Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
FOLK ART STYLE
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
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Style: Folk Art
Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns of globular persimmon form with pinched foliate rim and sepal stem finial on top decorated in iron brown/black glaze in double b...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns of globular fruit form with pinched foliate rim and sepal stem finial on top decorated in brown and white glaze in a peaked zigzag...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Thai Fish Bowl, Sukhothai Kilns
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Thai Fish Bowl, Sukhothai Kilns. A deep stoneware bowl with black slip painting of a fish with his tail extending beyond the concentric band on center, further band decoratio...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Southeast Asian Burmese Jeweled Carved Qilin Foo Lion Figure Statue Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A near pair of antique Southeast Asian Burmese jeweled parcel gilt wooden temple guardian figure carvings. circa 1900
Hand carved in Burma (present day Myanmar) in the late 19th / e...
Category
Early 20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Cut Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
Antique Burmese Carved Gilt Wood Glass Jeweled Manussiha Figure Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A whimsical near pair of antique Burmese Mandalay crowned and jeweled parcel gilt wooden mythical Manuthiha figures.
Hand-carved in Burma (present day Myanmar) in the late 19th / ea...
Category
Early 20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique Burmese Carved Wood Panel of a Court Scribe.
Located in Point Richmond, CA
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Antique Thai Ayutthaya Period Bronze Crowned Buddha Head on Wood Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable pair of Thai Ayutthaya period bronze crowned Buddha mounted on wood display stands. Thailand. 17th/18th Century
Dimensions: (approx)
Head: 15" High, 7.75" Wide, 6" Deep (tallest)
Overall: tbd
Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from the highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas.
2024 March Fine & Decorative Asian Art Signature Catalog Auction #8155 Lot #78357
Condition Report:
Attractive pair with beautifully aged patina, condition commensurate of age, use, and exposure. Scattered areas of desirable verdigris green patina and oxidation throughout to each. Minor loss to front shell point of one example. Small holes scattered throughout and scews/nails through each fixing both examples to wooden bases. Both well preserved and present superbly
History:
The first Crowned Buddha images or Jambupati Buddha statues are known to have been originated from the Pyu, where the Indian influence of Buddhist arts and non-Theravada Buddhism was extremely felt in those days. There may have been various background stories behind the crowned Buddha statues in the course of history but one of the most popular stories goes by the legend of Jambupati. This particular legend is not known in the home of Buddhism India, however the crowned Buddha statues have been attached to the name Jambupati as the Buddha is believed to have humbled a boastful and arrogant king Jambupati. The story goes on about how the Buddha transformed himself into a mighty king with a crown and jewelry and set himself a majestic yet incomparable palace. Seeing this, the king accepted the great ability of the Buddha and submitted himself to the Dharma and became a Buddhist monk. This particular story has gained a lot of popularity and stood the test of time in Burma as the number of Crowned Buddha statues in Burma is considerably great in amount.
There are also other versions of the background story of crowned statues...
Category
17th Century Thai Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Hindu Bronze Horse and Chariot Temple Toy on Wheels India 1950s Collectible
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique hindu bronze Temple horse and chariot statue toy on wheels.
This collectible bronze temple toy horse is heavy and the sculptural details are full of artisanal charm and irregularities.
The wheels turn independently of the iron axles, and it has clearly been loved and well used by generations of children.
Antique cast brass iron horse and chariot Indian temple toy.
The horse and chariot both have wonderful detail, the wheels roll freely.
This unique Hindu temple toy piece is: 5. 1/2" tall and 8" long x 4.5 " Wide.
In great condition with a nice aged patina. Handcrafted in India, would make a beautiful statement on a desk or bookshelf.
Commonly known as "Temple Toys," these cast brass figures date back to the early-to-Mid-19th Century India.
They were mainly used as devotional donations for Khanodba and Shiva in Central India, as well as Ayyannar and Karuppan in Tamil Nadu.
Dating from the last half of the 19th century, this was a temple offering, left by the devout at Hindu temples this bronze temple toy would have been given to the children waiting for their parents during temple services in India.
Since ancient times, a person was held in high esteem for the donation of a horse or other animal to one of the Gods.
It was believe that these bronze figures allowed the God to come to the aid of the devotee in times of need.
These figures would be left as offerings in a nearby temple, where children would often find them and use them as toys; hence the name "Temple Toy.
" Antique East Indian Temple Toys, Devotional Shrine Brass Horse and Chariot on Wheels, Hindu, Collectible, Cast Metal Horse, Museum.
Cast bronze horse with elaborate caparisoned high pommelled saddle and trappings, and a braided mane and tail, the legs ending in wheeled axels the chariot.
From the Art collection of Marian and John Scott.
Acquisition date: 1969.
Purchased from the amazing private collection of Mark Lissauer who spent his life collecting niche ethnographic pieces.
About Mark Lissauer:
Mark Lissauer spent forty years travelling abroad for months at a time collecting ethnographic artefacts primarily from New Guinea and the islands of the West Pacific, and from Asia and Himalayan countries. Fluent in five languages and having in the course of business travelled to more than forty countries, Mark is well-known to museums and art-collectors around the world for his long career and his interesting and diverse collection of rare ethnographic material.
Mark knows the origin and symbolism of each piece. Through extensive research and more than ninety trips around the globe, Mark familiarised himself with the traditions of the various cultures he visited in order to understand the meaning of each object to its region and tribe. His home has a specialist library and several rooms are filled with tribal carvings, textiles and ethnographica.
He acquired his first tribal piece in 1948 during a business trip to Milne Bay, New Guinea, and has since documented the acquisition of some 35,000 items. Several thousands of these have been sold to important private collections and museums worldwide, including the Rockefeller Museum, the British Museum and the Musée National des Arts d’Afrique et d’Océanie, now incorporated into the Louvre Museum.
Estimator by Wayne Heathcote Tribal Art Dealer and Expert.
Heathcote has a flash gallery in Brussels, where much of the tribal art business is centred, and is an expert at Sotheby's tribal art sale...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Burmese Betel Box “Kun-It”
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Burmese Betel Box “Kun-It”, a cylindrical woven container with a deep lid and shallow interior tray, all covered in layers of red black and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Burmese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Lacquer
Vintage Burmese Betel Box “Kun-It”
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Burmese Betel Box “Kun-It”, a cylindrical woven container with a deep lid and shallow interior tray, all covered in layers of red black and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Burmese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Lacquer
Asian Gilded Porcelain Elephant Ornament Paperweight Sri Lanka
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Asian Gilded Porcelain Elephant Ornament Paperweight from Sri Lanka.
Charming Mlesna porcelain with gold and red on white.
This porcelain elephant wi...
Category
Late 20th Century Sri Lankan Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter from India Collectible Asian Artifact
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter from India Collectible Asian Artifact
This excellent piece of art from India, made in solid brass, nut slicer or nut cracker which is two halves made w...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Pair of Cased South African Ostrich Eggs Hand Painted
Located in Lincoln, GB
These antique pair of cased South African ostrich eggs is a unique and exquisite addition to any collection. The eggs are hand-painted with intricate designs, showcasing the talent a...
Category
19th Century South African Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ostrich Eggshell
Japanese Cast Iron Tea Pot (Tetsubin) of Square Form with Anchor & Sword, Signed
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
19th Century Japanese cast iron teapot or tetsubin of cube form with anchor chain handle, one side cast with a navel anchor continuing around the back and to the top where the top ri...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Iron
Antique Korean Carved Polychrome Wooden Buddhist Figure Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
Bring a touch of peaceful tranquil serenity and help ward off sickness and negative energy with this large Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) antique Asian hand carved and painted wood Buddh...
Category
19th Century Korean Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Bronze Gold and Green Thai Figurine of Prince Rama with a Bow
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage bronze statue in gold and green of Prince Rama shooting an arrow.
The large bronze sculpture depicts Lord Rama, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, standing majestically wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Fine Antique Huge Hand Carved Folk Art Rabbit, Signed
Located in South Burlington, VT
Coming from an American Folk art collection of animal sculptures- only one.
A fine huge, signed, and heavily hand carved charming erect rabbit measuring 21 inches tall and 9 inches wide- one of the largest hand carved rabbits...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Hand Carved Hard-Wood Elephant Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage hand carved hard wood elephant sculpture.
Large heavy ebony dark wood hand carved Anglo Indian elephant sculpture.
Gorgeous vintage black hand carv...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Bali Hindu Textile Framed 'Kamasan' Painting, Indonesia, circa 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A Mid-20th Century 'Kamasan' cotton textile painting from Bali, Indonesia. The hand painted image has great detail and depicts Balinese Hindu mythology. This textile painting is stre...
Category
Early 1900s Balinese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Paint
Antique Wooden Pot or Tekhi from Nepal, 1900s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Wooden Pot or Tekhi, from Nepal, 13" Tall, circa 1900s
Early 20th century wood pot from Nepal, this particular style of wooden container, pot has a r...
Category
Early 20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Tibetan Buddhist Deity Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Cast Bronze Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A metal cast bronze finish on brass in beautiful posture figure of Tibetan Buddhist Padmapani Deity Avalokiteshvara
Beautiful Asian sculpture after the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani, bearer of the lotus)
Dimensions: Height : 8.5 inches Width : 4 inches Depth : 2.75.inches.
Asia, Nepal circa 1950's.
"The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is the Buddhist embodiment of compassion. He is often portrayed as an elegant and gracious youth. The cult of Avalokiteshvara worship originated in India and spread across Asia, along with other Buddhist philosophies and practices. In some places Avalokiteshvara eclipses the Buddha in importance. Buddhist rulers, such as Prince Shotoku in Japan and the Dalai Lama in Tibet, have been seen as incarnations of this saviour.
In Nepal, Buddhism flourished alongside Hinduism long after the religion had lost favour in India. Although the kings of the Early Malla period who ruled the Kathmandu Valley were Hindu, some of the greatest artistic achievements of the age were Buddhist. This gilt copper figure...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Ceremonial Wooden Bust Mask
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Indian 19th century antique ceremonial wooden mask with archaic jewelry motifs. Experience a captivating slice of Indian history with this 19th-century ceremonial wooden mask from Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan. This antique mask...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Antique Japanese Carved Stone Garden Cottage Model
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare and complete Antique Japanese carved stone architectural model of a traditional Folk Cottage. Having a doorway and grid window at the fron...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Stone
Rare Set of Two Qing Dynasty Chinese Architectural Temple Brackets
Located in Forney, TX
An original matched pair of exceptionally carved Chinese temple architectural ornaments, the ornate decorative brackets salvaged from an early Qing Dynasty temple, the richy detailed...
Category
Early 19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Handcrafted Japanese Ceramic Bowl Signed Jin Kobayashi
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handcrafted Japanese ceramic bowl signed Jin Kobayashi.
Large stoneware plate hand made and hand painted with autumn leaves design.
Hand-carved ge...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Vintage Bronze Gilt Thai Teppanom Temple Guard Dancing Statue Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage statue in gilt bronze metal of Thai Teppanom Temple Guard Dancing statue sculpture.
Vintage Handcrafted Gilded Thai Teppanom Temple Guard Dancer...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Handcrafted Antique Tinned Copper Metal Betel Box, India
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful handcrafted antique tinned copper decorative octagonal betel box with with lid, handle and brass latch.
The metal is delicately and int...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Tin, Copper, Brass
Artefact, Majapahit Terracotta Expressive Head, Java, 1300 AD
Located in Antwerp, BE
A figurative construction ceramic probably a water collector simply modeled, this head is very expressive and the details can clearly be seen.
The Trowulan archaeological site, approximately 100 square kilometres, located in the Mojokerto Regency is believed to contain the remains of what was once the capital city of the Majapahit Empire, featured by 14th century poet Mpu Prapanca in his poem Nagarakretagama. The city was razed during a fight between Girindrawardhana and Kertabhumi in 1478. The Trowulan site is the only archaeological site dating to the Hindu-Buddha classical age to be found in Indonesia. Archaeological remnants and artefacts of the old city in the Trowulan Site were found buried underground as well as on the surface and are still being found today.rtefact:Majapahit terracotta...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
19th c. Antique Bronze Betel Nut Cutters from India Radha and Krishna
Located in North Hollywood, CA
19th century antique handmade brass Radha Krishna betel nut cutter from India.
Upper side is Krishna (vishnu) and lower side is Radha, you can also calle...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Qing Dynasty Chinese Religious Temple Architectural Ornament
Located in Forney, TX
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...
Category
Early 19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Hand Carved Singa Singa Tribal Carving from the Batak People, Sumatra
Located in Yonkers, NY
A antique hand carved tribal carving from the Batak People, northern Sumatra, called a Singa Singa. Attracting our eye with its charismatic presence, this antique hand-carved tribal carving from the Batak People of northern Sumatra, called a Singa Singa, is a captivating example of traditional Indonesian art. This remarkable sculpture, originating from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, embodies the essence of Batak cultural heritage. The Singa Singa, often placed in the corners of traditional Batak houses with boat-shaped roofs, is an iconic image of protection and spirituality.
This hand-carved wooden figure features a high forehead and angular traits, highlighted by traces of black, white, and orange polychromy, adding depth and character to its already impressive form. The delicate scrolling décor intricately carved into the figure enhances its visual appeal, making it an exquisite piece of art.
Perfect for decorating any wall, this Singa Singa carving can also be mounted on a base, serving as a striking centerpiece in any room. Its riveting presence and intricate details make it an ideal conversation piece, bringing a touch of exotic elegance and cultural significance to your home.
With its impressive size and historical richness, this Batak Singa...
Category
19th Century Indonesian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
African Textile Kuba, suitable for table or Wall Hanging or Backrest Covering
By Kuba
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
B/1676. Old African textile from Kuba, Zaire: with small shells as ornament.
An IDEA: use this item as backrest covering of a sofa !
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Raffia, Cotton
African Textile by Kuba, Zaire - for Backrest Cover
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
B/874/1 - Vintage African Kuba textile, suitable for Wall hanging or table -
An IDEA: use this item as backrest covering of a sofa !
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Raffia, Cotton
Antique Moroccan Hand Tooled Berber Leather Babouches Shoes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Moroccan leather slippers, known as babouches are handmade from leather dyed in red and green and embroidered in silk wool thread with ethnic floral design, hand-sewn sole.
H...
Category
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Leather
19th Century Hindu Nandi Temple Guardian, Architectural Ornament
Located in Forney, TX
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...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Wood, Paint
Antique Thai Freestanding Red Ceremonial Drum with Reeded Accents and Round Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A tall antique Thai freestanding ceremonial drum from the early 20th century, with red finish, reeded accents and circular base. This early 20th-century tall antique Thai ceremonial ...
Category
Early 20th Century Thai Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Ceramic Round Shaped Japanese Hibachi's
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of 19th century ceramic shaped Japanese hibachi's with three vertical incisions either side and paper applique decor.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Asian Black and Red Round Box Lacquer Offering Vessel Urn
Located in North Hollywood, CA
South Asian Burmese black and red lacquer box, offering vessel urn with compartment for storage.
This round lacquer ware box from Burma is made from bamboo and lacquer.
In Burma (now...
Category
Late 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Antique ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns, Thailand
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns, Thailand of squat globular persimmon form with pinched sepal ridge and curled stem finial top decorated in a caramel brown an...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Asian Thai Angel Figures of Musicians Wood Sculptures
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of 2 antique Asian Thai figures of Siamese musicians, nicely hand-carved in wood.
Large heavy Asian gilt wood sculptures depicting Burmese Thai angel...
Category
Early 20th Century Thai Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Carved and Painted Bust from French Indonesia
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early Vintage Folk Art Carved and Painted Bust from French Indonesia, early to mid 20th Century, a hand carved and polychromed bust from French Indonesia, depicting a Rani with plait...
Category
Mid-20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Jade Stone Ritual Blade
Located in Chicago, IL
Based on forms that emerged during the Shang Dynasty (1600-1027 BC), this jade stone ceremonial blade continues upon this tradition with precision. The Shang dynasty placed great emp...
Category
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Stone, Steel
Bali Hindu Textile Framed 'Kamasan' Painting, Indonesia C. 1950
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A mid-20th century 'Kamasan' cotton textile painting from Bali, Indonesia. The hand-painted image has great detail and depicts Balinese Hindu mythology. Key features of this image ar...
Category
1950s Balinese Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Paint
Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dog Roof Tiles, Bizen Kiln, 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dogs roof tiles, Bizen kiln, 20th c.
Bizen kiln is one of the oldest and well known kilns in Japan. This is a very unusual pose of Shi-Shi Do...
Category
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Clay
Bronze Statue Sculpture of Ganesh Indian or Nepalese Bronze Hindu Statue
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Indian or Nepalese Ganesh Ganesha Bronze Statue Sculpture.
Beautiful bronze sculpture of Ganesh with a nice aged patina.
From a collection of Asian and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Rare 15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure
Located in Brescia , Brescia
Step into the enigmatic world of Majapahit culture with this exquisite 15th-century terracotta handmaiden figure, a mesmerizing testament to Java's rich heritage. Believed to have once borne offerings of oil or fruit above her head as symbols of blessing and protection, this sculpture exudes an aura of ancient reverence and spirituality.
Hailing from the esteemed Trowulan region in East Java, this remarkable piece has journeyed through centuries before finding its place in the esteemed private collection of Anacleto Spazzapan. Documented in the Majapahit catalog on pages 170/171 as figure number 36, this sculpture has been meticulously studied and authenticated by Professor Agus Aris Munandar, a prominent authority in Indonesian archaeology.
Professor Munandar, born in 1959, is currently the professor of Indonesian Archaeology at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. His extensive research focuses on Hindu-Buddhist archaeology, iconography, and the ancient history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He served as a member of the Indonesian team of experts at National Cultural Heritage from 2015 to 2018 and previously held the role of Head of Institute and Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Indonesia. Now the head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Indonesia, Professor Munandar has authored numerous articles and 19 books, many of which delve into Majapahit culture and artifacts, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in the field.
Professor Munandar's endorsement, complemented by a preface from Professor Massimo Vidale of the University of Padua, offers invaluable insights into the religious and decorative significance of Majapahit terracotta...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Bamboo Straw Hat / Wabi Sabi , Display
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
An old hat hand-woven bamboo and straw.
We found this in Japan, but it's not clear where or when it was made.
The texture of the bamboo that has changed over time is amazing.
This wo...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Straw
Very Tall Pair of African Marriage Figure Panels This is a very heavy pair
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Very Tall Pair of African Marriage Figure Panels
This is a very heavy pair of large full-length figures, wall panels, they are African, carved and polychrome painted, modelled as a ...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
Soapstone Hand-Carved Bust of Brahma with Four Faces
Located in North Hollywood, CA
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...
Category
20th Century Thai Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Soapstone
Indonésie - Grande Paire de statues Panthères Noires en bois peint
By Artistic Carving Company
Located in TOULON, FR
Indonésie début 20 ème siècle
Importante paire de panthères
Sculptures décoratives, presque grandeur nature, en bois sculpté et laqué noir, représentant deux panthères la gueule ouve...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Bronze Toy Horse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze toy horse on four wheels. Reminiscent of early 19th century Indian toys, these pieces were often left as offering in temples for children to find. The gift of the horse t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Bamboo Straw Hat / Wabi Sabi , Display
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
An old hat hand-woven bamboo and straw.
We found this in Japan, but it's not clear where or when it was made.
The texture of the bamboo that has changed over time is amazing.
This wo...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Straw
Asian Bronze Guardian Lion Sculpture 19th century
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Asian bronze guardian lion Lion Sculpture 19th Century.
A bronze figure with traces of polychromy depicting a temple guardian lion with an open mouth, long mane and a defensive posture on its four outstretched legs.
The tail is curled over the back and the body is full of curls in the form of protuberances and decorative spirals.
Antique bronze temple guardian style lion sculpture, richly ornamented and masterfully sculpted with patinated gilt brass, the ferocious mythical beast in an aggressive ready to charge stance.
Measures:
5.5: W x 4.75 H x 3 D Inches
Antique condition with typical wear and appropriate patina.
From the Art collection of Marian and John Scott.
Acquisition date: 1981. India.
Evaluation date records: 1982.
Purchased from the amazing private collection of Mark Lissauer who spent his life collecting niche ethnographic pieces.
About Mark Lissauer:
Mark Lissauer spent forty years travelling abroad for months at a time collecting ethnographic artefacts primarily from New Guinea and the islands of the West Pacific, and from Asia and Himalayan countries. Fluent in five languages and having in the course of business travelled to more than forty countries, Mark is well-known to museums and art-collectors around the world for his long career and his interesting and diverse collection of rare ethnographic material.
Mark knows the origin and symbolism of each piece. Through extensive research and more than ninety trips around the globe, Mark familiarised himself with the traditions of the various cultures he visited in order to understand the meaning of each object to its region and tribe. His home has a specialist library and several rooms are filled with tribal carvings, textiles and ethnographica.
He acquired his first tribal piece in 1948 during a business trip to Milne Bay, New Guinea, and has since documented the acquisition of some 35,000 items. Several thousands of these have been sold to important private collections and museums worldwide, including the Rockefeller Museum, the British Museum and the Musée National des Arts d’Afrique et d’Océanie, now incorporated into the Louvre Museum.
Estimator certificate of authenticity by Wayne Heathcote Tribal Art Dealer and Expert.
Heathcote has a flash gallery in Brussels, where much of the tribal art business is centred, and is an expert at Sotheby's tribal art sale...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Zabihi Collection Chinese Pictorial Scatter Size Early 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
Scatter size Chinese Peking rug from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century with an animal pictorial motif
Measures: 1'11" x 3'7".
Category
Early 20th Century Mongolian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
African Batik Cloth Natural Hand-woven Hand-Printed Cotton Fabric Ghana 10 Yards
Located in North Hollywood, CA
African Batik Cloth Natural Hand-woven Hand-Printed Cotton Fabric Ghana 10 yards.
Colors are organic earth tone beige and light brown in geometric design.
Non waxed fabric circa 1950s.
Hand made in Ghana Africa.
Museum Quality Original Long Piece.
380 inches, (30 ft 10 yards Long) x 46 inches Inches Wide( 4ft).
Could be use to make pillows or upholstery.
History of Batik in Africa:
Batik, a traditional fabric art technique, has a rich history in Ghana, West Africa. The practice of batik involves using wax to create intricate patterns on fabric, which is then dyed to achieve the desired design. While batik has its origins in Asia, particularly in Indonesia, it has been embraced and adapted by various African countries, including Ghana.
In Ghana, batik-making can be traced back to the mid-20th century when it gained popularity as a form of traditional textile art. The craft was introduced by artists and artisans who were inspired by the vibrant and expressive nature of batik. These early practitioners experimented with different designs, colors, and patterns, infusing local themes and motifs into their creations.
Over time, batik became an important part of Ghanaian culture and identity. It is not only used for clothing but also for various decorative and functional items such as wall hangings, tablecloths, and accessories. The art form often reflects the rich cultural heritage of Ghana, incorporating symbols, proverbs, and traditional stories into the designs.
Ghanaian batik artists often employ a combination of traditional and contemporary elements, creating a unique fusion of styles. The process of making batik involves applying hot wax to the fabric using various tools to create the desired patterns. The wax acts as a resist, preventing dye from penetrating the waxed areas. After dyeing, the wax is removed, revealing the intricate designs on the fabric.
Today, batik-making in Ghana continues to thrive as both a traditional craft and a form of artistic expression. Many artisans and designers draw inspiration from Ghana's diverse cultural landscape, incorporating elements from different regions and ethnic groups into their batik creations. The art form has also gained international recognition, with Ghanaian batik products being sought after both locally and abroad.
In summary, the history of batik in Ghana is a testament to the creativity and adaptability of artists who have embraced and transformed this traditional technique into a vibrant and culturally significant art form within the country.
HISTORY OF BATIK
In the mid-nineteenth century, the Belanda Hitam, or "Black Dutchmen," are said to have introduced batik to West Africa after serving as indentured soldiers for the Dutch in Indonesia. Returning from their conscriptions with trunks of fine Javanese batik, the opulent patterns captured the imagination of their friends and relatives. However, textile history is complex, and only a handful of recruits returned to West Africa with batik due to delayed payments.
Batik, with roots traced to Egyptian mummies, is a tradition found globally, from Southeast Asia to Japan and India. Europeans, particularly the Dutch, played a significant role in industrializing batik from the seventeenth century onward.
In West Africa, Dutch Scholar Ineke van Kessel suggests that batik arrived from India over trans-Saharan routes. Local populations, like the Yoruba in Nigeria, incorporated wax printing into their textiles. European traders brought wax and non-wax fabrics to West Africa in the seventeenth century, targeting a population ready for their consumption. European designers adapted prints for the African market...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ghanaian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Cotton
Korean Folding Chaekgeori Painted Scholar Floor Screen
Located in Atlanta, GA
A six-panel painted folding floor screen from Korea circa early 20th century. This type of screen is called Chaekgeori (books and things) which is quite unique to Korea. It became popular at the end of 18th century favored and encouraged by King Jeongjo (1752-1800) as a political tool to promote social conservatism such as the traditional Confucianism value, especially considered important in a time when waves of new ideology influx came to Korea. Initially commissioned for the royal court, they became increasingly popular with the scholars of noble and affluent households and were used widely in their halls and studies. Early screens were painted with trompe-l’oeil bookcases displaying books and arrays of collectibles. Later, the bookcases were eliminated to focus on the assemblage of neatly stacked books and objects of scholarly pursue. On this screen, the six panels were neatly presented and framed in woven brocade borders. Among the stacked volumes, one can find many fine porcelain vases with flowers, potted orchids, pen holders with brush pens and scroll paintings, incense burner, ink stone, teapot, fan with ink painting, vessels of fruits, exotic plants such as lotus, plumeria and even a pair of glasses. It feels like a pleasant visual measure hunting for the viewers. Several words in Chinese found their way into the picture as well, including filial (xiao), longevity (shou) and luck (fu).
The painting was done in a meticulous way with no details overlooked and also with a rather western still-life dimensional perspective. In a rather unusual maximal but also minimalistic way, the screen exudes a historical charm with a folky flair but appears modern at the same time.
Each panel is 17.5"w by 70.2"h.
For general information on the subject see reference: Chaekgeori the Power and Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens...
Category
20th Century Korean Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Brocade, Silk, Wood, Paper
Antique 19th C. Brass Betel Nut Cutter from India Collectible Asian Artifact
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A late 19th or early 20th century Indian brass betel nut cutter from the North Western regions.
This is a betel-nut cutter made of brass using casting technique with bird motifs and...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter from India Collectible Asian Artifact
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter from India Collectible Asian Artifact.
Add a touch of cultural and historical significance to your collection with this antique Indian Sarota or Betel ...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Folk Art asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Folk Art asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art asian art and furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, South Asia, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include Rajhastani, Berber Tribes of Morocco, Harrods, and Kuba People. 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 asian art and furniture 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 $18,000 while the average work can sell for $1,225.
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