Very Rare & Unusual Russian Lacquer Wood Piano Storage Box Palekh Monumental

A Monumental Gilt-Lacquered Bronze Ornamental Buddha Sculpture of Vajravidarana: A Masterpiece of Sino-Tibetan Craftsmanship, Late 19th Century, Qing Dynasty This monumental gilt-lacquered bronze ornamental sculpture of Vajravidarana is an extraordinary and commanding piece of art, showcasing the pinnacle of Sino-Tibetan craftsmanship from the late 19th century. The figure of Vajravidarana, a powerful purification deity in Tibetan Buddhism, is meticulously sculpted to embody both spiritual authority and artistic excellence. Vajravidarana is primarily known for his role in removing spiritual impurities and negativities. Unlike other deities associated with wisdom or compassion, Vajravidarana’s function is centered on purification and healing. He is typically depicted holding a vajra and a bell, symbolizing the cutting away of delusions and the resonance of divine truth. In this striking sculpture, Vajravidarana is shown holding a vishva vajra (the double vajra), a unique and powerful variation of the traditional iconography, which signifies ultimate protection and the dispelling of negative karma. Vajravidarana: The Supreme Purifier and Protector Vajravidarana is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the deity of spiritual purification, called upon to cleanse practitioners of defilements and negative influences. His vajra represents the indestructibility of truth, while his bell signifies the wisdom that resonates through purification rituals. In this sculpture, the presence of the vishva vajra, or double vajra, enhances his association with supreme protection, ensuring the destruction of all spiritual obstacles and afflictions. The figure’s powerful yet composed expression conveys a sense of unwavering resolve and divine authority. His posture, along with the carefully sculpted details of his robes and ornaments, highlights his function as a guardian against impurity. The inclusion of the vishva vajra rather than the usual single vajra reinforces his role as a supreme protector, capable of dispelling all forms of negativity and restoring balance. Symbolism of the Mantras and Aureole: Unlike deities that embody wisdom through duality, Vajravidarana’s iconography is centered on purification and exorcism. The aureole surrounding him is inscribed with sacred purification mantras rather than depictions of a consort. These mantras emphasize his function as a remover of obstacles and impurities, reinforcing his role in Buddhist healing rituals. The presence of the sacred inscriptions elevates the sculpture’s spiritual significance, making it a focal point for meditation and ritual purification. Practitioners often visualize Vajravidarana radiating purifying light, dissolving afflictions and negative karma. This theme is mirrored in the sculptural repetition of the purification symbols on the aureole, reinforcing the deity’s role as a divine cleanser. Gilt-Lacquered Bronze: The Artistry of Sino-Tibetan Metalwork: The craftsmanship of this monumental figure reflects the expertise of late 19th-century Sino-Tibetan metalwork, where traditional Tibetan themes were infused with Chinese artistic sensibilities. Cast in bronze and finished with a rich gilt lacquer, the statue has an otherworldly glow, giving it an ethereal, almost divine presence. The gilding process—applied with exceptional skill—gives the sculpture a striking luminosity that enhances the fine details of the facial features, flowing robes, jewelry, and other elements of the deity’s attire. The technique employed to create this figure speaks to the high level of craftsmanship that flourished during the late Qing Dynasty and early modern Tibetan art. The ornate details of the robes and the fine texture of the sculpture highlight the exceptional skill of the artisans who brought this work to life. The use of gold and lacquer not only reflects the preciousness of the sculpture but also its spiritual significance as an object meant to inspire reverence and meditation. An Ornamental Sculpture of Monumental Scale: Unlike smaller devotional objects, this sculpture is designed as an ornamental masterpiece, intended to make a grand visual and spiritual statement. Its monumental size allows it to dominate any space, offering a commanding presence that is both physically and symbolically impressive. In Buddhist practice, large sculptures of this nature are often placed in temples or meditation halls, where their imposing size and serene presence would encourage contemplation and devotion. The grand scale of the statue further amplifies the spiritual power it is meant to convey. As a representation of Vajravidarana, it is not only a physical object of beauty but also a conduit for meditation, purification, and enlightenment. The scale of the sculpture also emphasizes the divine stature of the deity, highlighting his importance in the Buddhist tradition as the ultimate force for spiritual cleansing and protection. Provenance: Acquired in China in circa 1900 1905 Private Buddhist Temple, Northeast, USA Private Sale Solomon Treasure...

A Rare and Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral, Rome, 19th century, circa 1840. Possibly a representation of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence Italy. The Italian Renaissance is renowned for its magnificent works of art and architecture, which are admired to this day for their grandeur and intricate details. Among the most impressive examples of this era are the rare and monumental carved Carrara marble models of cathedrals...

A Monumental Louis XIV style French gilt-bronze mounted wood boulle marquetry casket box, circa 1895 Known in French as a carré de toilette, this casket has canted corners with lavi...

From Paris to Cairo: René Lalique’s ‘Fouad I’ Box and Its Royal Legacy A rare and historically significant creation by the preeminent French glass artist René Lalique, this exquisite box and cover, designed in 1924, exemplifies the fusion of artistic mastery and regal symbolism. Fashioned in clear and frosted glass, the piece is adorned with a finely moulded relief of winged solar discs, a motif evocative of ancient Egyptian iconography and celestial divinity. The subtle sepia staining enhances the intricate detailing, imbuing the composition with depth and an ethereal luminosity. The frosted lid bears a distinguished engraving of King Fouad I of Egypt, his state portrait rendered with remarkable precision, underscoring both his sovereign authority and the modern aspirations of his reign. A dedication inscribed on the base—"Offert par Fakhry Pacha à Paris le 9 Octobre 1924"—further contextualizes the piece within the realm of diplomatic and ceremonial gifting, situating it as a testament to cross-cultural exchange and early 20th-century Franco-Egyptian relations. Signed ‘R. LALIQUE’ to the lid, this refined objet d’art reflects Lalique’s unparalleled ability to harmonize material innovation with historical reverence. This box stands as an exceptional example of early 20th-century glasswork, where the aesthetic ideals of Art Deco converge with the grandeur of Egyptian heritage. Now regarded as one of the finest expressions of Lalique’s oeuvre, this box not only embodies the technical virtuosity of its maker but also serves as an enduring artifact of royal patronage and artistic diplomacy. Provenance Lot 39, Lalique, Christie's, 12 May 1998 Private collection Bequeathed to the present owner in 2020 Private Collection, UK Solomon Treasure...

Russian Lacquer Miniatures softcover book. Published in 2007 by Yarky Gorod Publishers of Saint Petersburg. Illustrated, 160 pages.

A beautiful piano lacquered bedside table or vanity cabinet. This piece has some nice surprises to it. The top opens leading to a mirror and a box for jewelry. The front panel covers...

Large box trunk bone inlayed rosewood storage village scenery very fine detail.

The antique oak storage box, shown here, is as decorative as it is practical. Made in the 1840s-1850s, the box is solidly crafted of oak and fitted with brass corner braces and corner guards...