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Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

CHINESE EXPORT STYLE

Expanded trade between Europe and East Asia, starting in the 16th century, led to a booming market for exported goods, particularly furniture. This was bolstered by the establishment of the Dutch and English East India Companies at the beginning of the 17th century. From folding screens and chairs to lacquer tables and silver, Chinese Export furniture was in demand and regularly copied and imitated, leading to styles like chinoiserie and Chinese Chippendale.

The expansion of exporting that had strengthened the arts during the Ming dynasty continued into the Qing dynasty era — Chinese designers made many furniture pieces specifically for export, resulting in distinctive designs that mixed traditional techniques with forms appealing to foreign buyers. For instance, cabinetmakers in Canton (modern-day Guangzhou) were prolific in crafting hardwood furniture for export in European styles that involved the expert joinery techniques of Chinese furniture. Designs for Chinese Export porcelain, cabinets, decorative objects and other furniture were often more ornately adorned than they would be for a local audience, such as with mother-of-pearl overlays or surfaces featuring lavish pictorial scenes or gold on black motifs. Some were even commissioned by wealthy European families to be adorned with their coat of arms.

Because lacquer furniture was especially prized, and the resin used to create it was difficult to import as it would harden during the long voyage, artisans in China and Japan exported numerous lacquer pieces. Long before lacquer made its way to Japan, the Chinese treated the material differently. They used it to create smooth, glossy surfaces, but also for carving, an art that began in the 12th century and is exclusively Chinese. These pieces are called cinnabar lacquer after the powdered mercury sulfide (cinnabar) employed to produce their characteristic red hue. A popular form for export was a compact cabinet with drawers, usually displayed on a small table. Undecorated furniture built in Europe was also shipped to China to be lacquered. The international exchange of design would influence furniture into the 19th century and later, informing styles such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau.

Find a collection of antique Chinese Export tables, beds, cupboards, table lamps and more furniture on 1stDibs.

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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Chinese Export
Vintage Pair Chinese Pewter Guardian Foo Lions Hong Kong NG AN Signed Mid 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
Pair of vintage Chinese pewter guardian lions, in fierce sitting pose, with copper accents for sharp claws, and each topped with an adjustable height brass ball attached by a threade...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass, Pewter

Vintage Chinese Carved Stone Ruyi
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese stone Ruyi is hand carved from a whole piece of solid stone. It shows very detailed hand craft works Azure Dragon and Vermilion Bird on each end. Also, there...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

LARGE DECORATIVE VINTAGE MiD CENTURY HAND CARVED CHINESE LION FOO DOG STATUE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely, vintage hand carved Chinese Foo Lion Dog statue with original paint and patina This is a very ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Bonzai Styled Flowering Fruit Tree Sculpture with Cloisonne Pot
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This sizable sculpture is unsigned with respect to the artist, but presumed to have originated from China and date to the Early Republic Period in approximately 1920. The sculpture i...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone, Metal

Large Scale Antique Chinese Carved Cork Diorama in Ebonised Glass Display Case
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A large scale Chinese carved cork diorama in its original glass display case, early 20th Century piece, Circa 1910. The scene is of a Chinese villa...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cork

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. And b...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Large Italian A.Santini Faux Ivory Tusk Carving God of Longevity Chinoiserie 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A huge Italian A.Santini faux ivory resin sculpture in a curved tusk form, standing 25" tall, of a detailed Chinese god of Longevity standing with a child, mounted upon a stand with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Resin

Chinese Taihu Scholar Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Taihu scholar rock balanced on a custom wood stand, in a mushroom cloud form and full of grottoes. The weather-smoothed surface is of grayish...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Large Chinese Natural Translucent Untreated Jadeite Flower Cat Birds Carving 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
This modern Chinese sculpture, standing at an impressive 10 inches on its stand, is a masterful representation of contemporary jadeite craftsmanship, particularly from the renowned Suzhou tradition. Carved from natural, untreated jadeite, the sculpture presents a captivating scene of a blooming flower, complete with two small birds perched atop and a preying feline lurking beneath the intricately carved canopy of leaves and petals. The jadeite material selected for this piece is of exceptional quality, exhibiting a pale celadon green hue that is both translucent and rich in lustre, reminiscent of the finest examples of jadeite. The translucency of the material enhances the sculpture's visual appeal, allowing light to filter through and illuminate the delicate details of the carving, while the wet lustre finish adds a sense of depth and vibrancy to the piece. The scene depicted is one of natural harmony and beauty, yet it is imbued with the dynamic tension of the natural world, as evidenced by the presence of the preying feline. This juxtaposition adds a layer of narrative depth to the sculpture, making it not just a decorative item but a work of art that tells a story. Crafted with the fine modern techniques of Suzhou jadeite craftsmanship, this sculpture is a testament to the skill and artistry of contemporary jade carvers, who continue to uphold the rich traditions of Chinese jade carving...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Large Chinese Natural Untreated Jadeite Foo Dog Lion Seal Stone Carving w Stand
Located in Richmond, CA
This modern Chinese jadeite seal stone, standing at an impressive 8 inches on its stand, is a remarkable piece of artistry, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship associated with contemporary Chinese jade carving...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Model of Chinese Beauty Pink Rose Quartz Goddess Quan Yin Hand Carved Figurine
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisitely hand made and hand carved pink rose quartz figurine of the goddess Quan Yin. She is depicted holding a festoon of lotus blossoms and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Rose Quartz

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The f...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Vintage Chinese Relief Amber Snuff Bottle
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage Chinese relief amber snuff bottle, circa 1970s. Amber is fossilized tree resin that has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since Neolithic times. Much valu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Resin

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The f...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Year of the Dragon Elaborate Hand Carved Stone Dragon Sculpture on Rosewood Base
Located in Tustin, CA
Intricately hand carved from a single block of richly variegated stone, this incredibly detailed and elaborate, Chinese sculpture is a true work of art. It features a dragon on a car...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone, Carnelian

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Vintage Chinese Ceramic Bust of Guanyin Kwan Yin Buddha On Wood Stand mid-20c
Located in Richmond, CA
This Chinese ceramic bust of Kwan Yin (Guanyin), the revered bodhisattva of compassion in Buddhist tradition, is a beautifully crafted representation of spiritual serenity and grace....
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic

Mid 20th Century Chinese Wooden Carved Pagoda/Nine Dragons Wall
Located in Pomona, CA
The original Nine Dragon Wall was built during the reconstruction of Ningshou Palace in 1772. It is 29.4 meters long, 3.5 meters high and 0.45 meters thick. It is a single-sided glazed screen wall built against the palace wall. Very famous in Chinese history. Up for your consideration is a reproduction of wooden carved nine dragon wall for decoration only. It has very delicate carving works of nine dragons on the front and nine phoenixes on the back. Also, there are four dragon posts to support the roof. Look at the detailed photos, there are some minor wears due to the age. but it still maintained its very good condition. Size: 17in H x 22in W x 3.75in D Origin: China Circa: 1950s Material: Wood Condition: Original finish, detailed hand carving works, normal age wear. Disclaimer: Due to differences in monitor/screen settings, product colors may differ slightly between product photos...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Pair of Guardian Lions / Fo Dogs / Shizi, White Ceramic, China, Qing Era, 19th
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
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...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

A 19th century Chinese miniature carved giltwood figure group circa 1890
Located in Central England, GB
This remarkable miniature Chinese/Cantonese carved hardwood and gold leaf figure group depicts a group of five scholars, two of them holding a large object while the other three are ...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Giltwood

Chinese Small Carved Dragons And Phoenix Jade Plaque
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Chinese small jade plaque. It depicts an almost square carved jade plaque with several dragons and phoenixes.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Tibetan Antique Bronze Tantric Manjusri Bodhisattva Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
Manjushri is the Bodhisattva of keen awareness in Buddhism. A disciple of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, he represents wisdom, intelligence and realization, and is one of the most popular Bodhisattvas following Avalokitesvara. Look at this statue, it shows very detailed bronze carving works on it. You can see from the pictures that they are in many years history with some age wears. Now you can have them on your collection shelf. They are not only a great adornment but also a wonderful gift! Size: 11.25in H x 9.5in W x 5in D Origin: Tibet Circa: 1900 - 1940 Material: Bronze Condition: Original condition, hand made, normal age wear. Disclaimer: Due to differences in monitor/screen settings, product colors may differ slightly between product photos...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Chinese Export Porcelain Miniature Elephant Figurine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Chinese Export porcelain figurine. In the form of a recumbent elephant resting atop an oval shaped plinth with a flower design on...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Porcelain

Porcelain erotic figure China
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Porcelain erotic figure China Erotic group of enameled porcelain (menage a trois) three porcelain figurines stamped on their base (red base) White, black, pink and red color hand painted Origin China Circa 1920 Excellent condition without restorations small fissure on the penis Erotic depictions include paintings, sculptures, photographs, dramatic works, musical and literary compositions depicting scenes of a sexual nature. They have been created by almost all civilizations, ancient and modern. Primitive cultures frequently associated the sexual act...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Rose Quartz Hotei Buddha Statue & Stand 1910
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique Chinese Qing dynasty carved rose quartz buddha/hotei figure on a carved rosewood stand, circa 1910. The figure modeled as a buddhistic recumbent figure, the figure is ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Rose Quartz, Rosewood

Pair Antique Chinese Carved Celadon Jade Guardian Lions ROC Early 20th Century
Located in Richmond, CA
This exquisite pair of celadon jade guardian lions hails from the early Republic of China period, a testament to the era's craftsmanship. The lions are intricately carved from high-q...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Pair Matching Ivory Chinese Dogs of Foo Matchstick Holders Silver Bases
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A Delicate Pair Of Ivorine Dogs of Foo Matching Matchstick Box Holders. Bases Have Silver Mark Stamp. Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are a traditional Chinese a...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Turquoise Glazed Ducks, Flock of 8, 1970's, China and Hong Kong
Located in Austin, TX
An absolutely delightful flock of eight vintage Chinese export turquoise glazed porcelain ducks, circa 1970's, China and Hong Kong. The flock consists of eight ducks of various size...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Antique Hand Carved Stump Buddha Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Carved stump Happy Buddha Statuary is 100% hand made and hand carved in about 1850 - 1900 from the tree stump. Following ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

An early 20th century Chinese cloisonne sculpture of a five clawed dragon c 1930
Located in Central England, GB
An early 20th century Chinese decorative cloisonne sculpture of a five clawed dragon gripping a ball. This bright and unusual dragon is a Chinese ...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Copper

20th Century Antique Tibetan Carved Bronze Buddha Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Tibetan Antique Bronze Buddha Statuary was hand crafted from Tibetan Bronze with intricated carving works all over the Buddha. It shows the Buddha seated on a double...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Hardstone Trees in Cloisonne Pots, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese hardstone tree sculptures comprised of amethyst, rock crystal, greenstone, turquoise, and coral, housed in cloisonne jardinieres with sc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Coral, Rock Crystal

Vintage handsome hand carved male Figure with black pedestal.
By Alba China
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handsome handcrafted male figure standing on a black pedestal. This hand carved figure is uniquely carved into a ball. The sculpture is a man ...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Parcel Gilt, Ebonized and Decorated Wood Wall Hanging Plaque
Located in Germantown, MD
Chinese Parcel Gilt, Ebonized and Decorated Wood Wall Hanging Plaque. Measures 15" in width and 35" in height.
Category

20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood, Giltwood, Paint

LOVELY EARLY 20TH CENTURY SMALL CHiNESE HAND CARVED SOAPSTONE VASE
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely early 20th century Chinese hand carved soapstone small vase. This is a unique item of a Chinese hand carved vase...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Soapstone

19th Century Sculpture of Guan Yu '关羽'
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century sculpture of Guan Yu (??), a guardian deity. Guan Yu (d. A.D. 219), a warrior of the late Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220) renowned for his valo...
Category

19th Century Irish Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

Chinese Famille Rose Buddha Budai And Boys Group 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE BUDDHA BUDAI AND BOYS GROUP 20th Century Modelled as Budai seated with five children climbing on his arms and leg, two boys are holding a lotus leaf and one h...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pottery

Antique Tibetan Bronze Bodhisattva Tara (Du Mu) Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
Featured a beautiful bronze sculpture of Tibetan Tara. This Tara is decorated with flowers, lariats, ankle bracelets. She wears an elaborate crown and is seated on a lotus throne. Up...
Category

Early 20th Century Tibetan Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Colorful Pair of Asian Foo Dogs Believed to be Chinese circa 1960s or Earlier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Colorful Pair of Asian Foo Dogs, believed to be Chinese, circa 1960s or earlier.
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Scholar Rock Yellow Taihu Stone on Wood Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is a tall Taihu scholar rock in a mushroom-cloud form displayed on a custom carved wood stand. Wonderful and well-balanced, the stone is of an uncommon waxy deep yellow color with black and white mineral deposits mixed into the texture. Being exposed to the flowing water for millennium, the surface has been polished and weathered, and is now mostly smooth yet still maintains some slightly rugged edges and points at places. Many grottoes puncture and permeate the piece, interlinking and window-like, creating interesting positive and negative spaces for a meditative mind. A remarkable work of art created by mother nature. Stones such as this from Taihu lake was among the four famous stones since ancient time in China. They have been collected and prized by Chinese scholars since Tang dynasty when using them in garden came in vogue. Later on, smaller pieces like this one were displayed in the scholar's private study serving as a mini form of nature for meditation. In China, they are also known as Gongshi ("worshipped stone") and in the west, known also as Spirit Stone...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Limestone

Antique Chinese Stone Temple Wall Sculpture/Buddha Wall Plaque
Located in Pomona, CA
A Chinese antique carved stone wall plaque with traces of original polymorphic and nice patina. Crafted in China, this carved stone wall plaque will ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Pair Chinese Carved Hardwood Foo dogs with Rolling Pearls & Puzzle Balls
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Carved Hardwood figure of Foo dogs with Rolling 'Pearls' & Puzzle Balls China Mid 20th Century A fine pair of Chinese carved hardwood figures of Foo dogs from mid-20th century China. These exquisite hand-carved wooden Foo dogs display the exceptional craftsmanship of Chinese artisans. Each Foo dog is well carved, capturing the regal and protective essence of these revered guardian lions. Adding to their allure, these Foo dogs feature a unique and captivating detail: a rolling wood...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Chinese Red Elm Ancestral Shrine
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Red Elm Ancestral Shrine This hand carved and crafted Antique Chinese Red Elm Ancestral Shrine is used to place fruits and flowers offerings,...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Beautiful Chinese fan of Canton of the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beautiful Chinese fan of Canton of the 19th century in Bone, Paper and Silk. Dimensions: H: 49cm, W: 28cm, D: 2cm.  
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bone, Silk

Guanyin in Carved Wood and Polichrome, China, Early 20th Century, Asian Art
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guanyin in carved wood and polichrome, China, early 20th century, Asian art Measures: H 56cm, W 16cm, W 15cm.
Category

1910s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

A Pair of Hand Carved Gilt Wood Chinese Export Foo Dogs
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A hand carved pair of male and female Chinese foo dogs, circa 1850. Each with original gilt with the old remnants of the import stickers. The male with hairy paw and foot on rattle...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Giltwood

LOVELY EARLY 20TH CENTURY CHiNESE HAND CARVED SOAP STONE BRUSHES POT
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely early 20th century Chinese hand carved soapstone small figure sculpture. This is a good example...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Soapstone

A pair of 19th Century carved Foo temple dogs or Chinese guardian Lions
Located in London, GB
Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. Typically made of stone, they are also known as stone lions or shishi (石獅; shíshī). They are known in colloquial English as lion dogs or foo dogs / fu dogs. The concept, which originated and became popular in Chinese Buddhism, features a pair of highly stylized lions—often one male with a ball and one female with a cub—which were thought to protect the building from harmful spiritual influences and harmful people that might be a threat. Used in imperial Chinese palaces and tombs, the lions subsequently spread to other parts of Asia including Japan (see komainu), Korea, Philippines, Tibet, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. There has been extensive interaction between Chinese mythology and Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Elements of pre-Han dynasty mythology such as those in Classic of Mountains and Seas were adapted into these belief systems as they developed (in the case of Taoism), or were assimilated into Chinese culture (in the case of Buddhism). Elements from the teachings and beliefs of these systems became incorporated into Chinese mythology. For example, the Taoist belief of a spiritual Paradise became incorporated into mythology as the place where immortals and deities used to dwell. Sometimes mythological and religious ideas have become widespread across China's many regions and diverse ethnic societies. In other cases, beliefs are more limited to certain social groups, for example, the veneration of white stones by the Qiang. One mythological theme that has a long history and many variations involves a shamanic world view, for example in the cases of Mongolian shamanism among the Mongols, Hmong shamanism among the Miao people, and the shamanic beliefs of the Qing dynasty from 1643 to 1912, derived from the Manchus. Politically, mythology was often used to legitimize the dynasties of China, with the founding house of a dynasty claiming a divine descent. Mythology and philosophy. Further information: Chinese philosophy True mythology is distinguished from philosophical treatises and theories. Elaborations on the Wu Xing are not really part of mythology, although belief in five elements could appear. The Hundred Schools of Thought is a phrase suggesting the diversity of philosophical thought that developed during the Warring States of China. Then, and subsequently, philosophical movements had a complicated relationship with mythology. However, as far as they influence or are influenced by mythology, divides the philosophical camps into two rough halves, a Liberal group and a Conservative group. The liberal group being associated with the idea of individuality and change, for example as seen in the mythology of divination in China, such as the mythology of the dragon horse that delivered the eight bagua diagrams to Fu Xi, and methods of individual empowerment as seen in the Yi Jing (Book of Changes). The Liberal tendency is towards individual freedom, Daoism, and Nature. The relationship of the Conservative philosophies to mythology is seen in the legendary Nine Tripod Cauldrons, mythology about the emperors and central bureaucratic governance, Confucianism, written histories, ceremonial observances, subordination of the individual to the social groups of family and state, and a fixation on stability and enduring institutions. The distinction between the Liberal and Conservative is very general, but important in Chinese thought. Contradictions can be found in the details, however these are often traditional, such as the embrace by Confucius of the philosophical aspects of the Yi Jing, and the back-and-forth about the Mandate of Heaven wherein one dynasty ends and another begins based according to accounts (some of heavily mythological) where the Way of Heaven results in change, but then a new ethical stable dynasty becomes established. Examples of this include the stories of Yi Yin, Tang of Shang and Jie of Xia or the similar fantastic stories around Duke of Zhou and King Zhou of Shang. Mythology exists in relationship with other aspects of society and culture, such as ritual. Various rituals are explained by mythology. For example, the ritual burning of mortuary banknotes (Hell Money), lighting fireworks, and so on. A good example of the relationship of Chinese mythology and ritual is the Yubu, also known as the Steps or Paces of Yu. During the course of his activities in controlling the Great Flood, Yu was supposed to have so fatigued himself that he lost all the hair from his legs and developed a serious limp. Daoist practitioners sometimes incorporate a curiously choreographed pedal locomotion into various rituals. Mythology and practice, one explains the other: in these rituals, the sacred time of Yu merges with the sacral practice of the present. Various ideas about the nature of the earth, the universe, and their relationship to each other have historically existed as either a background or a focus of mythologies. One typical view is of a square earth separated from a round sky by sky pillars (mountains, trees, or undefined). Above the sky is the realm of Heaven, often viewed of as a vast area, with many inhabitants. Often the heavenly inhabitants are thought to be of an "as above so below" nature, their lives and social arrangements being parallel to those on earth, with a hierarchical government run by a supreme emperor, many palaces and lesser dwellings, a vast bureaucracy of many functions, clerks, guards, and servants. Below was a vast under ground land, also known as Diyu, Yellow Springs, Hell, and other terms. As time progressed, the idea of an underground land in which the souls of the departed were punished for their misdeeds during life became explicit, related to developments in Daoism and Buddhism. The underground world also came to be conceived of as inhabited by a vast bureaucracy, with kings, judges, torturers, conductors of souls, minor bureaucrats, recording secretaries, similar to the structure of society in the Middle Kingdom (earthly China). Chinese temple Dogs...
Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Chinese Jade Hand Carved Stone Amulet with Acanthus Flowers and Leaves
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Chinese green jade hand carved stone amulet with acanthus flowers and leaves circa 1950's. Vintage Asian Chinese Jade hand carved s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone, Jade

Chinese White Jade Open Late Qing Dynasty Plaque
By Alba China
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese white jade openwork plaque late Qing Dynasty depicting birds and flowers. Very fine and detailed work. Small loss on the back side of the pl...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Exceptional & Highly Decorative Pair of Chinese Export Carved Giltwood Panels
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
An exceptional & highly decorative pair of antique Chaozhou hand carved giltwood panels, both showing finely executed relief-carved & gilded vignettes, composed in a terraced format ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Giltwood

Chinese Export sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sculptures and carvings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export sculptures and carvings made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sculptures and carvings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $38,000 while the average work can sell for $1,500.

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