Austin - Sculptures and Carvings

A striking Gandharan molded stucco head of a male Bodhisattva, tentatively identified as Manjushri, ancient region of Gandhara, probably Hadda or surrounding area, 3rd-5th century. The Bodhisattva is sculpted of stucco in an idealized manner as a youthful male, with soft and kind features, a benign expression on his face. He wears an elaborate pleated turban wrapped around his head, with two sweeping lobes at the front. His turban secured on one side by a small image of a roaring lion. The lion may be read as a reference to Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who is often depicted as riding or subduing a roaring lion, a metaphor for taming the wild thoughts of the mind. Manjushri gazes outwards in a beatific manner from almond shaped eyes, a gentle smile on his lips. The eyes at different levels when looking at the sculpture head on, indicating the original placement of the head was meant to be viewed at an angle. Remnants of pigments to the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Mounted on a custom black metal stand. Hadda was an important center of Buddhist learning in the early history of Greco Buddhist Gandhara, and at one time may have housed a bone relic of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. The sculpture and architecture of Hadda followed Hellenistic artistic conventions faithfully, leading some scholars to believe the distinct Greco Buddhist style of Gandhara was first developed in Hadda before spreading to the rest of the region. The kingdom of Gandhara was situated at a crossroads of trade and cultures. Being one of the last remnants of Alexander the Great's Empire, the inhabitants of the Greco-Bactrian Buddhist kingdom preserved Greek culture and heritage for centuries after the decline of the Greek Empire...

A delightful Burmese cast bronze Buddha in the Arakan style, mid 20th century, Myanmar (Burma). The Buddha sits in the full lotus position, the soles of his feet turned up. His ha...

An unusual 18th century Burmese Arakan style red lacquered and richly gilt cast bronze figure of the Crowned Medicine Buddha, commonly referred to as Bhaishajyaguru. The Supreme Healer is portrayed seated in vajrasana (full lotus position) upon a throne of nine elephants, symbolizing the practice of samatha, or calming the mind (mindfulness) - specifically the nine stages of calm abiding. The hand in his lap holds a jar of healing salve. His other hand rests gently on his knee in varada mudra, the gesture of wish fulfilling, offering a myrobalan seed, a fruit said to be capable of healing emotional ills. The Healing Buddha...

A mysterious and evocative heavily weathered and fragmentary bust of a Burmese standing Buddha, Ava Period, late 17th or early 18th century, Bu...

A large and impressive Nepalese tantric gilt bronze figure of the dikpala Yama and his sister, Yami, early to mid-20th century (1920s-1940s). Well cast and richly gilt, the buffalo headed dikpala (directional guardian) of the South stands upon the back of a bull trampling a prostate figure. Yama is portrayed here in his four armed form. His primary arms hold a flaming kapala (skull cup...

An impressive and gracious Thai cast silver alloy standing Buddha, mid 20th century, Thailand. The Buddha stands upright upon a small square plinth. He...

A wonderful Chinese bamboo figural carving featuring the Taoist immortal twins of eternal youth, known as the HeHe ErXian, Qing dynasty, 19th century. F...

A sublime Burmese carved, lacquered and gilt hardwood crowned Buddha seated in a "western pose", early to mid 20th century, Burma (Myanmar). The elegant and graceful Buddha is portrayed wearing an elaborate six pointed crown with two large "wings" to the side, and a simple robe wrapped around the body and draped over one shoulder. He is seated upon a high stepped throne, his feet resting upon a double lotus pedestal. The Buddha's face is serene. He stares out in the distance calmly, with eyes slightly downcast, and a slight smile on his face. His long, pendulous earlobes blend in with the wings of the elaborate crown upon his head. A lotus bud finial would originally have surmounted the head, but is now missing. He holds one hand in his lap, palm up in a meditative gesture. His other hand rests gently on his knee. This pose, with the Buddha seated upon a raised throne, with both legs planted on the floor, is often referred to as a "western pose". The pose is most often associated with the Bodhisattva Maitreya...

A remarkable Chinese life sized painted stucco head of a luohan, Song, Liao or Jin Dynasty, circa 11th century, China. The amazingly life-like figure depicts a luohan (sometime spelled lohan), also known as an arhat, one of the original disciples of the Buddha. The elderly man has been molded in stucco with inset glass eyes and painted with idealized, if slightly exaggerated features. The unidentified luohan sports a bald, or perhaps shaved, domed head above a bulging forehead, symbolizing his vast wisdom. The wrinkles in his furrowed brow, and creases around his eyes add to his realism. The learned man stares out wisely from deep set, heavily lidded inlaid glass eyes that catch the light. The luohan has high cheekbones and a prominent jawline. His lips full and pursed as if about to speak. The corners of his mouth turned up ever so slightly in a faint smile, causing his gaunt cheeks to dimple charismatically. A series of dots above the upper lip indicate he may originally have sported a mustache of real hair. This life sized head with extremely realistic features fits into a very narrow time frame of Chinese Buddhist art. Perhaps the most recognized group of large, finely molded Chinese luohan...

A delightful Shan Burmese cast bronze seated Buddha in the Ava style, late 19th or early 20th century, Burma. The Buddha sits upon a high, well cast double lotus pedestal. He is s...

An early 20th century Chinese Republic period carved hardstone drinking vessel, called a rhyton, in the form of a mythical pixiu. The archaistic vessel carved in the Han Dynasty style from a single block of lavender gray nephrite and featuring a large horn-shaped cup being supported by a mythical pixiu. The pixiu carved with a nice sense of motion, head reared back, mouth open, and claws bared. The cup bearing a design of large horned taotie ogre masks on either side. The stone with areas of artificial "calcified" patination.  The pixiu is an ancient beast from...

Marlene Rose, an internationally acclaimed award-winning sculptor, masterfully creates stunningly beautiful works of art in her chosen medium: sand-cast glass. Her sculptures resonate with references and allusions to ancient cultures and civilizations, blending the timeless with the contemporary. The Buddha’s head sculpture is a mesmerizing fusion of form and material. Hand-cast from molten glass, it captures the serene countenance of the enlightened one. The translucent green glass seems to glow from within, evoking a sense of inner peace and spiritual depth. As you gaze upon this exquisite piece, you’ll notice the intricate details—the delicate curves of the Buddha’s features, the serene, closed eyes, and the subtle lines that hint at wisdom and compassion. The play of light and shadow on the glass surface adds an ethereal quality, inviting contemplation and reflection. Marlene Rose’s work has found its place in museums and galleries across the United States and Europe. Collectors, glass enthusiasts, and even Hollywood A-list celebrities seek out her sculptures. Each piece she creates is a testament to her mastery of the sand-cast glass technique and her ability to infuse it with profound meaning. Whether displayed in a gallery or a private collection, the Buddha’s Head sculpture by Marlene Rose invites viewers to connect with the timeless wisdom and tranquility it embodies. Provenance: Adamar Fine Arts...

Marlene Rose’s “Buddha’s Head” is a harmonious fusion of ancient wisdom and contemporary craftsmanship. The artist’s mastery lies in her ability to distill profound spirituality into tangible form. The sculpture portrays Buddha’s visage—a timeless symbol of enlightenment and compassion. The closed eyes evoke meditation, inviting viewers to explore their own inner landscapes. The serene expression transcends time, whispering secrets of inner tranquility. The sand cast technique lends an organic texture to the sculpture. Each grain seems to hold whispers of ancient mantras, echoing across centuries. The pinkish hue, reminiscent of dawn’s first light, bathes the head in a gentle glow. The ushnisha—the cranial bump atop Buddha’s head—symbolizes heightened consciousness. It’s as if the artist captured a moment of enlightenment frozen in time. The tight curls framing the face signify wisdom gained through introspection. Mounted on a sleek cylindrical stand, the sculpture defies gravity. Its weightlessness mirrors the spiritual ascent—a journey from the mundane to the sublime. The dark background accentuates the head’s ethereal presence. “Buddha’s Head” beckons viewers to seek solace within themselves. It whispers, “Find your inner temple, where silence blooms like lotus petals.” Marlene Rose’s creation transcends mere art...

This captivating set of two polychrome puppet heads, meticulously mounted, transports viewers to the vibrant world of Burmese artistry. Handcrafted, these expressive puppet heads com...

This exquisite large Chinese soapstone sculpture is a testament to the intricate artistry and rich cultural heritage of China. The piece, meticulously carved from a single block of v...