Sandstone Wall Plaque

The sign is of Burmese origin, made from teakwood and covered in lacquer and gold leaf. The two legible characters are “Jade” and “Art”. As many carved signs were shop signs, this may have been a jade dealer’s sign...

The lotus flower has been a symbol of spiritual purity and enlightenment ever since the time of the Buddha. These wooden lotus flowers are meticulous reproductions of ceiling decorations found in Thai temples. In some temples, lotuses are painted directly on the ceiling. In other temples, they're elaborately carved, covered in gold and placed in the center of ceiling panels. Either way, their purpose is the same -to draw the eye of the worshiper toward heaven. . According to a Zen verse, “may we exist in muddy water with purity, like a lotus." The lotus grows out of the mud, rising upward to bloom in the sunlight, clean and perfect. These lotuses are hand-carved from wood and finished by artisans in Chiang Mai, Thailand, according to ancient designs. Shown here: a large multi-tiered lotus with an antique wood finish.

An exceptional architectural high relief hand carved stone band of running scroll decoration frieze panel, with beautiful scrollwork, representing wind or water, and mythological creature, perhaps a dragon or grotesque griffin. The characters in the center may be Asian hieroglyphs (Japanese kanji). The top side has a dovetail joinery cutout from where it would have attached and fit into place before cementing it in place. 19th century or earlier. This antique architectural salvage building element is a beautiful and artful display of history, and a quick way to add texture, character, rustic charm and interest. Will make a wonderful decorative object within your home or office. Provenance: Personal property of Genshiro Kawamoto. A Japanese real estate billionaire and avid art collector who owned numerous multi-million dollar properties in Hawaii and was building one of the most expensive homes in Hawaii prior to his tax evasion arrest, followed by prison sentence in Japan. He had bought multiple properties to convert into museums in order to display his personal decorative arts collection, but due to his legal and financial problems, his items were all auctioned...

Mid Century Studio Pottery Wall Plaque. Very interesting and refined studio pottery wall plaque. Intricate details all over, with dep...