Hand-Carved Sculptures and Carvings

A Batak Tribe “Singa” from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. This mythical lion figure was used as a protective architectural element on the corner of a traditional Batak house. It f...

Here’s what one of our customer says: “Your workmanship is superb.” Japanese Torii gate - Custom Made for your garden. Master crafted design wit...

Early 20th century mechanical toy from Kobe, Japan. This small mechanical toy was made in Kobe, Japan. This is the classic doll of a man chopping an...

This bust is a beautiful representation of lord Brahma. Brahma is a part of the holy trinity of Hinduism along with Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the destroyer. He is depicted in Hi...

A large and impressive Indian carved sandstone architectural frieze featuring a central image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi flanked by two atten...

A visibly old mask from the Javanese masks theatre ‘wayang topeng’: carved from hard wood, and painted on the front side. The mask shows clear traces of ...

Japanese hand carved and painted wood mask of Tengu, the legendary Japanese folk religion creature. Traditionally depicted as a human-bird of prey hy...

This pair of monumental Fu-Lions, also known as shizi, once would have flanked the entrance to a Qing-dynasty home in China’s Shanxi province. One has a pearl under its foot, and the...

Stunning and unique pair of matching horse sculptures. With a combined experience of almost 30 years in the antiques trade, we were thrilled to once again find beautifully hand-crafted and decorative antiques that we had never seen before. From the density and the weight we can see and feel that these highly decorative horse sculptures are made of a tropical hardwood. Like, for example, with antique mirror frames or church sculptures these horses too were first covered with a mixture of chalk and glue so that the paint would hold longer. And, as so often is the case with antiques, the colors that were used for painting these horses are so much more beautiful than anything you find in this day and age that they truly are an absolute joy to look at. From the colors, the wear, the materials and the techniques that were used to create these horses we can see that these are 19th century antiques. However and unfortunately we lack the knowledge to be able to tell you from which country these highly decorative and sizeable works of art originate. We just can't find matching style horse sculptures anywhere on the worldwide web. They could be Chinese or Nepalese, but they could also be Persian or Arabian. We just have not been able to find out. What we do know is that they are definitely antique, they are in beautiful condition (with some wear, consistent with their age), they are highly decorative, probably unique and they have a look and feel that will instantly change the atmosphere of the room they are in. Mind you, our sharp price for this wonderful pair of horse sculptures...

A rare three-eyed Japanese Bukaku comic demon mask, dating from the early Edo period, but could also be from the late Momoyama period. The early Edo period is the golden age of Noh t...

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...

A monumental Australian aboriginal throwing club, crafted from a very hard wood and it dates to the early 20th century. Incised longitudinal fluted design with a pitch coated handle. Condition: Very good condition. Display base not included. Dimensions: 26.5 inches in length. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee. Red base not included. History: The throwing stick...

14thC Tibetan Book Cover. Superb example. Evidence of likely having been turned into a shelf or other piece of furniture during the Cultural Revolution to hide it from being destroye...

A beautiful Antique chinese white jade open work pendant/carving. A magnificent Open work White Nephrite Jade carving of the kneeling boy holding a large lingzhi mushroom. His ro...

A Magnificent Antique Chinese Natural Nephrite Jade Plaque . 19th C A CHINESE CELADON NEPHRITE JADE PLAQUE Late 19th /early 20th Century The foliate plaque incised with various...

Finest 12/13thC Burmese Pagan Stone Buddha in deep concentration. Covering the body are remains of red, black, and white polychrome. The vast majority of Burmese stone...

Thai Sandstone Carving of the Head of A Buddha Image, Ayutthaya, 15th Century. This sculpture has carved features with full lips outlined with an incised line known as a “trace”, the “U” of the chin broad, long aquiline nose , protruding large and arched eye lids with the eyes narrowly open revealing the pupils, over  arching brow continuing the line of the nose, short forehead,  a thin raised outline as the hairline surrounding the face, 6 rows of round boss hair curls to the domed usnisa covered in 5 rows of hair curls, large ears with attenuated earlobes reaching to the break at the neck, flat top to the usnisa and a flat area to the back of the head. The facial surface gessoed lacquered and gold leafed, the rest of the head with Varied surface mottling and lacquer remnants mostly revealing the sandstone texture of the material. Mounted with a post and drilled interior hole to a large solid teak block as a contemporary stand. Condition: A sculpture fragment from a large Buddhist Image, The head has been removed at the neck and the flat area at the top of the head would indicate that another mortared segment would have originally been attached possibly an undulant unalom finial, otherwise remarkably fine. Measuring: 23-1/8 inches high overall, the sculpture is 15 inches high x 10 inches wide x 10-1/4 inches deep. The wood base is 8-1/8 inches high x 7-7/8 inches wide x 7-5/8 inches deep. Provenance: with Kenneth Brown Jewelers...

A beautiful pair of monumental vintage bone inlay Chinese pagoda temples with miniature figurines. This super chic pair is a beautiful addition to any roo...

A beautiful solid stone statue of Buddha Amitabha. The face broad in Tang dynasty style, with downcast eyes and long earlobes, neatly coiled hair mounted...

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

This is an antique netsuke made in Japan around Showa period 1970s. Netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan. Initially a simply-carved button fastener on...

This is a kokeshi doll made with a white birch. It was made around 1980s in Showa era. This kokeshi is with new style. Dimension: H21 x 6.5 x 6.5 cm Betula platyphylla, the Asian ...

This is a wooden kokeshi doll made around 1980s in Showa era. It was made in Nagano prefecture in Japan. The wood is a white birch. Betula platyphylla, the Asian white birch or Jap...

A rather fantastic and unusual walking stick/ cane. Hand carved from wood. Multi dragon heads. We have not seen another quite like it. Has a great feel and clearly unique look. ...

A pair of wood fragments carved in high relief with overlapping leaves of magnolia and mimosa, fronting blossoms of magnolia and reeded fractions of columns. Hand carved, solid wood,...

A well carved wooden portrait bust of an elderly man carved by a Balinese artist around the mid 20th century. The bust is carved from a single piece if wood and is well carved with g...

These are early 20th century carved panels from Timor Island, they have been hand carved and feature a mix of human and animal figures. They also feature ceremonial tribal designs on...

A tribal door from a Lopo Round hut from tribes people on the island of Timor, Indonesia. A Lopo house is a communal hut where the tribe convenes with a second story used to store gr...

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...

Exceptional Large Incised Lacquer Hsun-ok Offering Box With Interior Tray, Bagan, 20th Century.   The large round bowl form is for holding cooked rice and the interior tray is for ho...

A pair of finely hand-carved soap stone bookends featuring high relief landscape scenes with dragon heads. Perfect to use on a desk as a paper weight or decorative object around the house or office. Highly decorative and fitting for any interior style. Fantastic openwork carving of a dragon amidst floating clouds...

A truly magnificent and special work - this beautiful and exceptionally long string of Japanese handcrafted natural wood (perhaps rosewood) Buddhist Juzu mala beads with four large square-like beads called shitenshu beads said to represent the Four Heavenly Kings: Jikko-Ten, Zocho-ten, Hiromoku-ten, and Tamon-ten (Since there are four square beads, the denomination is probably Tendai or Nichiren sect). These rosary-type prayer bead necklaces were used by Buddhist monks in temple prayers / rituals and worn by Samurai as amulets of protection. We have not come across another set of Juzu beads...

Vintage midcentury hand carved ebony wooden Balinese busts sculptures. Hand carved sculpture in wood depicting a Balinese couple. Bust of a man and wom...

We Japanese introduce unique items with unique aesthetics, purchasing routes and methods that no one can imitate. This is a small wooden Buddha statue made in the Edo period in Japan. And this pose is called "Shaka Nyorai". It is the highest Buddhist statue in Buddhism. It is a very precious existence that saves the lives of many people. I think it was in a private house such as a small village. Since it is a simple sculpture, it was not carved by a person who specializes in carving Buddha...

A beautiful, wonderfully crafted, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theatre. The mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood and is signed by the maker. This mask is of the immortal character Doji who symbolizes perpetual and eternal youth ("doji" literally translates as "child") in the Noh theater world. He is portrayed as a handsome male...

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...

A beautifully carved, wonderfully crafted, highly engaging mask made for Japanese Noh theatre. The mask is handcrafted and hand carved from natural wood and is signed and sealed b...

Burmese pottery standing Buddha. Age: Burma, Ava Period, 15th Century Size: Height 13.4 C.M. / Width 6.2 C.M. / Length 10.7 C.M. Condition: Nice c...

Tibetan wooden Buddhist Mahakala mask (Shaman Exorcism Mask Yama God of Death) with stand. Age: Tibet, 19th Century Size: Height 36.6 C.M. / Width 2...

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.

A truly beautiful and supremely serene Japanese Amida Nyorai Buddha. A magnificent work. Meticulously hand carved in such fine and amazing detail (see hands and flowing robes). Gilded throughout. Seated with narrowed eyes in deep meditation and hands in Buddhist Abhaya Mudra position offering a blessing of protection, reassurance, peace, and benevolence. This hand position, also known as the "fear not" gesture, was achieved by Buddha immediately following his enlightenment. This work is from the late Edo period, (1603-1868)/ early Meiji period (1868-1912). From a California collection. Would be a fantastic addition to any Japanese or Asian artifacts/buddha collection or eye-catching stand-alone accent work in about any setting. One of the best Japanese Buddha sculptures...

A beautiful, wonderfully crafted, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theatre. The mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood and is signed by the maker, clearly a mast...

A wonderful 20th century carved painted wooden Chinese horse purchased in 1985 from a prominent Hong Kong Gallery. A copy of the original receipt will be...

This is an outstanding pair of Meiji Period carved hardwood figures of a ferocious lion and tiger. The carving is exceptional as is the bone detailing of the mouthes and teeth. The f...

A decorative hand carved Thai giltwood standing Buddha on a lotus flower with black square base. The costume is layered and flowing and the facial expression is peaceful with a grin....

A fantastic wood and gilt decorated hand carved Chinese ancestral temple shrine Emperor figure with a tiger. From a collection of Chinese and Asian artifacts...

A vintage pair of Asian hand carved hard stone urns with intricate detail of dragons, scenery and Asian symbols on wood bases.

Vintage Wooden Coconut Grater in Animal Form, Thailand A utilitarian implement commonly used in an Asian household. To use it, the coconut is cut in h...

400 - 600 Year old charming and artistic sandstone relief. Dragon "mythical beast" which is a symbol of wisdom. From Buddha temple in Arakan, Burma....

A lovely pair of very detailed carved wooden temple ornaments (kibana) in the shape of elephant-like mythical creatures known as ‘Baku’. Baku are Japan...

This 18th-century carved wooden figure likely depicts the Jade Emperor, the supreme monarch of heaven and earth in Chinese folklore and Taoist mythology. Ruler of all deities and ben...

A truly beautiful, wonderfully aged, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theater. The naturally faded beauty and unique character drew us to this mask immediately. The mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood, clearly by a master of his trade. We believe this mask is of the Noh theatre character Otobide. This mask dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1868). It comes with a wooden storage box (which may have been added at a later date). A rare, unique, and exquisite mask. Finely carved and executed. Would be a great addition to any Japanese or Asian art/artifacts collection or an eye-catching stand-alone accent piece in about any setting. Mask dimensions: 7.7" high, 5.7" wide, 2.1" deep...

China antique monumental Wooden Pagoda, total height is 70 inches, hand carved and hand painted wood, seven hexagonal sections plus finial, late Qin...

This is a remarkable Sukhothai Buddha unlike any I have seen before. It is skillfully carved in Crystal in a 15 /16th century style. It may be a perio...

Chinese Export Hardwood Carved Plaque of Quan Yin in Landscape China, circa 1920s Expertly hand carved landscape plaque of Quan Yin the Buddhist goddess of compassion, mercy, and healing and the eternal protector of women and children. Mounted with symbolic brass hook. Overall measurements : 15-Inches high to the the top of the hook/ 14-Inches high to the top of the hand carved wood plaque...

Japanese Kimono storage box, constructed of wood and bamboo, painted black with family crest painted in red on the sides. The top has wood slats, which ...

A rare collection of 5 antique wood statues of Chinese Bodhisattvas. All seated in horseshoe round back chairs, the collection features Celestial E...

Life-size Carved Wood Buddha, possibly by the great 17thC Japanese carver Enku. One of the all-time greats, this piece has all of the qualities of one of his best (look online or at ...