China Rare Antique Double Dragon Stone, 19thc

China antique monumental Pagoda Shrine with carved Lohans, 115" high, red sandstone, eight sections, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) This stone pagoda is a monumental work of art seldom seen in the west. Pagodas evolved from Indian stupas which were originally designed to hold the Buddha’s relics and textual paper sutras. This tiered tower composition became popular all over Asia and its architectural form differed from region to region. In China, its origins date to Buddhist missionaries who traveled the Silk Road. Early examples were built in temples but by the 13th century they were found outside the temple complex. Oldest examples had simple round or square bases and then later octagonal or more stylistic forms like the “censer” type of base on this pagoda. The 18 Arhats (lohans) portray Buddha’s messengers and each Lohan cylindrical tier is unique. This tour de force could serve as the centerpiece in the finest indoor space, or private or public Chinese or Asian inspired garden or Buddhist art collection. Photographs taken in natural light. Provenance: Private New England Collection acquired in 2005 in China from private collection Cheng Du, Sichuan Province. About Pagodas: Chinese pagoda towers...

China, an authentic antique hand-carved and hand-painted limestone temple figure of the venerable lohan, Kasyapa. This beautiful Buddhist sculpture will bring serenity and timeless style to your home, office, sacred space, or garden Substantial dimensions: 35 inches high and 12 inches wide Handmade and hand-carved, solid limestone with weathered remnants of older temple paint as applied by the temple from where it originally came, Chengdu, China. Head and hands are later replacements. Stone statues like these were regularly - refreshed- by the temple monks. In our extensive travels to western china we saw many instances of old stone figures like this with varying degrees of paint refreshing, ,replacement of heads as this one, and periodic refreshment by the temple monks to maintain a seemingly new appearance. Please note the offering cavity on his back side- undoubtedly used by patrons to place offering scripts or perhaps food as a sign of respect and veneration. This enjoyable character would make a fine garden presentation or special indoor choice. Only one. Provenance: Originally from a collector in Chengdu, China, acquired by us directly from this collection around 2002 on one of our many visits to that part of historic China. About Kasyapa: Kasyapa is a revered Vedic sage of Hinduism. He was one of the seven ancient sages considered as Saptarishis in Sanskrit texts and Indian mythologies. He is the most ancient rishi listed in the colophon verse in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and called a self-made scholar in the Atharvaveda. He was based in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, and legends attribute the region of Kashmir to be derived from his name. One of the more frequently depicted lohans in Chinese sculpture is Kasyapa, a cousin to the Buddha. Throughout Six dynasties...

Two Fine Old Woodblock Garden Prints : Stone Pagoda, Gardens, Stepping Stones & Lush Landscapes Japan two (2) antique Old Kyoto Garden Woodblock prints from an original book 18th-19th century Immediately frameable Printed on handmade washi rice paper. Dating to the 18th-19th century and originally found in Tokyo, Japan. These rare woodblock printed leaves illustrate awesome panoramic Japanese gardens as artistically drawn from some 200 years ago. Replete with old pavillions, a tall stone pagoda, stepping stone pathways, lanterns, trees, and tea gardens, they have been rescued from a rare original Edo period book of that day and printed in chuban size format. Our prints measure 10.25 inches by 13.75 inches or a double chuban size. These original prints from an original book are scarce as we have only seen a handful of these rare artifact...

From China, comes this large 22 inch diameter round hand-carved mill stone from the 19th century or earlier period. This was likely a grinding base stone for a large oil pressing too...

An ideal garden ornament, sturdy weather proof planter display base or a rock solid all weather stone base for a special sculpture. From China, comes this large 20.5 inch rectangu...

Unique garden accents This delightful round hand-carved stone in the form of an old "cash coin" with its square hole and dates to the 19th century. This was likely a mill stone for ...

Rare pair of Antique Carved Stone Garden Panels in all original very good condition having a desirable deep patina from decades of weathering. Calligraphic inscription along the top ...

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...

Unlike many objects of its kind, this limestone hitching stone was carved into a simple rounded shape without any figural references. Used to secure a horse by rope or reins, the sto...

This pair of limestone Fu dogs once protected a grand courtyard home in 19th century, China. Skilfully carved in attentive postures, the lion-like dogs are “shizi,” symbols of power ...

Rare and complete antique Japanese carved stone architectural model of a traditional Folk Cottage. The front of the cottage has an entrance doo...

Rare and complete Antique Japanese carved stone architectural model of a traditional Folk Cottage. Having a doorway and grid window at the fron...