Late 19th Century Sculptures and Carvings

An Exceptionally Fine Example of a Chinese Export Hand Carved Bovine Ivory Walking Stick of small proportions, last quarter of the Nineteenth Centu...

A Very Fine Quality Chinese Export Hand Carved Religous Pagoda of traditional architectural form and generous proportions, late Nineteenth Century. The overall structure beautifull...

Extraordinary pair of fine glazed porcelain Foo dogs came to us out of an estate here in Savannah, Georgia, belonging to an old general that long ago brought them from Thailand. Used...

Antique Southeast Asian cast bronze buddha head sculpture with verdigris patina mounted on a black base wood stand. Bronze Sukhothai style Buddha bronze head with green patina, from ...

A late 19th C. granite Buddha head on wooden base. Utttar Pradesh, Northern India. The hand-carved features include the typical snail-shell curled...

Presenting a lovely antique Indian Dhokra horse and rider sculpture. Probably from the late 19th or early 20th century as is evidenced by its natural patina and clear evidence of age. It depicts an Indian Warrior with a sword in his right hand mounted on his horse/steed. The warrior is in classical and ancient Southeast Asian Indian attire and he holds the horse’s reins in his left hand. The body of the horse is a series of lines (in the Classic Dhokra Style) and it has a tribal headdress...

A signed Okimono from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912). Very rare, unusual and large sculptural assembling of a dysplaying piece of okimono. Created in Japan during the imperia...

A Japanese carved sculpture of Daikoku. Magnificent sculpture of the god of the fortune Daikoku WITH OVER 100 YEARS OLD, created in Japan during the Meiji period, circa 1890. The ca...

Finest Quality Dreamstone Inlaid Chair China- an extraordinary prolifically crafted example of an antique hand carved hardwood chair inlaid with multiple natural dream stone "paintings" plus "butterfly and mother of pearl" inlays in its hardwood arms and seat, late 19th century. This type of old Chinese furniture art form with marble inlay is centuries of years old dating as far back as the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Fine round and rectangular dream stones depicting mountains and the natural outdoor scenery are inlaid in the seat, back and interior sides of this fine furniture example. Thin marble inlaid stone "paintings" are approximately 1/4" thick and are cut from a large slab of rough material revealing incredible patterns in soft white and gray colors. The hardwood (elmwood) frame is tenon joined. The natural stone "paintings" were hand especially for fine export chairs as in this example. Chair dimensions: Height 38.75 inches Width 25.75 inches Depth 19 inches Period : late Qing period, 19th century Provenance: Private American Chinese collection Reference: Dreaming of Dreamstones China’s Extraordinary Natural Stone Paintings, Schneible Fine Arts. Dreaming of Dreamstones – World’s first comprehensive English text publication covers China’s extraordinary natural Stone Paintings, by author and dream stone lecturer Douglas Schneible, 35 pages, softcover, ISBN 978-0-578. See photos. We have been dealing in authentic Chinese natural stone paintings...

Featuring Seven Japanese Macaques Form our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese Bronze Monkey Group by Shosai. The Japanese Bronze Group displaying a male father monkey and his infants playing around and being mischievous with Persimmon fruit. The monkeys modelled as Japanese macaque monkeys (snow monkey). The bronze okimono is beautifully patinated with a highly lifelike and naturalistic casting signed to the underside Shosai 正齊鋳. The Bronze group dates to the Meiji Period (1868-1912) circa 1885. Japanese macaque (snow monkey) is a terrestrial Old World monkey species that is native to Japan. They are known as snow monkeys because some live in areas where snow covers the ground for long periods each year hence their nickname. No other non-human primate lives further north or in a colder climate than the snow monkey. Individuals have brownish grey fur, pinkish-red faces, and short tails. Two subspecies are known and their conservation Status is of least concern. In Japan, the species is known as Nihonzaru ニホンザル, 日本 (Japan/Nihon) and saru 猿 (monkey) to distinguish it from other primates, but the Japanese macaque is the only species of monkey in Japan. The Japanese macaque features heavily in the religion, folklore, and art of Japan, as well as in proverbs and idiomatic expressions in the Japanese language. They are often seen in paintings, block prints and represented in all manner of carvings from Okimono to netsuke. Many of these art forms reside in the world’s most famous museums and collections, some of the most prominent pieces by artists such as Mori Sosen and Kawanabe Kyosai. In Shinto belief (Japan’s indigenous religion/nature religion) legendary mythical beasts known as raiju sometimes appeared as monkeys and kept Raijin (the god of lightning/storms) company. In another well known tale the three wise monkeys who warn people to “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” can be seen depicted in relief over the door of the famous Tosho-gu shrine in Nikko. Meiji Period was an era of Japanese history that spanned from 1868 to 1912. It was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people began to build a paradigm of a modern, industrialised nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western countries and aesthetics. As a result of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound and it affected the social structure, politics, economy, military, and foreign relations across the board. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji and was preceded by the Keio era and was succeeded by the Taisho era. Cultural Art during the Meiji Period was of particular interest to the government and they overhauled the art export market which in turn promoted Japanese arts via various world’s fairs, beginning in Vienna at the world fair in 1873. The government heavily funded the fairs and took an active role organising how Japan’s culture was presented to the world including creating a semi-public company named Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha (First Industrial Manufacturing Company). The Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha was used to promote and commercialise exports of Japanese art and established the Hakurankai Jimukyoku (Exhibition Bureau) to maintain quality standards. For the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, the Japanese government created a Centennial Office and sent a special envoy to secure space for the 30,000 items that would be displayed. The Imperial Household also took an active interest in arts and crafts, commissioning works by select artists to be given as gifts for foreign dignitaries further emphasising the high quality and importance of Japanese art. Just before the end of the 19th century in 1890, the Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household) system was created to recognise distinguished artists. These artists were selected for their exceptionally high quality wares and talent in their own industry. Over a period of 54 years Seventy artists were appointed, amongst these were ceramicist Makuzu Kozan and cloisonné enamel artist...

This antique Chinese bronze statue represents Marici, a revered figure in Buddhist mythology. Crafted from bronze, a material known for ...

Chinese carved rosewood sculpture of a Daoist deity measuring 36 inches tall.

This work cast in bronze with a gold fleck finish to the clothing was made in the last quarter of the 19th century. The patina and color of the figure has lovely rub through and sits...

Beautiful pair of Chinese glazed terra cotta foo fogs roof tiles. Amazing sculpting details and colors.

Nicely crafted early Okimono sculpture of dragonfly . Wrought and forged body with brass wings . Original finish and patina .

This late 19th century standing figure depicts the sacred form of the bodhisattva Guanyin, known in Japanese Buddhism as Sho Kannon, or Guze Kannon. ...

Zō-onna Noh Theatre Mask, Meiji Period Noh Mask, Japanese Noh Mask, Antique Japanese Mask, Antique Noh Mask, Noh Theatre Mask, Samurai, Japanese Antique. Beautifully carved and hand...

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 ...

Okimono set of japanese hand-crafted and hand-carved figurines, in the shape of a pair of realistic red apples showing seeds and stem, made of ivory with a detached brown wooden base...

We kindly invite you to read the entire description carefully, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our items. This extrao...

A spectacular Japanese cast, carved, and parcel gilt bronze sculpture, okimono, of a kneeling samurai archer, signed Kiyotsugu (died 1894), Meiji ...

This item is a giant wooden penis that was used in old Japanese houses from the late 19th century to the early 20th century (Meiji to Taisho eras). This i...

19th Century Chinese Dragon Carving. Qing Dynasty Double Sided Wood Carving of Eight Dragons inside a circle medallion style. Unique wood carv...

Best Quality, Hard To Find, complete with antique wooden collector box tomobako A fine pair (2) of Japanese antique hand cast gilt bronze Mandarin Duck screen holders with highly d...

Very Unusual Horn Sectional Hand Carved Chinese Walking Stick or Dress Cane of outstanding quality, last half of the Nineteenth Century. The ...

Late Edo Period Dolls representing Sannin-kanjyo which means the three court ladies. They support and care for the emperor (Odairi-sama) and the empre...

A Meiji lacquered box in the shape of a seated lady made by Meigetsusai Kazuyoshi. This is a n extremely rare decorative box made in the shape of a ...

A captivating pair of late 19th-century bronze statues depicting Chinese officials. The left figure portrays an imperial advisor, his full face adorned with almond-shaped eyes beneath arched brows and a pursed mouth, surmounted by an elaborate crown. His hands are clasped together, holding a Ruyi scepter, while he is attired in an open-neck robe. The right figure, an older advisor, shares similar facial features but is distinguished by a long beard and a flat crown, symbolizing his seniority. Clad in a closed robe befitting his age and rank, he holds a jade scepter...

This is an old carved large wooden penis statue made in Japan. It was made during the Edo period (1800s-1860s) and is made of cedar. In the Tōhoku region of Japan, there has long be...

We kindly invite you to read the entire description carefully, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our items. This extrao...

Waling cane from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). This is a fabulous antique walking cane created in the imperial Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), circa 1880's. The cane was ...

Description: A fine depiction of Guanyin, possessing the regal tranquillity that the Chinese Bodhisattva of compassion has come to be visually associated with. Marked by an urna signifying her spiritual enlightenment and crowned with a diadem depicting the Buddha Amitabha, the figure is immediately recognisable as Guanyin. Her androgynous figure is gracefully poised in the Lalit asana or “royal ease”, the pose classical in representations of the deity. The figure is asymmetric, with the weight of her supple form falling upon her left hand placed against the base, her right knee raised and left pendant. Her right hand rests upon her raised knee, delicately pinching at her draped attire. At first unassuming, this gesture may be suggestive of the Apana Mudra, the seal of purification. This Mudra is associated with physical wellbeing, fecundity and the cleansing of the body. Though she is adorned in the princely garb of dhoti, she bears features of idealised feminine beauty as prescribed in Asian art. With plump cheeks and near pouted lips, her full face gazes down upon the viewer with an empathetic and half-lidded gaze, upholding her title as ‘One who hears the cries of the world.’ 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...

Antique Chinese Hand Carved Wood Gilt Dragon in Shadow Box. Chinese shadow box features a hand carved wood and gilded Dragon from the Qing Dynasty. It is mounted in a massive and de...

Netsuke in boxwood representing a group of three toads, laying on a flat base, inlaid eyes made of water buffalo horn. Signed underneath the platform. The frog (kaeru) is associated ...

Cast bronze Buddha head. On a carved wooden pedestal. Circa 1890. H 13-3/4" W 4-1/8" D 3-1/2" including base.

Material: wood 60 cm high 25 cm wide and 21,7 cm deep Weight: 6.5 kgs Gilded with 24 krt. gold Originating from Burma Late 19th century With inlayed eyes Has normally 'real'...

Japanese Shibayama cards case holder. This is a lovely late 19th century Imperial Japan, Gold lacquer and Shibayama cards case. Created during the the Meiji period (1868-1912), the ...

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...

This is a pair of antique Oriental dog bookends. A Chinese, soapstone decorative 'Dog of Fo' book rest, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Delightfully tactile dogs wi...

A captivating example of Southeast Asian wood carving, this piece likely served as a pedestal within a temple setting, potentially for a drum. The elaborate carvings feature figures ...

Material: wood 76 cm high 31 cm diameter Weight: 4 kgs Shan (Tai Yai) style Originating from Burma Late 19th / early 20th century.

Sculptural signed Okimono from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912). Very rare, unusual and large sculptural assembling of a dysplaying piece of okimono. Created in Japan during the imperial period of the Meiji (1868-1912). This extraordinary okimono was carefully carved depicting a group of three intricately and realistically rendered carousing skeletons (Gaikotsu) in relax and resting position, drinking and smoking. Two of them, probably males representations are resting on a wicker sofa. The third, is a woman seated in a lower stool...

A rare 19th century hard to find Japanese Usubata Flower Planter Cart "Norimono", Late Meiji Period. Japan, this handsome quality old style "garden cart" ikebana planter is an exceptionally rare find and an authentic old work of Japanese art. Brilliantly designed and a handsome plant presentation with removable ikebana vase inserted into an openwork wicker basket set on a wheeled cart...

Buddha sitting in Bhumisparsa mùdra (or earth witness mudra ) Buddha calls the goddess of the earth to testify that he has definitively overcome the fears and temptations sent by Mar...

A beautiful 10 lb, gilt bronze statue of Tibetan White Tara. Seated in dhyanasana on a 4-tier lotus pedestal rising above holy beast on padmasana (single petal row lotus throne), both hands in Karana mudra to expel evils. Her small exquisite face with serene expression, with downcast eyes under high arched brows, wearing a high crown and long beaded necklaces ands rosette earrings. The beast with vivid expressions, bells and a saddle draped...

on fitted wooden base; 3in(D) x 8in(W) x 10.8in(H) are the overall dimensions of the malachite carving with the wooden base

A rare and exceptional antique Chinese carved wooden panel showing Li Ti Kwai as one of the Lohan gods. The panel originates from the Guanxii Pr...

This truly a magnificent piece. Stunning. Beautiful. Supremely serene. Meticulously hand carved in such fine and amazing detail (see hands and flowing robes). Gilded throughout. Sea...

This Late 19th / early 20th century Antique wooden Temple cabinet is a stunning testament to the rich spiritual and artistic heritage of Burma. Crafted from wood and standing at a ...

Antique Chinese Hand Carved Wood Gilt Foo Dog in Shadow Box. Chinese shadow box features a hand carved wood and gilded Foo Dog from the Qing Dynasty. It is mounted in a massive and ...

An Indian late 19th, early 20th century carved and painted wooden fragment depicting Parvati. A commanding presence in carved wood, this antique Indian sculpture...

A spectacular pair of framed solid burl wood panels, originally part of a traditional Japanese tsuitate (single-panel standing screen), now presented as sculptural wall art. Each pan...

Late 19th-early 20th century Tribal mask, West Nepal A mask from West Nepal with a rather heart shaped facial plane. There are three large iron staples, two of which may have secure...

Late 19th-early 20th century Tribal mask, West Nepal A large mask from West Nepal with a small grin and bared teeth surrounded with pink powder, faint traces of which can also be se...

A large and powerfully cast Chinese bronze censer in the form of two Buddhistic lions, Qing dynasty, late 19th century. The censer is well cast with a strong sense of movement, featuring a pair of fierce Buddhistic lions playfully antagonizing each other. Locked in a mock battle, the smaller lion...

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...

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

A Japanese Antique carved netsuke "The Beast" dated around the late 19th to early 20th century.