Ancient Chinese Zodiac Figure With "PIG" , Ming Dynasty 1368-1644

China, a monumental pair (2) of 500 year old lime stone “Spirit Path” Equine horse head sculptures. Ming dynasty, (1368-1644 CE). A pair of near life size and robust head sections with fine, wavy combed manes, well defined mouths, ears, nostrils, and ornamental bridles, all carved in a medium to dark gray limestone with considerable weathering to surfaces. The smaller head with a later inscription on bottom and signed “Zhuang”. Formerly exhibited “Treasures from Asia”, Shelburne Vermont, Shelburne Art Center, 2006. Originally found in the vicinity of the village of Chuan near Luoyang City, Henan Provance, China. Each mounted on a custom iron display stand. Dimensions: A the smaller 32.5cm, 13” high and 62.5cm, 25” in length and with display stand, 60cm, 24” high; b the larger 37.5cm, 15” high and 67.5cm, 27” in length and with display stand 65cm, 26” high. Please view additional photographs from our Chinese antiquities catalog 35 Years Collecting 35 Treasures, page 60. History: Placing stone animals and human figures along spirit paths in front of important tombs can be traced back at least to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), some two thousand years ago. In ancient times, stone animals and human figures placed before imperial tombs symbolized royal power and privilege in addition to decorative functions. Life size “spirit path” stone horse sculptures are known and can be viewed from Ming dynasty tombs including thirteen imperial tombs of the Ming Dynasty scattered over an area of forty square kilometers in Changping District to the northwest of Beijing. The first Ming tomb...

China, a carved antique stone Penjing or painting form garden table, late ming to middle Qing dynasty (1500-1900), limestone, three pieces Dimensions: 34 inches high and 55 inches l...

China an ancient limestone figure of an Entertainer replete with hands holding tambourines and a top a drum, -for the afterlife- , Han dynasty 206 BC...

China, a rare hand carved stone male figure from the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). Dimensions: 16 inches tall on its custom stand and and 6 inches wide Condition: old patina wi...

Carved out of a single block of grayish brown stone (likely granite type), this Buddha head represents Northern Qi style in China (550-577AD) and likely of the period. The Northern Q...

Chinese Qing Dynasty Bronze Statue of Seated Happy Maitreya Buddha. A Chinese bronze statue from the late 18th century Qing Dynasty period is ca...

A Chinese Ming Dynasty period miniature terracotta armoire with green glazed finish and bracket feet. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), this exquisite miniature...

Originally tucked in a pocket as a charm, this tiny shoe was kept close at hand as a talisman for marital happiness. Meticulously carved from wood, the shoe is decorated with a double happiness symbol, the traditional symbol for conjugal bliss. A lovely Valentine’s Day or anniversary gift, the charm has a compartment ready to be filled with a note or small gift...