19th Century Sculptures and Carvings

A very large antique Asian wood carving of the iconic Laughing Buddha. The sculpture has great form, the Buddha with his right hand resting ...

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...

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...

These hand-carved wooden fragments originated as decorative elements of ornate Qing-dynasty furniture or architecture. Colored by red lacquer and gilt pigments, each fragment is carv...

From Norway and an old New England collection. Unique find. A fine Norwegian Hand crafted and incised wooden tine bentwood box, 1890 An all original...

Antique Asian Carved Jade Soapstone Sculpture with Birds C1890 Measures - 11.5"h x 3.75"w x 2.75"d

Rare one-of-a-kind collection Japanese Connoisseurs Collection of Five (5) Fine Antique Smoking Pipes, Kiseru. You dont need to be a conn...

Vintage Chinese Gilded Maitreya Smiling Buddha Statue – Marked Zhu Maoji This Vintage Chinese Gilded Maitreya Smiling Buddha Statue, marked by the esteemed artisan Zhu Maoji, is a j...

Magnificent and powerful, fantastically sculptural, ferocious bronze Japanese writhing sea dragon candleholder is coiled around itself, with an uplifted head and a stylized plume of ...

A powerful Chinese figure of the Taoist diety Zhenwu (Xuanwu), carved and lacquered wood with applied lacquer details, Qing Dynasty, 19th century or earlier, China. Zhenwu, also kno...

Tibetan wooden Buddhist Mahakala mask (Shaman Exorcism Mask Yama God of Death) with stand. Age: Tibet, 19th Century Size: Height 36.6 C.M. / Width 2...

A Chinese Qing dynasty carved wooden architectural panel from the 19th century, with pierced cloudy motifs and guardian lion. Hand-carved du...

Material: bronze 6,9 cm high 3,7 cm wide and 4,7 cm deep Weight: 0.293 kgs Originating from Burma 19th Century.  

Antique wooden Indian temple Material : wood 58 cm high 30,5 cm wide and 29 cm deep 19th century Weight: 4,66 kgs Originating from India Nr: 3830-215

Superb old Taoist statue in polychrome and gold lacquered wood, representing a Dignitary seated on a throne, armchair. It is carved from solid wood, with...

Antique Burmese Carved Wood Panel of a Court Scribe. The standing heavenly being holds a manuscript with a brush in the right hand writing scriptur...

Antique wall cabinet with mirror from , 19th century Material : wood 68 cm high 39,1 cm wide and 14,5 cm deep 19th century Weight: 3,25 kgs Originating from India

Meiji Bronze Fisherman Okimono, Sealed Masatsune saku Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912) A fine and rare Meiji period bronze Okimono of a fisherman by Masatsune Saku, originating from Japan and crafted during the Meiji period (1868–1922). This exquisite piece is a notable example of the Tokyo School's artistry, dating to the late 19th century. The Okimono depicts a fisherman seated on a four-rung ladder, holding a bamboo fishing rod...

An antique hand carved tribal 19th century sculpture from the Batak People, northern Sumatra, called a Singa Singa. Step into a world of tribal mystique with this striking 19th-centu...

Antique wooden Zushi (miniature shrine, the "house of the Gods") with 2 wooden figurines of Daikoku & Ebisu - from Tohoku area., Japan. Manufactured circa 1860s - 1900s (late Edo to ...

A antique hand carved tribal sculpture from the Batak People, northern Sumatra, called a Singa Singa. This antique hand-carved tribal sculpture from the Batak People of Northern Suma...

Impressive Finely detailed Pair of Burmese Temple Wood Statues. Rendered with Poly-chrome traces of pigments. These Temple Guard Statues would be kept clo...

Very rare Asian snuffbox in carved amethyst. Great workmanship, beautiful stone color! In good condition . Late 19th century Length 7.5 cm, height 2.6 cm

This is a carved wooden lion made in Japan. It was made during the Edo period (1800s-1860s) and still retains its strength over the years. The material used is cedar wood, and its so...

Late 19th-early 20th century tribal guardian figure, Northwest Nepal The mere essence of a protector figure remains in this weathered fragmen...

Laos wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base. Age: Laos, 19th century Size: Height 49.6 C.M. / Width 13 C.M. Size including stand: ...

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

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...

A majestic pair of antique architectural salvaged Chinese temple corbels, now mounted as one-of-a-kind wooden sculptures on custom floor standing display pedestal stands. Originally commissioned for an important religious temple in China, the impressive large scale wall bracket corbels were notoriously difficult as they had to serve as both highly decorative temple ornaments and structural building elements used to support the weight of a wall. Hand-crafted in the early 19th century, smilarly styled design, each exceptionally hand carved, sculpted, and painted by highly trained artisans. Profusely carved and decorated, featuring very fine quality high relief work throughout, extensive bas relief, pierced openwork, rich carvings and intricate incised detailing, depicting various Chinese folk religion figures and imagery. Rising on bespoke handmade stands, consistenting of sturdy rectangular shaped thick plank plinth base embellished with foliate carvings, held upright by turned column single support. Rich in culture and history, interesting, unusual, highly decorative, whimsical and artistic, sure to add sophisticated elegance, rustic character, color, space, texture and lots of visual interest. Dimensions, largest (approx): Each: 32.5" H, 19" W, 7.25" D. Please note, the objects were sourced and transported both legally and ethically, retaining partial original red wax export seal to top. Display the three Sanxing, in their iconic representation as three, old, bearded, wise men, which dates back to the Ming dynasty, when the Gods of the three stars were represented in human form for the first time. One panel having two monumental smiling figures with hand painted eyes and tongue, the other fragment depicting four figures, seated and standing, likely Immortals, Gods, Shen deity, and other characters from ancient Chinese mythology and folklore. Both pieces with elaborate lotus and pine tree motif, a powerful symbol of wisdom and longevity. Sanxing figures are an important part of Asian culture. Statues of these three Gods...

19th to early 20th century Iron hook and snare, Nepal A rare, esoteric device used by Buddhist Tantric practitioners in Tibet and Nepal as a method of controlling events. These powe...

Burmese wooden tribal mask. Age: Burma, Mandalay Period, 19th century Size: Height 27 C.M. / Width 20 C.M. / Thickness 17.3 C.M. Size including...

A wonderfully carved 18th century Burmese Shan period stupa with many seated Buddha's set in niches. With original gilding and red and green polychrome. The stupa is a Buddhist arc...

Discover the timeless elegance of this antique sandstone temple from India, a beautifully crafted 19th-century artifact. Made from solid sandstone, this exquisite piece stands 24.7 cm high, 21.9 cm wide, and 17 cm deep, with a substantial weight of 11.15 kgs. Showcasing intricate carvings and traditional craftsmanship, this historic Indian temple fragment reflects the spiritual and artistic heritage of its time. A perfect addition for collectors of antique temple artifacts...

Material: wood Measures: 23,8 cm high 16,5 cm wide and 13,3 cm deep Weight: 0.939 kgs Gilded with 24 krt. gold Mandalay style Bhumisparsha mudra Originating from Burma 19th ...

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

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...

Antique Chinese Carved Celadon Jade Wise Man Octopus 19th C Measures- 4.5''H x 2.5''W x 1.5''D

Rare pair of Important Guardian Lions / Fo Dogs / Shizi in ceramic with cracked white enamel. China, Qing Dynasty, 19th century Each Fo Dog / Shizi is seated on a wooden base, it...

Material: wood 43,5 cm high 35,4 cm wide and 24,5 cm deep Weight: 5.75 kgs Gilded with 24 krt. gold Mandalay style Bhumisparsha mudra Originating from Burma 19th century Wi...

Splendid statue made of jade in the typically Chinese 19th century. The statue is very beautiful and rests on an oval base made of very fine dark wood. The lower part of the statue ...

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

Material: bronze 4,1 cm high 2,7 cm wide and 3 cm deep Weight: 0.078 kgs Originating from Burma 19th Century.

A lovely pair of very detailed carved wooden temple ornaments (kibana) in the shape of elephant-like mythical creatures known as ‘Baku’. Baku are Japan...

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...

Tenjin-Sama, Shinto Deity of Learning and Wisdom, Meiji Period Tenjin,-Sama, Deification of Sugawara no Michizane, was a famous scholar, poet and politician of the Heian period. In...

Japan, a beautifully handmade and hand carved black lacquer colored antique shop sign -kanban- for a Japanese currency exchange shop. The kanji translates to "currency exchange". Many antique Japanese shop signs...

Antique bronze Nepali Buddha statue Material : bronze 15,2 cm high 10,9 cm wide and 8,3 cm deep Dhyana mudra 19th century Weight: 709 grams Originating from Nepal

A highly decorative early 19th century Vietnamese carved wooden and polychrome painted Buddha with traces of original gilding, creating a beautiful p...

China rare antique stone inlaid wine table, middle Qing dynasty (1644-1911), 18th/19th century. Elm wood (Humu) with original pudding stone inlay. All ...

Native America Plains hand-carved and hand-painted stone Buffalo Hunting Talisman in the form of a buffalo hoof with human effigy head and tail , granite, 1800-1900 Dimensions: 12 inches high and 9.5 inches wide, Provenance: old mid west collection Hand-carved with great old paint and patina an authentic old work of art that is likely unique Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee. Our gallery has been dealing in authentic Native...

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...

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, ...

Burmese wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base, with gilded gold and glass. Age: Burma, Early Mandalay Period, Early 19th century. ...

Late 19th-early 20th century Tribal mask, West Nepal A mask from West Nepal with slanted almond shaped eyes, very small ears and an oval mouth showing carved upper and lower teeth o...

A large and dramatic Chinese Gongshi (known as meditation stone or spirit stone) from Taihu (Lake Tai) balanced on display stand. This scholar rock features a relatively red and poro...

The central image in Toba Batak art is the singa, a supernatural creature whose likeness protects individuals, homes, and communities from malevolent supernatural forces. The name singa derives from the Sanskrit word meaning lion. However, the Toba Batak singa...

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...

A good quality pair of late 19th Century cold painted bronze statues of two Neapolitan dancers. Batch 78 G2623/23. DNKZZ