Chinese Buddhist Stone Column, c. 1850

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...

Unlike many objects of its kind, this limestone hitching stone was carved into a simple rounded shape without any figural references. Used to secure a horse by rope or reins, the sto...

These 19th century column bases likely figured into the grand and imposing surroundings of a Qing-dynasty courtyard, flanking the entryway with their protective presence. Carved from...

This carved stone stele depicts the historical Buddha, known also as Shaka, Shakyamuni, or Siddhartha Gautama. Seated in perpetual meditation, the Buddha embodies virtues of wisdom and composure. Hand-carved of limestone in the style of Northern Wei (386-535) statuary, the Buddha is depicted upon a lotus plinth with legs crossed in lotus position. His hands are held downwards in bhumisparsha mudra, a gesture representing the moment that the Buddha claimed the earth as witness to his awakening. The Buddha has a peaceful, benevolent expression and is framed by a halo of concentric circles. His figure is surrounded by attendant bodhisattvas, carved in relief on the curved stele behind and platform below. Leafy tree branches add a naturalistic touch to the background, wrapping around to the back of the stele to form a canopy above a second, smaller Buddha...

Hand carved of stone, this object would have been used in a shoemaker’s shop to press down large pieces of leather. Doubling as a handle, the central figure depicts the curious figure of a man with pig-like facial features holding a rake. The figure is Zhu Bajie, a character from the Ming-dynasty novel “Journey to the West...

Look closely and you can just make out the hand-carved details that once made this small stone stool resemble a drum. A ring of circles along the top and bottom imitates bosshead nai...

China antique monumental Pagoda Shrine with carved Lohans, 115" high, red sandstone, eight sections, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) This stone pagoda is a monumental work of art seldom seen in the west. Pagodas evolved from Indian stupas which were originally designed to hold the Buddha’s relics and textual paper sutras. This tiered tower composition became popular all over Asia and its architectural form differed from region to region. In China, its origins date to Buddhist missionaries who traveled the Silk Road. Early examples were built in temples but by the 13th century they were found outside the temple complex. Oldest examples had simple round or square bases and then later octagonal or more stylistic forms like the “censer” type of base on this pagoda. The 18 Arhats (lohans) portray Buddha’s messengers and each Lohan cylindrical tier is unique. This tour de force could serve as the centerpiece in the finest indoor space, or private or public Chinese or Asian inspired garden or Buddhist art collection. Photographs taken in natural light. Provenance: Private New England Collection acquired in 2005 in China from private collection Cheng Du, Sichuan Province. About Pagodas: Chinese pagoda towers...

China Monumental Pair (2) Antique Stone “Spirit Pathway” Tigers, middle Qing period 1750-1850. Dimensions: 115cm, 46” high and 60cm, 24” in width. Likely utilized as spirit pathway...

Vintage Buddhist 'nine peaches' hard stone carving - symbolizing immortality and long life - peaches are one of the three 'blessed fruits' in Buddhism...

China antique monumental Wooden Pagoda, total height is 70 inches, hand carved and hand painted wood, seven hexagonal sections plus finial, late Qin...

The Monumental Chinese Buddhist Mountain Monastery Soapstone Carving is a masterful work of art that encapsulates the grandeur and spiritual significance of Chinese Buddhist archite...

Spectacular pair of Chinese Buddhist guardian temple foo dogs or foo lions intricately crafted from bronzed metal. The lions are depicted sitting with one having a paw on a ball or o...