Hand-Crafted Animal Sculptures

Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles , Exceptional fine pair of Large French Retour D'egypt period terracotta lions, circa 1790-1810. The French Egyptian Revival style or the retour d'Egypte refers to style that makes use of the motifs and imagery of ancient Egypt. By the end of the 18th century enthusiasm for ancient Egypt generated by Napoleon's unsuccessful conquest of Egypt and, in Britain, to Admiral Nelson's defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. Napoleon took a scientific expedition with him to Egypt and this was the first time a major study of ancient Egypt was done. Publication of the expedition's work, the description de l'Égypte, began in 1809 and came out in a series though 1826 influencing a new way of life in France thru architecture and decorative arts. However, works of art, decorative arts, furniture and, in the field of architecture and garden follies, funerary monuments in the Egyptian style had appeared in scattered European settings from the time of the Renaissance. The Egyptian Revival style came out in a few waves in France before Napoleon during the ancient Régime Egyptian motifs were mixed with the neoclassical-Louis XVI style in architecture, furniture and decorative arts. A big surge hit France around 1798 during Napoleons Egyptian expedition. This was the first major Egyptian Revival period as this was the first time in history that a major study on Egypt was done. French people became fascinated with the ancient Egyptian history, culture, architecture and furniture. Egyptian ornamentation like scarab beetles, sphinxes, winged lions and lotuses details were incorporated into Classical style furniture and decorative arts creating a style known as a hybrid neo-Egyptian. The next wave was during the height of the French Romantic period 1820s-1850s. The Egyptian Revival emerged as a result of the famous archaeological digs of the first half of the 19th century and was primarily used for Tomb memorials, temples, and cemeteries and some decorative arts. This style is distinguished by its adaptation of Egyptian forms and motifs, sphinxes guarding buildings including lotus blossoms, Pharaoh's heads, the winged disk symbol of the sun God, as well as the use of bold bright colors. At the end of the 19th century 1870s-1890s the Egyptian Revival styles were in vogue once more. At the Height of the Victorian period the Egyptian style was even more elaborate than before. Often incorporated with Neo-Greek & Renaissance Revival styles. Victorians were even more fascinated with these rare finds and incorporated their motifs into jewelry, furniture, glass and Art pottery. Heavily ornamented overstuffed furniture...

18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figure, Rhesus Monkey and child, model 1464, circa 1750 . Modelled by J.J. Kändler. Monkey, with outstretched hand holding fruit, and child chained ...

Pair of amazing Italians Minotauro Sculptures Minotaur, large marble figure, Italy, 17th century, figure with a human body and the head of a bull, baroque style, white slightly sp...

One of the national symbols and emblems of France is the Coq Gaulois (the Gallic Rooster) and it was decorated French flags during the Revolution (1789-1799) . It is the symbol of French people because of the play on words of the Latin Gallus meaning Gaul and Gallus meaning coq- Rooster. This late 18th century ceramic...

A Indian 18-19th century hand-carved wooden horse decorated with polychrome colors. In original untouched condition with a beautiful age-related patina, showing the antique authentic...

Lion of Forge, Spain, 16th century In forging, measurements: 10 x 17 x 5 cm Good condition Spanish private collection.

A very finely made pair antique Chinese porcelain blanc de chine figures of hawks dating from the early qing period and from the 18th century, possibly from the Kangxi reign. The fig...

Tang Dynasty Horse and Rider. China (618-907 AD) During the Tang Dynasty, horses were revered creature, considered relatives of the mythical...

Beautiful bronze eagle from the edo period, hand carved.

Italian Romanesque 12th century marble recumbent lion 12th century Italian roman marble lion  with a stylized mane and tail wrapped around its body a...

Han Dynasty painted pottery horse and rider A Chinese Han Dynasty painted pottery horse & rider. Made from grey pottery and cold-painted in white, red and black pigments. The rider dressed as a warrior and in the pose of holding reins for the horse. Comes with a custom sturdy lucite stand. Measures: Height: 13.5 inches (33cm). Length: 13 inches Depth: 5 inches Han Dynasty (206 BC – AD 220). Condition: Very good with past restoration to legs. The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China can...

Incredibly old, rare and meaningful, antique giltwood tabernacle door with lamb of god sculpture. This striking and all handcarved, symbolic tabernacle must have originally been part of a church or monastery tabernacle and it is a real work of (religious) art. Most Christians will recognize and know the deeper, symbolic meaning of this sculptural church relic...

IMPERIAL EAGLE Italian, 17th Century sculpture in carved and gilded wood, based on a base decorated with plant motifs and masks with two claw and ball-...

A visibly old pair of mold-formed terracota women kneeling, dating to the Majapahit Empire circa the 15th century. These were excavated amongst the shrines of Mount Penganggungan, Ea...

Large Polychrome Fruitera Pedestal Dish, Cocle Culture, Panama A large pedestal dish with two hammerhead shark-like sea creatures in plum, ochre and b...

A Tang Dynasty (618 - 907AD) Chinese Pottery Horse with Saddle. No TL test but absolutely guaranteed authentic with COA available upon request. Dimensions: 14 x 6.75 x 17 inches (35.6 x 20.3 x 43.2 cm) Condition; Very Good with wear commensurate of age and use. Invisible repairs to left ear and parts of mane and hair tuft. A super tight hairline on base of neck barely visible with magnifying glass. Strong and stable and presents beautifully. The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to the horse. Their rapid mobility allowed for quick communication between far away provinces. Likewise, the military role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the native Mongol pony) led to the creation of the Silk Road. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered, believed to be relatives of dragons, a theory reflecting their sacred status within society. During the Tang Dynasty, the adoration of the horse can be seen through their burial art. Horse models excavated from mausoleums of the period are among the most splendid and easily recognizable works of Chinese art. This work is remarkable for the amount of the original pigment that has survived the ravages of time, specifically apparent on the orange saddle. Equally impressive is the fact that the saddle has been separately crafted; it may once have supported a rider who is now lost to us. This gorgeous sculpture is a testament to the admiration and adoration the Chinese had for these marvelous creatures. Although they were an integral part in the expansion and defense of the empire, they were equally regarded for their beauty and grace as revealed by this sculpture. AVANTIQUES is dedicated to providing an exclusive curated collection of Fine Arts, Paintings, Bronzes, Asian treasures, Art Glass and Antiques. Our inventory represents time-tested investment quality items with everlasting decorative beauty. We look forward to your business and appreciate any reasonable offers. All of our curated items are vetted and guaranteed authentic and as described. Avantiques only deals in original antiques and never reproductions. We stand behind our treasures with a full money back return policy if the items are not as described. Please also consider Avantique’s antique and ancient Asian...

500-600 year old sculpture of 'Hanuman', the Hindu monkey god, carved in sandstone. From temple in Burma, 15-16th century or even older. In very good condit...

A Large Han Dynasty Terracotta sculpture of a Mythical Beast. Possibly a horned tiger but most probably a winged lion often seen in ancient jade sculptures. I cant emphasize how ra...

Han Dynasty life size Terracotta sculpture of a dog. Buried in a tomb for thousands of years; this mingqi companion has decided to come back and accompany the living. I’m actually taking a liking to this pup; most probably a fierce pit bull...

400-500 old Burmese sandstone "Holy Cow" sculpture with beautifully detailed carvings. Very decorative with natural patina. Mounted on a base of light sandst...

This Majapahit horse is crafted from terracota and is mounted on a stand. It was excavated amongst the shrines of Mount Penganggungan, East Java, Indonesia. Terracotta pottery was an...

A recumbent Bactrian camel resting on folded legs, with remnants of white polychrome slip evident, terracotta, 618 AD to 906 AD. Measures: Height 10 in...

18th century Chinese bronze duck incense burner, Qing period Please note that one foot is missing, broken off, see detailed image.  

400-500 old Burmese sandstone elephant with beautifully detailed carvings. Very decorative with natural patina. Forehead with older repair From pagoda / te...

A wonderful pair of Ex Sotheby’s painted Polychrome Equestrian Horse and Riders made from gray pottery, Presents beautifully and guaranteed authentic with provenance and COA. Measures: Height 11.5 inches and width 11 inches Condition: Possible professional restorations but not detectable. Provenance: Sotheby’s London. 16th November, 1999. Lot 12 (2 of 4 horses in that lot). Sotheby’s New York, NY September 14, 2019. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered. Horses were believed to be related to mythological dragons, reflecting their sacred status within society. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the Empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and green/gold, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted red tunic and gray chest...

Pair 18th C. Carved Marble Terracotta Figures Lions Sculptures Garden Statues LA . Rare large Pair of early 18th century carved marble terracotta Figures of regal lions, holding an i...

Stunning early 1600s press with hand-carved heraldic lion sculptures. In the same decade that a young painter by the name of Rembrandt van Rijn w...

17th Century sculpture stone lion holding a monkey. This very decorative Piece was once built into a building as a striking focal point. The depictio...