East Asian Sculptures and Carvings

China fine pair (2) of handcrafted gilt silver fragrance incense holders Flowers and fragrances were important to Chinese nobility. These handsomely crafted, highly detailed vessels perfect to hold and touch, would have undoubtedly carried flowers or other aromatic substances to create a welcoming ambiance intended for the afterlife. Fine condition with remnant gold gilt over silver and traces of green Verdigris. Note the imperial bird of paradise motif on handle and at base of bulbs. Dimensions: Each 14 inches long and 5 inches high Provenance: old Hong Kong...

each cover vase is surmounted by a winged lion finial

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...

Pair of Asian Bronze and Inlaid Glass Foo Dogs or Kylin Dragon, probably Chinese, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. These were purchased from the Manhattan estate of a Japanese American that traveled extensively through Asia in the 1940s-1960s purchasing antiques in China...

Lanterns such as these were widely produced during the Shang Dynasty. They were mainly used for various ceremonial purposes and featured high quality craftsmanship and ornate details...

Pair of Japanese lacquered wood figures depicting seated Foo Dogs or Guardian Lions in a deep red-brown lacquer with stylized mane and tail, having reverse painted glass eyes and sea...

Chinese spinach green nephrite jade censer and cover. Basketweave surface, archaic handles, translucent wall. Spurious Qianlong mark, but most likely later...

Vintage Kokeshi doll from Japan. Yajiro Style (弥次郎). Completely handmade from Japanese Mizuki wood and painted, which is why there is only 1 of them. This technique is a craftsmanshi...

Intricately hand carved from a single block of richly variegated stone, this incredibly detailed and elaborate, Chinese sculpture is a true work of art. It features a dragon on a car...

A large Chinese vintage hand-carved white stone Buddhist temple sculpture of a bodhisattva. This large size Chinese sculpture was carved from a white stone and showcases a bodhisattv...

Seated Shakyamuni Buddha in a Lacquered Zushi Buddhist Altar Cabinet. This is a remarkable Japanese wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha 釈迦如来坐像, from the Edo period (1600-1868). The...

Extraordinary natural work, one of a kind. Custom framed This Chinese extraordinary round natural stone "painting" of a vibrantly colored swirling cloud formation could remind us ...

An extremely finely carved antique Chinese Qing dynasty, Celadon green triple vase/brush washer with an Imperial Dragon from behind attacking a bird in fro...

Antique Japanese root stand. Meiji period (1868-1912) carving from a single piece of fruitwood in a natural root design. Originally made for presen...

A magnificent gilded giant statue of Amitabha Buddha, carved from a single block of solid wood. Seated dhyana asana on a high lotus throne, the Buddha's full and round face, hallmark...

A pair of mounted porcelain Karp shaped vases. Gilt - Bronze Mounted Blue Enameled Stoneware, Chinese 18th Century, the Mounts are Louis XV, Circa 1750...

Pair of late 19th century Chinese patinated bronze Pi Xiu. Traditionally, it is an auspicious Chinese mythical hybrid creature that possess mystical powers capa...

Japanese Rosoku-tate or Shokudai (candle stand) a lathe turned wood in a slender baluster form with attached concave circular base and broad circular wood candle base tapering down ...

A beautiful gilt bronze statue of Tibetan Bodhisattva Manjushree. Seated in vajrasana on double lotus base, his right hand holding the sword of wisdom and his left hand holding the s...

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...

Magnificent Meiji-era temple panel is traditionally placed above the entrance, gracing the space with spiritual protection and aesthetic beauty. Each panel vividly depicts a dragon, ...

A Chinese antique black vertical sign from the 19th century, with gold calligraphy. Created in China during the 19th century, this tall and narrow woode...

Enchanting pair of Japanese pagodas crafted in iron with classic finials or sorin at the tops on five floors with hanging bells and an entrance at the bottom.

A Chinese 19th century rustic ox cart wooden wheel mounted on a custom made black stand. Created in China during the 19th century, this handmade wheel showcases a nicely weathered patina witnessing its long use since the Qing Dynasty. Mounted on a black stepped base and boasting a nicely weathered patina, this 19th century Chinese mounted wooden ox cart wheel...

Netsuke, très probablement en bois d’ébène, représentant deux souris sur une vannerie, l’une s’en extrayant et l’autre reposant dessus. Traitement réaliste du pelage et de la queue a...

By far the most beautifull glass snuff bottle I have ever seen. The pictures can not show how nice it is, 19th century. Provenance: Collection Morpurgo Amsterdam From the Louise and Christopher Randall Collection which was auctioned 31st October 1995. Lot 1821. A semi-transparent swirling yellow-green and brown glass bottle...

Anonymous vintage wooden sculpture of a right foot wearing geta (Japanese wooden sandal), Showa period, 20th century, Japan, approx. H 25cm (9.84in), thinly with varnish-like coating...

Rare 19th century Buddhist Taoist Prayer Board. Beautifully carved gilded calligraphy prayer board blessing. This is a singular solid board of wood. A...

A 19th century Chinese carved guardian statue used as ship ballast. In the time when great wooden ships dominated the trade among nations of the east,...

This masterfully carved celadon jade figure represents the epitome of Chinese artistry and craftsmanship. The sculpture features a beauty dressed in flowing traditional attire, capturing the essence of grace and elegance. She is depicted holding a plate that presents a branch bearing three peaches, a symbol of longevity and prosperity in Chinese culture. The jade used for this carving is of a refined celadon hue, adding a layer of sophistication and tranquility to the piece. The intricate detailing on the flowing dress and the lifelike representation of the peaches attest to the skill and precision involved in its creation. This celadon jade carving...

each cloisonné planter decorated with floral motif on blue ground

A well-chosen stone is a focal point of both a traditional Chinese garden and a scholar's studio, evoking the grandeur of nature and inspiring creative thought. Meditation stones off...

Do you know Kirin? It is a type of legendary animal that appears in Chinese mythology, and is a spiritual animal that has been passed down in Japan since ancient times. At first glan...

A dramatic and beautifully timeworn Japanese Wood Sculpture in vaguely anthropomorphic form balanced on five points and fashioned from a particula...

A fine lacquer decorated carved boxwood netsuke of a Noh dancer in a Hannya role, unsigned, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The boxwood netsuke finely carved as a kneeling Noh dancer dressed in striking geometric patterned robes. The actor holds an opened war fan behind their back in one hand, a Shinto wand slung over the shoulder in the other. The war fan, tessen, decorated in red lacquer with a golden rising sun at the center. Tessen were sturdy fans used by samurai as protective devices, and sometimes as weapons. The wand, called an onusa, is a traditional Shinto ritual implement comprised of folded paper streamers, shide, attached to a wooden wand, often used in purification rituals. Here, the shide are crafted from silver maki-e, with the handle of the natural boxwood. The actor wears a fierce and unearthly hannya mask...

An exceptional & highly decorative pair of antique Chaozhou hand carved giltwood panels, both showing finely executed relief-carved & gilded vignettes, composed in a terraced format ...

A Fine Chinese jade jadeite toggle pendant of a fruit finely carved in relief with a bird and squirrel from the white jade jadeite stone with green incl...

A charming near pair of Chinese green glazed foo lion joss stick holders, late 19th century, China. The delightful foo lions, also referred to as foo dogs, crafted as joss (incens...

The original Nine Dragon Wall was built during the reconstruction of Ningshou Palace in 1772. It is 29.4 meters long, 3.5 meters high and 0.45 meters thick. It is a single-sided glaz...

Two massive late Qing cloisonné enamel models of cranes Chinese, circa 1900 Measures: Height 187cm, width 52cm, depth 50cm These extraordinary Chin...

Yue Minjun’s Contemporary Terracotta Warrior No. 8 reflects a distinct Cynical Realism style, a contemporary Chinese art movement that emerged in the 1990s in response to rapid socia...

China, a fine archaic male effigy hand carved from a granular medium to dark gray stone. Neolithic period, Hongshan culture (circa 4700-2900 BC) Likely a fertility fetish. Note the pecked surfaces and the stone carved hair line top knot. Quality: Fine original condition, no repairs, as collected. Dark varied patina from appropriate age. Dimensions: 13.5 inches tall and 6 inches width. About Hongshan Culture: The Hongshan culture was a Neolithic culture in northeastern China. Hongshan sites have been found in an area stretching from Inner Mongolia to Liaoning, and dated from about 4700-2900 BC. The culture is named after Hongshanhou, a site in Hongshan District, Chifeng. The Hongshanhou site was discovered by the Japanese archaeologist Torii Ryuzo in 1908 and extensively excavated in 1935 by Kosaku Hamada and Mizuno Seiichi. Provenance: Our private collection and accompanied by our Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. Originally collected in the area of Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia. In addition, our Hongshan stone effigy...

An unusual Chinese scholar stone originated from Wuling Mountains, Hunan Province in central China. A type of geological wonder, formed through wind erosion and polishing by the elem...

Japanese bronze animal rooster with artist sign. Age: Japan, Showa Period, 20th century Size: Height 17 cm / Width 6.3 cm / Length 12.5 cm Condition: Nice condition overall.

This petite mother-of-pearl carving is a delightful example of the button-like toggles worn by men and women throughout the Qing dynasty. Because traditional Chinese clothing didn't ...

A Chinese Jade Carving of Piqiu, Late 19th Century Dimension: Height: 11.5cm Width: 14.5cm Depth: 5.5cm Provenance: Private old Australian coll...

Believed to be powerful protectors against malevolent spirits, fu lion dogs have stood guard at the entryways and thresholds of Chinese buildings and temples for centuries. Known as ...

Very nice highly decorative Shishi face Mask Japan 1940s ,some paint losses . hand carved.

A contemporary hand-woven bamboo sculpture in an organic form by Japanese bamboo artist Mimura Chikuho (1973-). Named "Cloud on the Peak", the piece was made as one of his series in 2004. Entirely hand-woven in irregular plaiting, the artist challenged the traditional bamboo basket making and elevated it into modern abstract sculpture. The minimalist donut form resembles the hat-shaped cloud formed around the peak of the mountain (often seen on Fujisan in Japanese art). It displays a wonderful subtle undulation and irregularity in its organic shape, achieved by a mastery of the traditional technique. The irregular plaiting appears chaotic in its busy crossing patterns yet as a whole, the piece strangely quiet and introverted, demanding contemplation from the viewer. Signed "Chikuho" underneath in Kanji. The piece comes with its original storage paper box and a silk bag. Provenance: Purchased from Tai Gallery/Textile Arts now (Tai Modern) in Santa Fe. Mimura Chikuho was born in 1973 in Tokyo. He studied under Yufu Shohaku...

Very rare large thickly cast iron Korean Buddha (a magnet sticks to it). In an extremely early backless style. I believe this piece could be as late as 1...

This striking pair of Chinese terracotta mortuary statues, created in the Tang Dynasty style, reflects the ancient tradition of placing figurines in tombs to accompany the deceased i...

Bamboo sitting toad. The node of the wood is used as the base of the statuette. The toad and the frog, referred to by the same term in Japanese (kaeru) are associated with good luck...

Nineteenth century Chinese water pipe in Paktong (= an Alloy of Zinc, Copper and Nickel). The Base - elaborated in Enamel Cloisonné - is decorated with a Phoenix on an Ultramarine Bl...

Hand carved vintage bonsai trees Made of jade and glass Jade leaves and pots Glass mandarin fruit that add a burst of color Made in China in the mid 20th century Exquisite craftsman...

Sculptural and unusual stone formations have long been fixtures of the Chinese scholars' studio, displayed as sources of beauty and creative inspiration. Known as gongshi, scholars' ...

The soapstone surface, in warm hues, serves as the canvas for an intricate landscape that stretches across the carving. Hills, meticulously carved with textured details, rise and fal...

With a curly mane and playful expression, this petite stone fu dog is an adorable companion and a benevolent guardian of the home. Also known as a lion or shizi, the mythical dog is ...

Collection of eight Japanese and Chinese masks, circa 1950s or earlier. These were recently purchased from the Manhattan estate of a Japanese man who travel...