
Most of her larger pottery sculptures such as this, were likely produced in less than 25 copies Based upon research and all were hand painted individually by this artist ensuring each work of art was indeed unique.
Provenance: pottery lamp base...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
Large Pair of Indian Architectural Columns
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Wood, pigment
First Half 20th century
Measures: 105 x 26 in. / 267 x 66 cm
Some losses and restoration.
Category
20th Century Indian Other Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
A Teakwood Carving of an Orchid
Located in Chicago, IL
This extraordinarily life-like sculpture depicts orchids growing in the Asian forest. Thai wood carvers are very adept at carving teakwood into countless forms, including religious s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Antique Carved Teak Wood Panel
Located in New York, NY
Antique hand carved merbau wood panel from Lampung, Sumatra. We have a collection in various sizes. Please inquire. The size and price reflect the one shown. Stunning on both sides.
...
Category
1930s Primitive Vintage Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Fine quality large antique Chinese carved hardwood figure
Located in Ipswich, GB
Fine quality large antique Chinese carved hardwood figure having a fine quality antique Chinese hardwood figure of a sage.
Category
20th Century Chinese Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
A Large Chinese Carved Wood Figure of Guanyin, Late Qing Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
Description:
A singular example of Guanyin. Deviating from the Bodhisattva’s conventional pose of ‘royal ease’, the figure is instead seated in the meditative padmasana, or ‘lotus position’, rendering this Guanyin something of a rarity. An Apana more typically associated with depictions of Buddhas, Guanyin assuming this pose immediately signifies this figure as one of particular spiritual reverence. Both feet are revealed crossed upon one another from beneath fabric which spills before her, her left palm turned upward with her hand resting upon her left knee and her right raised in a relaxed gesture. Adorned with a diadem housing a depiction of Amitabha Buddha, her own spiritual guide, she exudes an air of tranquil regality, further characterised by her numerous strings of beads and elaborately fastened dhoti, attire traditionally reserved for Indian princes. Though the figure’s dress is Indian her face is undoubtedly exemplifying artistic Chinese beauty standards. Her face is soft and rounded, full in both the lips and cheeks, with eyes that restfully peer down, as though she is watching over the worries of mankind with compassion.
Notes on the item:
Guanyin is the Chinese interpretation of Avalokiteshvara, the Indian Bodhisattva of compassion. The term “Bodhisattva” is derived from the Sanskrit “Bodhi”, meaning ‘awakening’ or ‘enlightenment’, combined with “Sattva”, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘being’, referring to one on the path to achieving enlightenment. Bodhisattvas in Mayahana Buddhism are recognised as figures who have effectively achieved enlightenment yet relinquish their accension to nirvana in order to remain amongst mankind in the ultimate act of compassion to aid as spiritual guides. As such, the Bodhisattva inhabit a liminal space between samsara and nirvana; enlightened beings that maintain a relationship with humanity that buddhas cannot, as attaining Buddhahood necessitates the abandonment of all worldly attachments, including mankind. Guanyin’s very name, ‘One who hears the cries of the world’ highlights this role as a compassionate figure who acknowledges the suffering and strife of man. Along with Mahāsthāmaprāpta, a fellow bodhisattva, Guanyin serves as an attendant to Buddha Amitabha, with these three deities recognised as the Three Sages of Western Pure Land Buddhism, a sect of Mayahana Buddhism popular in East Asia.
Avalokiteshvara is commonly posited to have been adopted from Indian Buddhism into China as Guanyin around 200-400 CE, however it was the Tang dynasty (618-907) which saw the popularisation of the deity. By the Ming (1358–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, Guanyin held the position as the most popular female deity in China. The unique state of religion in China held no monolithic canon regarding Buddhism and saw the assimilation of several belief systems, primarily Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Consequently, Guanyin became a deity to be revered beyond Buddhism alone, appointed as both an official imperial deity and Daoist deity in the 12th century. Guanyin may also be seen to fulfil the role of idealised femininity as prescribed by Confucianism, with the scarcity of female Chinese deities perhaps accounting for the gradual gender shift Guanyin underwent.
The Indian Avalokiteshvara is unequivocally recognised as male, whilst the supposed gender of Guanyin remains contentious. Although there is a clear shift from the masculine Avalokiteshvara towards a more feminine representation, it is unclear if Guanyin is understood to be entirely feminine, to inhabit qualities of both genders or to be elevated beyond gender entirely, embodying neither. Depictions of Guanyin are highly androgynous, which some believe lends credence towards Guanyin symbolising the unity of dualistic forces as recognised in Daoism, displaying the anthropomorphism of yin and yang.
Comparative Analysis:
Market comparisons of similar Qing Dynasty polychrome figures of Guanyin include lot 767 (no.2) From Christies ‘Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art,’ New York, 25 March 2022, with the price realised USD 52,920 (Estimate USD 20,000 – USD 30,000). Christies also auctioned a comparable polychrome Guanyin...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Flower Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Impressive hand carved flower sculpture carved from a teak root. Set on a modern 18" x 14" black steel base.
Own an Andrianna Shamaris original.
Andrianna Shamaris. The Leader In M...
Category
2010s Organic Modern Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal, Steel
Antique Carved Tiger, Asian, Teak, Decorative Statue, 20th Century, circa 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique carved tiger. An Asian, solid teak and bone decorative statue, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
A prowling, handcrafted Panthera tigris...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Anglo-Indian Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Pair Chinese Carved Hardwood Foo dogs with Rolling Pearls & Puzzle Balls
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Carved Hardwood figure of Foo dogs with Rolling 'Pearls' & Puzzle Balls
China Mid 20th Century
A fine pair of Chinese carved hardwood figures of Foo dogs from mid-20th century China. These exquisite hand-carved wooden Foo dogs display the exceptional craftsmanship of Chinese artisans.
Each Foo dog is well carved, capturing the regal and protective essence of these revered guardian lions. Adding to their allure, these Foo dogs feature a unique and captivating detail: a rolling wood...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Andrianna Shamaris Minimalist Teak Wood Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist sculpture hand carved from a single block of century old teak wood. Finished with a natural oil revealing the beautiful wood grain. Set on a modern black metal stand 12” x...
Category
2010s Organic Modern Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal
Hand-Carved Teak Wood Sculpture Panel Depicting Dayak Mythology
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This unique teak carved panel depicts Dayak Tribal mythology. The Dayak people are some hundreds of various native groups found in the interior rainforests of Borneo. This carving depicts the tree of life, which the Dayak people believe exists on “Linden Tarung”, a mythical rock island where they believe humans first came to existence. “Linden Tarung” is the ancient and ancestral home of the Dayak peoples. It is this tree of life that reminds the Dayak people not to get too attached to worldly possessions. The tree of life also symbolizes heaven, earth and the underworld. The top of tree features hornbills that are the symbol of heaven. The middle represents the present earth and bottom of the tree the underworld. To achieve such detail & depth required immense patience, craftsmanship and many months by a skilled artisan to complete. The medium for this carving was an antique teak door...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Organic Modern Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Teak
Japanese Abstract Expressionist Carved Wood Sculpture by Takao Kimura
By Takao Kimura
Located in Austin, TX
A powerful abstract expressionist caved elm wood sculpture by Japanese artist Takao Kimura, circa 1970s. Carved in two parts, the swooping, concave body plays dramatically with the o...
Category
1970s Japanese Expressionist Vintage Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Elm
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