Qing Dynasty Chinese Sancai Temple Guardian Figure

A magnificent Chinese carved spinach green jade chilong dragon sculpture, resting on fitted hardwood stand. Rich deep bright green color with molten shades of lighter pale green, exceptionally carved, with intricate detail throughout. The mythical beast lying ready on all four, head raised, mouth ajar with teeth exposed, wings by its side, spiral scroll incised on hind legs. Provenance: Estate of Ali A. Abssi (1934-2020) and Florence Hall Abssi (1919-2014), founders of the Ishtar Gate...

A monumental Hindu Nandi temple gate-guardian architectural ornament, born in India, dating to the 19th century, hand carved and painted, richly detailed, polychrome decorated, the w...

A scarce, high-quality antique Burmese jewel inlaid solid bronze chinthe sculpture. Dating to the late 19th century, likely originating in the Mandalay region of central Burma, the fearsome looking beast depicted in traditional Burmese iconography and important architecture, especially as a pair, the protective temple guardians placed flanking the entrances of Buddhist religious pagodas and monasteries. Burma; circa 1880 PROVENANCE: The estate of Mr. Wesley and Mrs. Suzanne LaFever, Beverly Hills, California. ACQUISITION: We acquired this outstanding example from the reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, Austin, Texas. Fine Estates and Antiques catalog, December 2021 DESCRIPTION: Exquisitely sculpted and cast of heavy, patinated solid bronze, finely detailed and decorated throughout, intricately engraved with scrolling ornamentation and fine detailing work, old nicely aged polished finish developing a warm, mellow patina with highly desirable scattered verdigris, minor inlay losses add to the charming antique character. Stoic in stance, posed at attention proudly squatting back on its haunches, front legs straight, possibly roaring with head up and straight ahead, mouth ajar with teeth and long tongue exposed, ornate armor plating and horned mane, fanciful stylized tail, inset with Myanmar style brilliant colored mirrored glass jewels. BRIEF HISTORY / BACKGROUND: Predating the use of coins for money, brass weights cast in the shape of iconic animals like the Chinthe were commonly used to measure standard quantities of staple items. Chinthe, the Burmese word for lion, while leograph of Chinthe is an artistic highly stylized lion; the rare Southeast Asian Burmese equivalent to Foo Dogs, Japanese Komainu, Tibetan Snow Lion...

A pair of Qing dynasty (1636–1912) Sancai glazed ceramic figural roof tiles with rich beautifully aged patina! Dating to the 19th century, wonderfully hand-crafted and painted, sculptural form depicting stylized fish, rising on terracotta clay arched imbrex barrel roof tile. Dimensions: (approx) Each; 13" High, 4.5" Wide, 9" Deep; 8.6lbs total Condition: Great original antique condition with heavy patina over the whole. Significant crazing - craquelure throughout that can only be acquired over long periods of time. Wear consistent with age. We have not cleaned them, leaving them as original, and retaining as much antique character as possible. If you would like them cleaned and polished please let us know after ordering them. History: The Fish, ? (yú) figure is believed to be a symbol of good fortune and longevity. The Fish is one of the several natural or mythical creatures such as Foo Dogs - Guardian Lions that adorn roof edges of Chinese religious temples, official buildings and important structures. Brightly hand painted and glazed ceramic roof tiles...

A scarce pair of Qing Dynasty temple architectural ornaments, the decorative antique building element fragments each elaborately hand carved, polychrome painted and lacquered, richly detailed featuring two figural pairs accented...

A pair of large antique Chinese polychrome ceramic attendants, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Outstanding 500+ year old Sancai glazed earthenware pottery tomb figures, exceptionally executed figural form, exquisitely detailed, one holding a teapot, the other holding a charger, rising on rare sculptural plinth...

Vintage Sancai glazed blue pottery figure of a camel Chinese Tang Dynasty manner. A wonderful large Chinese Tang-style glazed pottery figure of a camel carrying goods. Made from tr...

A fantastic Chinese sancai glazed tilework celestial guardian lion, late Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), circa late 16th century, China. The charming and ferocious lion is portrayed in ...

Chines Tang Dynasty sancai glazed pottery figure of a Guardian is a protector of the deceased. This warrior dressed in armor with a fierce face and imposing position would accompany ...

A finely carved Chinese zitan wood figure of an unidentified bodhisattva, possibly Guanyin, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The androgynous figure has a plump, almost matronly face, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile. The hair in long tresses, gathered and tied in a high chignon. The enlightened being is portrayed seated in dhyanasana, bare feet resting on crossed legs, both soles pointing up. Thick robes billow and drape around the full figured body. The hands display...

Chinese carved red coral lady with flowers and flowing robes. Very fine work from Qing Dynasty. Weight 145g.

A sublime Chinese carved boxwood figure of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara, called Guanyin in Chinese, mid-Qing dynasty. The an...