Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Material: bronze 96 cm high 78 cm wide and 44 cm deep Weight: 32 kgs Dhyana mudra Originating from China Late 20th century

This petite bronze figurine is cast in the form of Garuda, a demigod and mythical king of birds in Hindu and Buddhist faith. Taking the form of half-bird...

A large and graceful carved nephrite jade conjoined double vase in the form of a pair of Buddha's hands fruit (finger citron), late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The large and heavy vase carved from a single piece of celadon nephrite jade, with areas of lighter brown "sugar" skin. The vase ingeniously carved as a pair of Buddha's hand fruit, also known as finger citron, rising from a gnarled, leafy branch. The smaller Buddha's hand with a pair of bats. The Buddha's hands fruit with elegant and naturalistic curved "fingers". The "fingers wonderfully shaped and reticulated. The body of the fruit with simple stippling, in imitation of the textured surface of the real fruit. The interior of each fruit well hollowed and able to hold water. Buddha's hands fruit are auspicious in Chinese culture. Their name in Chinese "Fo Shou" is a homophone for "Happiness and Longevity. They are often placed as offerings on Buddhist altars...

These petite ceramic sculptures are a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì or "spirit object." Depicting the pleasures of daily life, míngqì figurines ensured comfort and special treatment in the afterlife. Míngqì sculptures take the form of servants, entertainers, animals, furniture, and in this case, food and food offerings. These tiny sculptures...

A fantastic piece. Wonderfully glazed and colored work of a seated man with brightly colored robes riding a mythical galloping horse. We believe this is Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) ...

Material: bronze 127 cm high 83 cm wide and 30 cm deep Weight: 37.8 kgs Namaskara mudra Originating from China Anfang 21. Jahrhundert .

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-dynasty society, the practice provided an opportunity to display one's refined aesthetic through collectible snuff bottles. This petite snuff bottle is carved from a conglomerate stone embedded with small fossils...

This Ching Dynasty carved polychrome seated altar god is a representation of Guan Yu. Guan Yu was a Chinese military general serving under the warlord Liu ...

Unlike Qin terracotta, Han Dynasty pottery figurine/ sculptures convey a more subdued and non-aggressive look. The figurines are clothed with bright pigmen...

This is a unique Japanese Tansu chest that presents beautifully and also offers a glimpse into history through its design. The inside of the cabinet and the back side are covered in ...

Pair of Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs or Kylin Dragon, probably Chinese, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. These were purch...

A fantastic pair of large Chinese tileworks sancai glazed Buddhistic lions and attendants, late Ming Dynasty, first half of the 17th century, Shanxi, China. Presented on custom 20th century wood and lacquer table-form stands. This pair of lions and attendants portray Buddhist lions...

Tang Equestrian with detachable rider 12h Early Tang unglazed pottery is characterized by its realism and elegant shape of the horse. This equestrian has a detachable female rider. ...

Chinese painted pottery kneeling court attendant. Age: China, Han Dynasty, 206 B.C. - A.D. 220 Size: Height 18.8 C.M. / Width 8.4 C.M. / Thickness...

Presenting an exquisite pair of early 20th-century Chinese wood carvings that exude artistry and cultural richness. These masterfully crafted piece...

An high quality bronze sculpture of Buddha hand-crafted in China in late 19th century. It has normal signs of use and age.

A Chinese scholar stone in an upright mushroom form displayed on a custom wood stand. Wonderful and well-balanced, the ocher and cream color ston...

Taoist Yixing Zisha clay 'priest or scholar' figure - cold painted - good detail - unsigned - China - 20th century. Good vintage condition - chips and ...

Chinese Russet Jade hardwood Imperial Ruyi Scepter Qing Dynasty 19th century, Provenance. Large Chinese Qing Dynasty jade Ruyi scepter with three ...

Chinese Scholar stone, Meditation stone, Appreciation stone or Dream stone. All names for this beautiful natural stone that when studied evokes and por...

An antique Chinese figure offers polychromed carved wood carving of a standing Buddha, 20th century Measures- 29'' H x 7.25'' W x 6.5'' D.

Rare Pair -first we have seen Unusual find. One pair (2) "Longevity" calligraphy lanterns in the form of human effigies A fine and rare matching pair (2) of large 12 inch tall Chinese export hand cast lanterns with attractive longevity and mystical "human effigy...

19th century bronze Chinese Foo Dog.

As the embodiment of compassion, Guanyin is the most beloved enlightened being in China. Known as the Goddess of Mercy, she is the female bodhisattva form taken by Avalokitesvara in eastern Buddhism and is instantly available to all who call upon her with their mind. Though commonly depicted as a woman in Chinese statuary...

This is a set of 5 unglazed Eastern Wei Musicians holding drums. They are from Hebei and are made of red pottery. 534 - 539 AD. Each figure has a stand whi...

A large carved example of The Seven Lucky Gods of Fortune, carved from a large tree segment. Believed to be of Chinese origin, early 20th century. A ...

Set of four sculptures depicting small birds resting on top of a rectangular base, made of alabaster with brown quartz eyes. Their manufacture c...

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...

A fine antique Chinese wooden head rest. Carved in the form of a recumbent or resting man. Decorated in polychrome decoration. The body painted in a silver tone with his hair and eyes in black with red undertones. There is further scroll work painted in stylized clouds and sun to the red and green. There appears to be a carved ruyi in between the feet. Simply a wonderful carved Chinese head...

This 18th-century carved wooden figure likely depicts the Jade Emperor, the supreme monarch of heaven and earth in Chinese folklore and Taoist mythology. Ruler of all deities and ben...

Passing through these impressive posts, a visitor to a Qing-dynasty estate would know he was entering someplace special. Used in a traditional courtyard entry to secure the doors as they swung open, these hand-carved posts are nonetheless ripe with symbolism. Double dragon medallions...

Faux ivory figure of Empress seated on her throne. Wearing a hat and a long pearl necklace, the Empress is seated on a claw-footed throne with a medi...

A massive larger than life terracotta buddha bust of Guan Yin, China, early 20th century. Broken and restored with wear and tear from enduring exposure to the elements. Size: 75 cm high. Weight: 40 kg. Guanyin, Kwanyin, Guanshiyin or Guanyin Pusa is the Chinese interpretation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (the goddess of comfort and mercy). In addition, she is seen in Taoism as an immortal. The scripture dedicated to her is Dabeizhou. Guanyin is the goddess of compassion and the sea. She is one of the three saints of the western paradise, along with Mahasthamaprapta and Amitabha Buddha; they are worshiped to save departed loved ones from hell and grant them entrance to the western paradise. Guanyin Chinese name Traditional Chinese 觀音 Simplified Chinese 观音 Transcriptions Full Chinese name Traditional Chinese 觀世音 Simplified Chinese 观世音 Literal meaning "[The One Who] Perceives the Sounds of the World" Transcriptions Second alternative Chinese name Traditional Chinese 觀自在 Simplified Chinese 观自在 Literal meaning "Lord who Gazes down on the World" Transcriptions Burmese name Burmese ကွမ်ယင် IPA [kwàɴ jɪ̀ɴ] Tibetan name Tibetan སྤྱན་རས་གཟིགས Vietnamese name Vietnamese alphabet Quan Âm (Quán Âm) Quán Thế Âm (Quan Thế Âm) Quán Tự Tại Chữ Hán 觀音 觀世音 觀自在 Thai name Thai กวนอิม, พระอวโลกิเตศวรโพธิสัตว์ RTGS Kuan Im, Phra Avalokitesuan Korean name Hangul 관음, 관세음, 관자재 Hanja 觀音, 觀世音, 觀自在 Transcriptions Mongolian name Mongolian script ᠨᠢᠳᠦ ᠪᠡᠷ ᠦᠵᠡᠭᠴᠢ Japanese name Kanji 観音, 観世音, 観自在 Hiragana かんのん, かんぜおん, かんじざい Transcriptions Indonesian name Indonesian Kwan Im, Kwan She Im, Awalokiteswara Filipino name Tagalog Guanyin (ᜄᜓᜀᜈᜌᜒᜈ) Sanskrit name Sanskrit अवलोकितेश्वर (Avalokiteśvara) Khmer name Khmer អវលោកិតេស្វរៈ (Avalokitesvarak), អវលោកេស្វរៈ (Avalokesvarak), លោកេស្វរៈ (Lokesvarak) Hmong name Hmong Kabyeeb, Niam-Txiv Kabyeeb, Dabpog, Niam-Txiv Dabpog Guanyin (traditional Chinese: 觀音; simplified Chinese: 观音; pinyin: Guānyīn) is a Bodhisattva associated with compassion. She is the East Asian representation of Avalokiteśvara (Sanskrit: अवलोकितेश्वर) and has been adopted by other Eastern religions, including Chinese folk religion.[note 1] She was first given the appellation "Goddess of Mercy" or "Mercy Goddess" by Jesuit missionaries in China.[1] Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin, which means "[The One Who] Perceives the Sounds of the World."[2] On the 19th day of the sixth lunar month, Guanyin's attainment of Buddhahood is celebrated.[3] Some Buddhists believe that when one of their adherents departs from this world, they are placed by Guanyin in the heart of a lotus, and then sent to the western pure land of Sukhāvatī.[4] Guanyin is often referred to as the "most widely beloved Buddhist Divinity"[5] with miraculous powers to assist all those who pray to her, as is mentioned in the Pumen chapter of Lotus Sutra and Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra. Several large temples in East Asia are dedicated to Guanyin, including Shaolin Monastery, Longxing Temple, Puning Temple, Nanhai Guanyin Temple, Dharma Drum Mountain, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Shitennō-ji, Sensō-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjūsangen-dō, and many others. Guanyin's abode and bodhimaṇḍa in India is recorded as being on Mount Potalaka. With the localization of the belief in Guanyin, each area adopted their own Potalaka. In Chinese Buddhism, Mount Putuo is considered the bodhimaṇḍa of Guanyin. Naksansa is considered to be the Potalaka of Guanyin in Korea. Japan's Potalaka is located at Fudarakusan-ji. Tibet's Potalaka is the Potala Palace. Vietnam's Potalaka is the Hương Temple. There are several pilgrimage centers for Guanyin in East Asia. Putuoshan is the main pilgrimage site in China. There is a 33 temple Guanyin pilgrimage in Korea which includes Naksansa. In Japan, there are several pilgrimages associated with Guanyin. The oldest one of them is the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a pilgrimage through 33 temples with Guanyin shrines. Guanyin is beloved by most Buddhist traditions in a nondenominational way and found in most Tibetan temples under the name Chenrézik (Wylie: Spyan ras gzigs). Guanyin is also beloved and worshipped in the temples in Nepal. The Hiranya Varna Mahavihar located in Patan is one example. Guanyin is also found in some influential Theravada temples such as Gangaramaya Temple, Kelaniya and Natha Devale nearby Temple of the Tooth...

Pair of 19th century / 1930s solid teak foo dogs, statuary. A pair of finely carved from one sold piece of wood ancient opposing foo dogs. The dogs have uniquely expressive faces ...

Ming musicians (men) 7.75h A set of glazed musicians with drums and trumpets. The base of the sculpture is 2 inches by 2.25 inches - the stand measures 3 inches by 3 inches. Whi...

Look at this magnificent Chinese Antique Famille-Rose Porcelain Kwan Yin Statuary. It shows very detailed hand carving works on it. It is all hand m...

Fine vintage pair of 'Blanc de Chine' porcelain Guanyin statues - each figure holding an applied flower and standing on a lotus leaf and decorative stan...

Hand-carved from a single block of limestone, this stone fu dog sits at attention as a watchful guardian of the home. He exudes a remarkable sense of life and energy - crouched on al...

Chinese pair of wood carved and polychrome sculptures of Chinese warriors.

Chinese pottery horse head with original red and some white pigments remaining. Age: China, Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.- A.D.220 Size: Height 5.5 C.M. /...

Guanyin in carved wood and polichrome, China, early 20th century, Asian art Measures: H 56cm, W 16cm, W 15cm.

A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand-painted face and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets, we acquired from a collector. Each puppet shows clear signs of previous stage use. Likely from the early 1900s. Would make for a great addition to any Chinese artifacts...

Pair large antique 19th century Chinese Lacquer and carved wood figures.

A LARGE WOOD FIGURE OF GUANYIN WITH TRACES OF PIGMENTS MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) The bodhisattva is shown seated in padmasana, wearing long flowing ro...

Extraordinary natural stone work of art, one of a kind. This Chinese extraordinary natural stone "painting" suggestive of an inlet bay like setting an...

A delightful famille verte enameled porcelain figural group of the He-He Er Xian, the Twins of Harmony and Union, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The He-He Er Xian are portr...

This magnificent Chinese wood carved Quan Yin Statuary. It shows very detailed hand carving works on it. It is all hand made and hand carved Quan Yin standing on the dragon from boxw...

A fantastic pair of enamel, gilt and copper horses. Take a look at all our pictures to see the intricate detail and life like expressions - amazing colours too. Made in China in th...

Unique hand carved Jade Zen Bell 18-karat gold jewelry Pendant This is an authentic Chinese zen bell shape hand carved jade pendant expertly artisan ...

This set of vases and trays is the pink rose series, in addition to the dark blue ocean series and the turquoise forest series. Creating colors in th...

Chinese wooden monkey with gilded gold. Age: China, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century Size: height 33.5 cm / width 8.3 cm / thickness 10.8 cm. Size including s...

A pair of 20th century or earlier Chinese hardwood hand carved five-claw dragon mirrors. Each is hand carved with high relief Imperial five-claw dragons flying in the air. They also ...

A sublime and rare pair of Chinese white glazed porcelain figures of Guanyin, attributed to Tang Ying (1682 - 1756), Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, China. This ethereal pair of white glazed porcelain figures depict the revered Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. Guanyin is portrayed standing, wearing heavy robes that drape beautifully around her figure. Bare feet peek out from under the hem of the robes. Her hair piled in a high chignon and covered by a cowl. The treatment of the hair, finely textured, unglazed, and with remnants of darker pigment, is typical of works by Tang Yin (1682 - 1756), who was the head of the imperial porcelain works at Jingdezhen. Guanyin's beatific face is set in a serene smile, with a small, flat nose, and downcast, heavily lidded, almond shaped eyes. A simple beaded necklace graces her chest. Her hands held out, and may have once held attributes. The hands were originally removable, but have since been permanently attached. The figures crafted of a fine porcelain and glazed all over in a supple white glaze. One figure bears a label from the Rafi Mottahedeh collection to the back. Provenance: Chinese Porcelain Company...

A Chinese scholar rock carved from a natural lapis stone and displayed on a brocade wrapped stand circa late 19th century Qing Dynasty. The brightly blue lapis was considered as am exotic gemstone in China and mostly imported from Persia through the silk road. While not a conventional rock types of materials for scholar stones, it is occasionally carved and polished into smaller Gongshi to be displayed and meditated upon in the scholar's study. Similar approaches were also done with jade, malachite and turquoise, even petrified wood, Chenxiang Agarwood, roots in spirited form, porcelain and even bronze in rock forms. The lapis was carved into a mountain form with stacked rocks...

A well carved Chinese Lapis Lazuli figure of a duck with a Lotus flower probably dating from the latter 19th or early 20th century. The figure is h...

An integral part of traditional Chinese home life, ancestor worship before a domestic altar often featured painted ancestral portraits or tabletop ance...

This magnificent Chinese antique wood carved Happy Buddha statuary has very detailed hand carving works on it. It is all hand made and hand...

A fun piece. Nicely hand painted and detailed. Made of light metal of some sort. Was acquired from a collection of Chinese and South-East Asian artifacts...