A Pair of Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Hen Form Boxes

A Chinese early Qing Dynasty carved and lacquered wood figure of Guanyin, Southern China, 17th/18th century. Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and Mercy, is portrayed seated in dhyanasana, one hand raised in viktara mudra, the gesture of teaching and discourse. The great bodhisattva is dressed in heavy, loose robes tied at the chest, with a mantle draped over his shoulders. He looks serenely outwards from heavily lidded eyes. Guanyin's face carved beautifully with somewhat feminine features. A large five pointed crown sits upon his head. The larger leaves of the crown carved with indistinct images of the Buddha. The statue was originally fully lacquered in the deep red gilt lacquer typical of Southern Chinese Buddhist sculpture...

A lovely pair of Chinese export porcelain figures of court ladies with nodding heads, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The elegant ladies dressed in gorgeous traditional robes...

A near pair of Chinese export porcelain figures of the Taoist immortal Li Tieguai, Qing Dynasty, late 18th century, China. The Daoist Immortal Li Tieguai, on of the Eight Immortals...

A wonderful pair of Chinese export turquoise glazed porcelain models of hawks, Qing Dynasty, late 19th century, China. The fierce birds of prey are well modeled and portrayed perch...

Chinese late Ming dynasty bronze figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as Guanyin (Quan Yin, Kwan Yin, Kuan Yin), 17th century, China  The figure well cast in two ...

A large and magnificent near life-sized Chinese carved and lacquered wood figure of a Buddha, Qing Dynasty, 19th century or earlier, southern China. The figure likely represents one of the Five Tathagatas, also known as Dhyani Buddhas or Wisdom Buddhas. More specifically, either Amitabha or Amoghasiddhi. Amitabha is the Buddha of infinite light, and represents the wisdom of observation and recognition. Amoghasiddhi is the Buddha of accomplishment, and represents the wisdom of perfected practices. The size and scale of the Buddha indicates it was made for temple worship. The large Buddha is portrayed seated in vajrasana, or full lotus position, with the soles of both feet facing up. His elegant hands, with impossibly long and slender fingers, perform shuni mudra, the gesture of bestowing patience. His right arm is bent at the elbow, the right hand raised to heart level. The left arm resting gently in his lap, the left hand at navel level. The Buddha is dressed in voluminous robes that wrap around his shoulders and body, and tied at the waist. The heavy fabric draping and pooling elegantly all around his robust body. His broad chest and right arm exposed. The Buddha's face is both solemn and beatific - his expression seeming to change depending on the angle of view. The most notable feature of his face is the large urna to the center of his forehead, set between a pair of painted, high arching brows over heavily lidded almond shaped eyes. A strong nose is set above a small mouth pursed in an ever so slight smile. Long pendulous earlobes touch his shoulders. The Buddha's hair arranged in the typical fashion, with "spikes" representing tight curls. A prominent ushnisha rises from the crown of his head, covered by more hair, and topped with a rounded protuberance. The Buddha is constructed from several blocks of wood, joined, carved and lacquered a deep red-brown with gold flecks...

Wonderful decorative elephant figure in red cinnabar. We believe this item is Chinese export, circa 1970s, the elephant shows some loss to the red finish on the top of the hind end, ...

A petite Chinese cinnabar lacquered turtle box, circa 1980's. The box is in very good vintage condition and measures 3.5"W x 2.5"D x 1.75"H. #3427

The lush red crystals juxtaposed in a snowy white and gray matrix are cinnabar, a mercury-rich ore historically found in China where this highly collectible specimen was sourced. Cin...

Late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911/12) – Late 19th/Early 20th C. - Ca. 1910 18” high x 8.5" D Fine Condition (Exquisite work of art made during the Qing Dynasty which was known for its ...

This intriguing Chinese zhadou is intricately carved of fine cinnabar lacquer. A work of exceptional artistry, this covered bowl is adorned with an intricately carved floral motif on all surfaces, including the cover and the wide rim. Also known as a cuspidor or spittoon, this rare container would have been used by members of the imperial family and scholar- officials at the court. Carved during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), this charming piece exhibits the high detail and charm associated with items from that period, making it a true treasure, Early 18th century (Kangxi dynasty) Measures: 6 ¼” wide x 3 ¼” high Cinnabar has been revered for its color all over the world. It has been found in the royal burial chambers of the Mayas, in the rituals of India, and in the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome. In China, cinnabar and gold were the two most important elements in alchemy. Mined since the Neolithic Age, cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and as such, it can be incredibly toxic, especially when mining. In fact, during the Roman Empire, miners at Spain’s Almadén mine in Spain were frequently exposed to mercury fumes, and the subsequent, often fatal, sickness was considered an occupational hazard. The most popular known use of cinnabar is in Chinese carved lacquer-ware, a technique that is believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty, in which cinnabar is ground to a powder and added to clear lacquer. As with mining, there was inherent danger of mercury poisoning for those who carved the lacquer, as mercury was also released into the air when artisans ground the pigments. Most antique cinnabar...

This pair of large Chinese cinnabar lacquered vases is a magnificent example of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Standing at an impressive height, these vases feature a striking contrast between white and red lacquer, creating a visually stunning effect. The intricate cinnabar carving...