1840s Sculptures and Carvings

From our recent Japanese acquisitions, a rare find Antique Original Japanese temple "blossoming lotus" flower bud stem including its original red lacquer display base. This finely hand carved wood and lacquered gold flower stem was made for a Buddhist 19th century temple altar. Its flower blossoms and leaves symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. The individual parts of each lotus is carved separately then joined in an arrangement and inserted in altar vessels. Also called "Jyôka" , it is placed on or next to an altar in a Buddhist temple. Made with meticulous techniques. In Buddhism, the lotus is an important symbol of divine enlightenment because it blooms into beautiful flowers while growing in mud. Tsunehana means "a flower that continues to bloom forever" and "a flower that does not wither." For this reason, the flowers represented are in different stages of their life, unfolded lotus leaves, buds and full flowers, thus symbolizing the journey towards Buddhist enlightenment. This lovely Japanese antique gilt Lotus flower is an early survivor, circa 1840, and a hard to find treasure that was originally placed on or around a temple altar. This ensemble consists of a single stem, the top most flower, and the bottom leaf- all mounted in the original square red lacquer display base. A gold gilt 3.5 inch long tortoise "minogame" is affixed to the base as seen in the photo. Its attractive original old patina coupled with much of the original gilding remaining present is just the way we like to find them. Dimensions: With original red lacquer display stand Height, 17 inches height and 9 inches in width. The lotus flower stem alone measures 16 inches in height. Provenance: acquired from a Kyoto Japanse monk and collector History of the Japanese turtle "minogame" One of the most famous is the mythological giant turtle...

Japan, a rare dated large bronze hand hammered temple bell rin, Edo period , incised and dated Tenpo era 13th (1842) around rim. Perfect meditation instrument. When struck emits a pleasing bold reverberating sound guaranteed to please you. Bell is in very good condition... Includes red lacquered display base as shown and a complimentary striker This hand-hammered and wrought bronze percussion instrument created by specialized Samurai craftsmen with dimpled construction and incised signature of maker along rim sets atop a round red lacquered footed wood display base with wooden striker and when struck creates a serene reverberating sound. Perfect for meditation gardens or interior spaces. Total Height of bronze bell with red lacquered stand...

Chinese tortoise shell finely carved box, Canton circ 1840, The box is carved with court scenes on both top and bottom. Finely executed edge with greek key pattern and scenes. THIS I...