17th-18th Century Carved Wood and Polychromed Painted Santos

A fine Han dynasty polychrome painted terracotta horse and rider. The warrior is dressed in orange and black on a black horse. Measures: Height 14 inches (35 cm) Width 12.5 inches (32 cm). Condition: Excellent with tastefully undetectable repairs. 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...

A THANGKA DEPICTING AMITAYUS, 18TH CENTURY Tibet. Distemper on cloth, with a silk brocade frame, mounted as a hanging scroll with wood handles. Finely painted with Amitayus seated i...

A pair of early 17th Century Baroque polychromed carved wood Angel sculptures with torch shaped candleholders.

Large Saint John the Evangelist figure created in the workshop of Franz Matthias Hiernle in Mainz, Germany. The superbly carved and highly decorated slender figure, in an elegant and...