19th Century Sculptures and Carvings

There are two guardian dogs sitting in front of the temples and shrines in Japan. This is a familiar sight. In Japan, there are two divine beasts: [sisi] (lion) and [koma-inu] (guardian dog). [sisi] is a divine beast that was brought over from China and is modeled after a lion. [koma-inu] is similar to [sisi] and is a divine beast brought from Korea. Both are talismans. Around the 10th century, lions and guardian dogs were considered separate entities, but in modern times, lions enshrined in shrines and temples are recognized as koma-inu. Please see the attached reference photo. It is thought that this child's guardian dog was also displayed in a small temple. It looks small and cute, but it is well sculpted. It is in very good condition with no major damage. The material is sandstone. It is thought to have been produced in the 1800s, around the latter half of the Edo period. There are various stone guardian...

A large Chinese spinach jade duck carving, Qing Dynasty, holding a lotus flower in her mouth, the interior hollow with detachable 'duckling' cover, with lab...

An antique Chinese sculpture offers Lapis Lazuli carving of seated Buddha with flowers, c1890 Measures - 3.25'' H x 2.75'' W x 1.25'' D.

From An impeccable American Provenance: Estate of Otis Elevator Family Descendant Elisha Graves Otis Japanese pair (2) , 19th century Meiji period Imari Arita Yaki blue and white porcelain palace scale vases hand painted in cobalt under glaze in an ovoid form of prolific and highly detailed "landscapes, lanterns, karakusa, and waves" patterns. The tapered bodies rising to knopped , cylindrical necks with undulating, everted mouths decorated in underglaze blue with rondels and rectangles of garden landscapes and garden lanterns above a lower field of waves. The top neck portions with auspicious floral rondels on a classic karakusa (winding plant) ground. Unusual and seldom found hand painted garden lanterns encircled by mountains and clouds are prominent on the upper reaches of neck exterior decor; a large band of clouds and churning waves outlined in cobalt blue compliment and decorate the bases. Additionaly, auspicious symbols including cobalt leaves, large twelve petaled chrysanthemum flowers among karakusa , bamboo, and large diameter multi floral rondels finish the fine artistic quality of these extraordinary vases. Inside the top undulated rims one can take visual pleasure from more hand painted floral rondels and bamboo patterned hand paintings. Quality: Fine condition with traces of old black lacquer around top edges. No repairs. Dimensions: 61 inches high and 20 inches diameter at top and 20 inches diameter at mid waist. The bottom measures 10 inches diameter. Each vase hand made in two sections. Only one pair. American Provenance: Otis Elevator Family, Elisha Graves Otis Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee. We have been dealing in authentic Japanese antiques, fine art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president travels to Europe and Japan to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best Asian examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity, and quality condition. About Arita Wares Arita ware is a name given for Japanese porcelain...

Chinese soapstone carving from the 19th century. Beautiful decorative object with strong symbolism. Depicted is a fire-breathing dragon swimm...

Historic Japanese five elements garden stone Artifact Important ancient stone relic from the Meiji Era some 150 years ago And it's a beautiful an...

Difficult at first to identify what it is made from. Made to imitate stoneware. Well painted.

A fine antique 19th-Century black forest Swiss hand carved dog head sculpture plaque. It's perfect for your rustic lodge decor or in a study and would be a...

This is a large, heavy and hand carved Chinese light green jade Ruyi. It is decorated at the top by the carving of a large peony flower surrounded by two pea...

Antique mottled beige and black jadeite bangle bracelet carved with animals and leaves, displayed on a black metal stand. Measures: 3.5” x 1.75...

This is an antique work of carving a turtle on an old stump. Probably from the Meiji-Taisho era (1868-1926). It's a turtle, but to be exact, it's "mi-no-ga-me". The figure with ...

We have an aesthetic sense peculiar to Japanese people. And we introduce the unique items that only we can do, the route of purchasing in Japan, the experience value so far, and the way that no one can imitate. This is part of the architectural decoration of Japanese shrines...