Chinese Mythical Elephant Stone Mortar

Passing through these impressive posts, a visitor to a Qing-dynasty estate would know he was entering someplace special. Used in a traditional courtyard entry to secure the doors as they swung open, these hand-carved posts are nonetheless ripe with symbolism. Double dragon medallions...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynasty society, the practice provided an opportunity to display one's refined aesthetic through collectible snuff bottles. This petite snuff bottle is carved from a conglomerate stone embedded with small fossils...

Essentially a utilitarian vessel, this mortar is textured with etched line work to facilitate the task of removing the outer husks from grains of rice. Yet it seems as if the Qing-dy...

This stone mortar from the early 20th century was once used in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, rice, and other foods. Hand-carved from a solid block of limestone, the mortar has a minimally worked form that preserves the natural beauty of the stone. With minimalist appeal and a raw, unworked texture, the mortar is fantastic as a sculptural vessel or a tabletop planter...

This stone mortar from the early 20th century was once used in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, rice, and other foods. Hand-carved from a solid block of limestone, the mortar has a rounded body with a square base and a flattened rim. A studded border patterns the top rim and raised elements at each corner add intrigue to the otherwise simple design. With minimalist appeal and natural textures, the mortar is fantastic as a decorative vessel or a tabletop planter...

This stone mortar from the early 20th century was once used in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, rice, and other foods. Hand-carved from a solid block of limestone, the mortar has a tiered shape that transitions from a square base to a rounded top. Etched lines pattern the mortar on all sides except for the smoothed interior, where daily use has eroded the original texture over time. Used as a decorative vessel or tabletop planter...

Intricately carved green jade carved vessel with lid. The deep green jade with elephant and ring handles with custom wood base. 12.75 inches tall inclu...

A large and impressive Chinese caved jade vase, Republic Period, circa 1930. Carved from one massive piece of jade. The vase carved with the He He Er Xian...

A large and graceful carved nephrite jade conjoined double vase in the form of a pair of Buddha's hands fruit (finger citron), late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The large and heavy vase carved from a single piece of celadon nephrite jade, with areas of lighter brown "sugar" skin. The vase ingeniously carved as a pair of Buddha's hand fruit, also known as finger citron, rising from a gnarled, leafy branch. The smaller Buddha's hand with a pair of bats. The Buddha's hands fruit with elegant and naturalistic curved "fingers". The "fingers wonderfully shaped and reticulated. The body of the fruit with simple stippling, in imitation of the textured surface of the real fruit. The interior of each fruit well hollowed and able to hold water. Buddha's hands fruit are auspicious in Chinese culture. Their name in Chinese "Fo Shou" is a homophone for "Happiness and Longevity. They are often placed as offerings on Buddhist altars...

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, ...

Pair of oversized Chinese cylindrical vases. Beautifully detailed ceramic jars with blue and white dragons. Textured surface. Over scaled for vis...

An exceptionally hand-carved antique Chinese soapstone spill vase - spill holder (see below), profusely decorated and intricately detailed naturalistic sc...