Late 19th Century Sculptures and Carvings

Thai Gilt Bronze Figure of a Seated Buddha, depicted with legs crossed in the virasana position with the right leg resting on the left leg, soles up, the hands in the earth touching ...

Late 19th-early 20th century Tribal mask, West Nepal A mask from West Nepal with a sharp straight nose, squinting eyes and a square mouth showing upper and lower teeth. There are re...

A Magnificent Chinese Carnelian Agate Snuff Bottle. Qing Dynasty. Antique Chinese Carnelian Agate Hand Carved Snuff Bottle finely carved in...

JADE VASE AND COVER Of flattened baluster shape, rising from a splayed foot to an angular shoulder and a waisted neck set with a pair of mythical ...

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

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...

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...

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 ...

Small 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,...

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

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

Material: Limestone Material: wood 25,5 cm high 19,8 cm wide and 7 cm deep Weight: 1.532 kgs Mandalay style Bhumisparsha mudra Originating from Burma Late 19th century With...

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

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...

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

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...

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

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...

Bronze sculpture, late 19th century, Asia Measures: H 19cm, W 15cm, W 8cm.

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...

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 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...

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

A very fine and detailed Tokyo School cast bronze okimono (decorative sculpture) of a smiling farmer, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The e...

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

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...

Vintage Chinese Large Hand Carved and Gilded Wood Panel Elaborate and deeply carved wood panel dates from the end of the 19th century. The d...

A well cast pair of Japanese mixed metal okimono figures of Buddhist guardians, known as Nio or Dharmapala, protectors of Buddhist faith, Meiji Period, Japan. The smiling bronze g...

Stunning large Chinese hand carved genuine jade sculpture (tested as nephrite jade) depicting dragons and koi fish. The original owner provided details that this sculpture was create...

Chiseled wood sculpture representing a seated monkey holding peaches of longevity in his hands. The impression of the fur is quite realistic, and its e...

A striking pair of Japanese gilt bronze komainu by the renowned Japanese sculptor, Ishikawa Komei (1852-1913), Meiji period, Japan. The pair well cast, and robustly modeled. They ar...

A pair of two carved wood weaving loom pulleys depicting peacocks and hearts. Thailand, Ca. 19th century Wood Measures: H 6 in x W 5 in each.

Two rare Japanese Izumo clay dolls of Emperor and Tenjin, Nara Prefecture, Meiji period. Material and simple execution impart a flavor of antiquity and great decorative power. Empero...

This exquisite late 19th-century Chinese carved hardwood figure depicts an immortal holding a bat, symbolizing happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. The workmanship is exemp...

Presenting a stunning 19 century Asian wooden carved, painted and gilded Guanyin statue. This wooden statue is hand carved, hand painted and hand-gil...

This exceptional Chinese Shoushan stone carving is a fine example of Qing artistry and craftsmanship, featuring a Sage in a semi-seated position...

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...

Japanese champlevé bronze Kannon Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara figure, Meiji period. 9 ¾ inches wide by 8 inches deep by 29 ½ inches tall

Unusual Japanese Folk Art theatre mask depicting the playful character Mitsumekozo, a three eyed goblin often portrayed as a mischevious creature in comical plays, late Meiji period,...

This hand-carved wooden fragment was originally a decorative element of ornate Qing-dynasty furniture or architecture. Colored by gilt pigments over an underlayer of red lacquer, the fragment depicts a silk brocade ball, commonly depicted alongside fu dog lions to symbolize high rank or power. The embroidered ball is flanked by chrysanthemum blossoms and tied with a long flowing ribbon, a sign of longevity. Elevated by a custom steel display mount, the storied fragment adds bright color and iridescence to a bookcase or table arrangement...

Antique Architectural Hand Carved Wood Temple Sculpture of Mother and Child from India. Hand Carved Indian Temple Carving Statue from Gujarat Dep...

A stunning upright Chinese scholar stone (also known as Gong Shi, meditation stone and spirit rock) of significant weight and volume is gracefully balanced on the wood display stand....

Hand-carved Japanese natural wood stand.

Netsuke in boxwood in the form of a tortoise hiding in its shell with only its head overstepping. Textures from the shell are executed with realism precision and a great care for details. Same goes for the scales of the skin of its legs. The central scale in the center of the shell is movable and enables the passing of a thread. In Japan, tortoise are symbol of luck and longevity, it is thought to be a creature of good omen supposed to bring 10 000 years of happiness. This animal is associated with numerous myths, the most popular dating back to the Nihon-Shoki, an antique tale of Japan and its dynasty. The legend of Urashima Taro...

Huge sculpture of a mouse (or rat), with a rather dark patina, represented with a schematic expression and realized with the hollow bronze technique. It is represented in extension...

Pair of kibana, carved wooden ornaments used in Japanese Buddhist temples, carved in the shape of mythical lion-like creatures called shishi. Period: Meiji late 19th cent. Dimens...

This antique lacquerware is a truly unique and special collectible piece. Standing at 66 cm high and with a diameter of 38 cm, it is made of lacque...

This large antique Meiji period Japanese patinated and polychromed bronze is signed by an unknown artist and presumed to have been made in approximately 1880 in the period Meiji styl...

A near pair of wood koi fish from Japan circa 1860-90s of late Meiji Period. Hand-carved from solid wood, these sculptures are known as Jizai Kagi in Japane...

Huge sculpture of a rat with a dark brown patina, its pose reinforces the schematic treatment. Its simple head and hardly figured moustache, its smooth and plump body and very deta...

An impressive larger than life-size cast and gilt bronze left hand and arm of a bodhisattva, late 19th century or earlier, Tibet. The over-sized arm and hand of graceful proportions. The arm tapering down to a slender wrist embellished with a simple bracelet hiding the join between the hand and arm. The hand and arm richly gilt. The join to the elbow visible and exposed. The hand heavily cast, with nice detail to the fingernails and cuticles. The palm with simple incised lines. The hand, with the pointer and pinky fingers raised, and the middle and ring finger folded down touching the thumb, performs the gesture known as karana mudra, the gesture of dispelling evil. (Here in Texas we refer to this gesture as "Hook'em Horns!") Karana mudra is often associated with Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, known in Tibet as Chenrezig, and in China as Guanyin. The hand and arm would originally have been part of a much larger sculpture. Unfortunately many Tibetan Buddhist sculptures...

A fabulous 18th century Chinese hand carved fragment with birds and flowers. Very deep relief gold gilt and the border is a very dark green.

Nicely carved and framed pair of high relief carved and painted panels. Subtle colors with age appropriate worn finish carved depicting cranes (birds) amongst flowers standing in wat...

Antique late Qing hand carved agate snuff bottle. Produced in China towards the end of the 19th century. Beautifully hollowed, all the way to the edges, the walls are very thin and...

Antique architectural carved wood temple fragment from Rajasthan, India.   Made into a wall bracket stand.   19th century Hindu temple fragment. This anti...

Antique hand-carved wooden Turkish harem shoe. One shoe only available. Great decorative collector item, circa 1870.