Qing Sculptures and Carvings

19th century bronze bust of Buddha on the original hand carved custom base. The pleasing proportions, subtle smile, and tranquil eyes of this bust of Buddha make it a beautiful examp...

Our 34 inch tall Chinese Caishen's name is often invoked during Chinese New Year celebrations! This is a large and unusual antique hand carved limestone Wealth God Caishen- coming from an old New England collection Hand Made and Hand Carved Measurements: 34 inches high and 15 inches wide, Period: late Qing dynasty, late 19th-early 20th century. This god grasps a silver sycee (an ancient form of silver wealth). Provenance: Coming from an old New England collection and originally acquired from a Shanghai private collection decades ago. History of China's Wealth God Caishen: Caishen's name is often invoked during the Chinese New Year celebrations! Caishen (simplified Chinese: 财神; traditional Chinese: 財神; literally: "God of Wealth") is the Chinese god...

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 wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand-painted face and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets...

This curious carving dates to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911), chiseled from solid limestone to an abstract, zoomorphic form. Possibly originating as an architectural finial, the s...

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...

A wonderfully formed Chinese scholar stone of Lingbi type presented on a carved wood base with curvy conforming contour. Impressive in size and substantial in weight, this grey Lingb...

A fine garniture pair of Chinese moss agate carved cups, sides flanked with Qilin handles, relief carved raised grain patterns to exterior of body, thin...

Sculptural and unusual stone formations have long been fixtures of the Chinese scholars' studio, displayed as sources of beauty and creative inspiration. Known as gongshi, scholars' ...

A wonderfully Chinese carved coral branch in the form of Shou Lao, also called Shouxing, the Chinese god of longevity, Republic period, early ...

China, a carved antique stone Penjing or painting form garden table, late ming to middle Qing dynasty (1500-1900), limestone, three pieces Dimensions: 34 inches high and 55 inches l...

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...

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

Happening upon an intersection, a traveler in Qing-dynasty China would have been grateful for the guidance of this limestone path marker. Still bearing traces of its original pigmentation, each side of this marker is inscribed with directions. One side directs towards the Zhen De Teng household, another towards the Liang family, and a third towards the North East Road. The fourth inscription announces the year of its construction, the 33rd year of Emperor Guangxu (1908). This second-to-the-last emperor...

A rare and interesting Chinese Dehua porcelain (blanc de chine) figure of Kui Xing, one of the five emanations of the Daoist God of Literature (Wu Wenchang), Qing Dynasty, 19th centu...

This large exquisite A-grade jadeite seal presents a masterful carving of a scaly dragon, rendered in a delicate shade of pale lavender. The dragon, a symbol of power, strength, an...

A rare antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Guangxu period Imperial style marked red ink stick, in the form of a roof tiled double door entrance way, with two fierce guardian dieties carved in detailed low relief, one on each door front, detailed in gilt gold, with a centered double happiness character above the doors On the back of the door is a vertical panel of four characters: 开门见喜 (Open Door See Happiness), below which is the makers mark: 紫墨轩 (Purple Ink Pavilion), and 大清光绪年制 (Great Qing Guangxu...

Here's one of the most beautiful Chinese antiques we have ever found in our travels in China over the past three decades. This is a one-of-a-kind antique sandstone lintel which when installed and displayed could be a handsome addition to your decor. It dates to the 18th century of the Qing dynasty. It still retains remnants of its original poly chrome surfaces. The carving and detail is deep and very fine. Depicted are a pair of writhing dragons competing for the fabled -wish granting jewel- and possibly water waves beneath- all auspicious signs. Dimensions: 13 inches high and 71 inches wide and 14 inches deep Photographs taken in natural light in our garden. Rare work of art. Provenance: originally found in Chengdu Province and has been part of family collection since its acquisition in 2004. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese Garden...

A wonderful set of four 19th century wood carvings each featuring two scholars in a garden pavilion. A combination of relief carving and pierced carving techniques are used in these ...

A fine antique Chinese hand carved jade brush wash, in ruyi head form, sides flanked by 2 climbing hydras, and bottom carved with three raised circles fee...

The finely carved full length figure of 'The Goddess of Compassion, Kindness & Mercy' shown attired in flowing robes, her hair worn in high chignon with her face effecting a serene a...

Antique Chinese ROC period early 20th Century hand carved serpentine stone covered bottle vase, finely plotted and carved with a high relief stylized dragon wrapped around the should...

Antique Chinese Niddy-Noddy. A wood skein reel, simple three-part construction, composed of a central handle with middle hand grip worn smooth squared ends with relief sectional carv...

Antique Sandstone Buddhist Head Sculpture. Sandstone Buddha Head 19th century or earlier Buddhist Head Sculpture. Composed of sandstone sculpted by han...

A late 19th century censer from the Qing Dynasty. This is a beautiful censer created in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, circa 1890-1910. The censer has been designed ...

Chinese Qing Dynasty Bronze Statue of Seated Happy Maitreya Buddha. A Chinese bronze statue from the late 18th century Qing Dynasty period is ca...

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

Celadon Bi Disc Sculpture, Mineral and Forging, 20th century – China Exquisite and sophisticated Bi disc made in the early 20th century in China. It is an extraordinary disc carved ...

Mid-19th century Chinese cast iron seated figure. Chinese seated figure in official robes & head-dress, an immortal in Taoism & mythology. Probab...

A Shunzhi or Kangxi Blanc de Chine Porcelain Blanc de Chine Statues like these were made in the kilns of Dehua in Fujian province. These are rare examples! Provenance: From the co...

An early 20th century censer from the Qing Dynasty. This is a beautiful highly detailed small censer, created in the early 20th century during the Qing Dynasty, circa 1910. The cens...

A Shunzhi or Kangxi Blanc de Chine Porcelain European figure in sitting position. Its also a whistle. Blanc de Chine Statues like these were made in the kilns of Dehua in Fujian pro...

This pair of intricately carved limestone fu lions once protected the entry of a grand courtyard home in 19th-century China. Also known as shizi or foo dogs, the mythical creatures a...

An Antique Chinese chopping block with hand-carved detailing. Two original iron supports are wedged on both sides to support such a large piece of solid ...

A tall and impressive figure of the Taoist deity Wenchang Wang, carved, gessoed, lacquered, gilt and polychromed wood, Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, Fujian, China. Wenchang, the T...

Remarkable pair of Chinese glazed ceramic celestial Buddhist Guanyin deities. Featuring two beauties depicted standing in draped robes with casc...

A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand-painted face and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets, we acquired from a collector. Each puppet shows clear signs of previous stage use. Likely from the early 1900s. Would make for a great addition to any Chinese artifacts...

One of a kind. From western China and collected some 20 years ago, comes this large hand carved red sandstone Lohan or Monk sculpture dating to circa...

A Chinese Shanxi carved wooden corbel from the mid 19th century, mounted on a base and depicting two deities. Born in the Northern Province of Shanxi during the 1840s, this exquisite wooden corbel demonstrates the undeniable skill Chinese artists possessed at the time. Presenting two deities (possibly Zhong...

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...

A well carved Chinese soapstone brush pot of jar shape believed to date from the latter Qing dynasty and probably around 1900. The brush wa...

Fabulous Antique Chinese Foo Lion incense burners originally purchased in Bangkok, Thailand. Patinated bronze with cloud-like tails and fierce open...

A pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty period hand-carved and lacquered puppet show signs from the 19th century each depicting two characters. Travel back to the vibrant world of 19th centur...

Created in the mid-19th century, this charming limestone post likely once stood outside a building in China's Shanxi province as a spot to hitch livestock. Carved in reference to the Ming dynasty novel "Journey to the West," the monkey atop the post depicts Sun Wukong, the Monkey King...

China fine pair (2) of handcrafted gilt silver fragrance incense holders Flowers and fragrances were important to Chinese nobility. These handsomely crafted, highly detailed vessels perfect to hold and touch, would have undoubtedly carried flowers or other aromatic substances to create a welcoming ambiance intended for the afterlife. Fine condition with remnant gold gilt over silver and traces of green Verdigris. Note the imperial bird of paradise motif on handle and at base of bulbs. Dimensions: Each 14 inches long and 5 inches high Provenance: old Hong Kong...

A Chinese carved stone temple sculpture of a woman circa 1900s. This Chinese sculpture features a woman wearing an elaborate headdress and flowing robes and holding a bouquet of flow...

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...

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...

Hand carved and vibrantly painted, this 19th century figure of a mythical spirit was once placed upon a traditional altar table to pay tribute to ancestors past. The figure is carved...

A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand-painted face and original textile garment/ robe with a dragon symbol. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets...

Today known by the Japanese name “ishi-sashi,” meaning “awesome stone padlock,” this type of stone weight was used as part of intensive martial arts training. Hand-carved from solid ...

This pair of 19th century carved limestone Fu dogs with sinister smiles and furled brows once guarded the entrance to one of provincial China's grand homes. One peers up and the othe...

A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand painted face and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets...

An integral part of traditional Chinese home life, ancestor worship before a domestic altar often featured painted ancestral portraits or tabletop ance...

This beautiful sculpture realized in China in the 18th century depicts Guanyin, a Bodhisattva associated with compassion. The female form holds a pot in her hands. She appears draped...

This pair of limestone fu lion-dogs once protected a grand courtyard home in 19th-century China. Skillfully carved in attentive postures, the mythical lions are known as “shizi,” pow...

This intricate limestone stele of a standing buddha likely depicts Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. The only Buddhist divinity revered as both a bodhisattva and a Buddha, Maitreya is prophesied to return to Earth some time in the distant future and continue the historic Buddha's teachings of the Dharma. Like the historic Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya is a compassionate being devoted to showing the path to enlightenment. Carved in the style of sixth century Chinese statuary...

Bamboo and wooden slips - jiandú- were the main media for writing documents in China before the widespread introduction of paper during the first two centuries AD. This substantial group, 59 pieces, of one-of-a-kind slips with painted and applied hand calligraphy appeals to book lovers and antiquity sleuths We believe them to be circa 1900 Qing dynasty and are offering this group from a collection of old works of art. Dimensions: bamboo slips...