England - Sculptures and Carvings

A well carved wooden portrait bust of a young girl wearing an elaborate headdress carved by a Balinese artist around the mid 20th century. The bust is carved from a single piece if w...

Early 19th Century Carved Teak Archway, Hindu, Buddhist Temple Doorway This piece has been removed intact and with very little damage to the carvings, it is made in Teak and is pro...

This superb Indian work of art is finely hand carved from a single large piece of rich dense well figured hardwood and it is remarkable in its detail. It portrays a very large Indian elephant...

A fine quality late 19th Century Meiji period Japanese patinated Bronze study of a Hawk, having gilded highlights such as the claw feet and face. Mounted on a carved hardwood root ba...

A Magnificent Antique Chinese Natural Nephrite Jade Plaque . 19th C A CHINESE CELADON NEPHRITE JADE PLAQUE Late 19th /early 20th Century The foliate plaque incised with various...

A well carved wooden portrait bust of an elderly man carved by a Balinese artist around the mid 20th century. The bust is carved from a single piece if wood and is well carved with g...

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely early 20th century Chinese hand carved soapstone small vase. This is a unique item of a Chinese hand carved vase...

An enchanting classical French 19th Classical silvered bronze statue depicting a mother and her children dancing, mounted on a gilded base. Sign...

A wonderfully impressive and amusing classical 19th Century patinated Bronze statue of a Court Jester, signed A. Bolle. Batch 73 CZZK 60825

A pair of 19th century wooden elephants from the Rajasthan area in India with their original paint and vibrant colors. Originally they would have stood outside of a home by the front...

Chinese tessellated bone horse sculpture circa 1950s. Modeled after an actual horse discovered during the “Tang Dynasty” period, 618-906 A.D.

A very fine and attractive Chinese Qing Dynasty turquoise glazed figure of Guanyin dating from the 19th Century or possibly earlier. The hollow biscuit porcelain figurine...

Set of Three Wedding Horses. These horses were carved by Rajhastani artisans around 1920s or earlier. This is a very rare set of male and female and foa...

A Magnificent Chinese Carnelian Agate Snuff Bottle. Qing Dynasty. Antique Chinese Carnelian Agate Hand Carved Snuff Bottle finely carved in...

A very rare larger than life size late C18th/early C19th terracotta figure of a male diety, in the Khmer style, the figure sitting in a relaxed pose, with hair tied up and a serene c...

19th Century Large Scale Chinese Burr Root Wood Carving This fascinating large hand carved figure stands almost 70 inches in height. Made in 5 secti...

5433 Tall and Elegant Martin Brothers Vase decorated with blue, green and tan glazes by Robert Wallace Martin. The salt glazed stoneware sculpture is modelled with protruding eyebrow...

As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this quite dramatic Meiji Period 1868-1912, carved wood and lacquered figural group depicting a battle betwe...

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely early 20th century Chinese hand carved soapstone small figure sculpture. This is a good example...

As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this charming Meiji Period 1868-1912, bronze okimono group of a cluster of turtles, possibly Japanese pond t...

Japanese bronze of an elephant, mid-twentieth century, modelled with trunk aloft, a substantial, attractively modelled sculpture with pleasing colour and finish.

An artistically created sculpture table decorative objects, After Jules Moigniez (French 1835-1894), bronze figure group modelled as a bull, cow and calf on the naturalistically modelled ground before a fence, upon an oval base, signed J Moigniez. This bronze with a brown patina, entitled “Bovine family...

A fine antique/vintage Chinese carved tigers eye stone libation cup supported by a dragon and dating from the early 20th century or possibly earlier. The hard stone cup...

A rare Chinese Guan Yin figure, early Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Beautifully painted carved wood retaining a significant amount of its apparently or...

Bronze cast with delicate serene features, very refined detailing throughout. Featuring bow-shaped mouth and downcast eyes, flanked by pendulous pierced ...

A large and impressive Meiji period bronze bison by Sano Takachika for the Kakuha Company, the animal powerfully modelled with his head low and turned slightly to the left and with a...

Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a skeleton. The skeleton naturalistically carved in the foetal position in preparation for transitional burial. With...

A rare and interesting old Himalayan / Tibetan folk art figure of a soldier or warrior. The standing figure with large Avian embellished headdress with bandolier and holding a sword,...

The graceful ‘Heron II’ by internationally renowned sculptor Marion Smith. Lifesized and made of bronze resin with signature and initials of Marion Smith to the base. Marion’s works ...

A finely carved white statuary marble figure of Psyche. In Greek mythology, Psyche is the goddess of the soul and wife of Eros, god of love. She was the most beautiful girl in the w...

A well carved Chinese Lapis Lazuli figure of a duck with a Lotus flower probably dating from the latter 19th or early 20th century. The figure is h...

A stylish antique Khond bronzed metal stylized figure of an Ox dating from the early to mid 20th century made in Orissa, India. The Khonds are an indigenous Adivasi tribal commun...

A French Art Deco carved white marble figure of a flapper girl. Beautifully carved and highly detailed statue raised on a Panozza marble base. Additional information: Measurements:...

Antique 18th century fruitwood carved Memento Mori Skull. The skull of petrified display powerfully carved in the form of a human skull consisting of the cranium, upper and lower jaws, the cadaverous face with deliberate missing tooth in brown wash patination throughout. Stood upon a small marble base with the skull attaching via a dowel fitting. The Skull probably from German origin. Notes  From approximately the sixteenth century, skulls were commonly used to remember death as they symbolise the transience of human life. Memento Mori literal Latin translation means remember that you [have to] die. The concept has its roots in the philosophers of classical antiquity, and appeared in funeral art and architecture of the medieval period. Memento Mori jewellery...

A fantastic pair of enamel, gilt and copper horses. Take a look at all our pictures to see the intricate detail and life like expressions - amazing colours too. Made in China in th...

Called ‘pagode’ (or pagoda) figures, these Meissen Porcelain models are based on the sculptures of deities found in pagoda temples in the Far East. Meissen began to produce these kinds of porcelain figures in the early 18th century, prompted by the demand for the Far Eastern ‘pagodes’ being imported into Europe at this time. The Meissen factory in Germany was founded in 1709 and was the first producer of true porcelain wares in Europe. The company’s main patron was Augustus II the Strong, the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. Meissen was, and continues to be, famous for its tableware, vases, candelabra, animal sculptures and figures, like this pair, which were often graceful and light-hearted in character. These models feature the Meissen mark of the two blue crossed swords on their undersides. These porcelain models take the form of a Chinese couple...

We are delighted to present an extraordinary and exceptionally rare pair of 18th Century Chinese Dogs of Foo. These remarkable sculptures are meticulously ...

A SILVERED-BRONZE MODEL OF A GOSHAWK By Kunichika, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century Naturalistically rendered, standing alert with its head lowered, its wings ...

Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. Typically made of stone, they are also known as stone lions or shishi (石獅; shíshī). They are known in colloquial English as lion dogs or foo dogs / fu dogs. The concept, which originated and became popular in Chinese Buddhism, features a pair of highly stylized lions—often one male with a ball and one female with a cub—which were thought to protect the building from harmful spiritual influences and harmful people that might be a threat. Used in imperial Chinese palaces and tombs, the lions subsequently spread to other parts of Asia including Japan (see komainu), Korea, Philippines, Tibet, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. There has been extensive interaction between Chinese mythology and Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Elements of pre-Han dynasty mythology such as those in Classic of Mountains and Seas were adapted into these belief systems as they developed (in the case of Taoism), or were assimilated into Chinese culture (in the case of Buddhism). Elements from the teachings and beliefs of these systems became incorporated into Chinese mythology. For example, the Taoist belief of a spiritual Paradise became incorporated into mythology as the place where immortals and deities used to dwell. Sometimes mythological and religious ideas have become widespread across China's many regions and diverse ethnic societies. In other cases, beliefs are more limited to certain social groups, for example, the veneration of white stones by the Qiang. One mythological theme that has a long history and many variations involves a shamanic world view, for example in the cases of Mongolian shamanism among the Mongols, Hmong shamanism among the Miao people, and the shamanic beliefs of the Qing dynasty from 1643 to 1912, derived from the Manchus. Politically, mythology was often used to legitimize the dynasties of China, with the founding house of a dynasty claiming a divine descent. Mythology and philosophy. Further information: Chinese philosophy True mythology is distinguished from philosophical treatises and theories. Elaborations on the Wu Xing are not really part of mythology, although belief in five elements could appear. The Hundred Schools of Thought is a phrase suggesting the diversity of philosophical thought that developed during the Warring States of China. Then, and subsequently, philosophical movements had a complicated relationship with mythology. However, as far as they influence or are influenced by mythology, divides the philosophical camps into two rough halves, a Liberal group and a Conservative group. The liberal group being associated with the idea of individuality and change, for example as seen in the mythology of divination in China, such as the mythology of the dragon horse that delivered the eight bagua diagrams to Fu Xi, and methods of individual empowerment as seen in the Yi Jing (Book of Changes). The Liberal tendency is towards individual freedom, Daoism, and Nature. The relationship of the Conservative philosophies to mythology is seen in the legendary Nine Tripod Cauldrons, mythology about the emperors and central bureaucratic governance, Confucianism, written histories, ceremonial observances, subordination of the individual to the social groups of family and state, and a fixation on stability and enduring institutions. The distinction between the Liberal and Conservative is very general, but important in Chinese thought. Contradictions can be found in the details, however these are often traditional, such as the embrace by Confucius of the philosophical aspects of the Yi Jing, and the back-and-forth about the Mandate of Heaven wherein one dynasty ends and another begins based according to accounts (some of heavily mythological) where the Way of Heaven results in change, but then a new ethical stable dynasty becomes established. Examples of this include the stories of Yi Yin, Tang of Shang and Jie of Xia or the similar fantastic stories around Duke of Zhou and King Zhou of Shang. Mythology exists in relationship with other aspects of society and culture, such as ritual. Various rituals are explained by mythology. For example, the ritual burning of mortuary banknotes (Hell Money), lighting fireworks, and so on. A good example of the relationship of Chinese mythology and ritual is the Yubu, also known as the Steps or Paces of Yu. During the course of his activities in controlling the Great Flood, Yu was supposed to have so fatigued himself that he lost all the hair from his legs and developed a serious limp. Daoist practitioners sometimes incorporate a curiously choreographed pedal locomotion into various rituals. Mythology and practice, one explains the other: in these rituals, the sacred time of Yu merges with the sacral practice of the present. Various ideas about the nature of the earth, the universe, and their relationship to each other have historically existed as either a background or a focus of mythologies. One typical view is of a square earth separated from a round sky by sky pillars (mountains, trees, or undefined). Above the sky is the realm of Heaven, often viewed of as a vast area, with many inhabitants. Often the heavenly inhabitants are thought to be of an "as above so below" nature, their lives and social arrangements being parallel to those on earth, with a hierarchical government run by a supreme emperor, many palaces and lesser dwellings, a vast bureaucracy of many functions, clerks, guards, and servants. Below was a vast under ground land, also known as Diyu, Yellow Springs, Hell, and other terms. As time progressed, the idea of an underground land in which the souls of the departed were punished for their misdeeds during life became explicit, related to developments in Daoism and Buddhism. The underground world also came to be conceived of as inhabited by a vast bureaucracy, with kings, judges, torturers, conductors of souls, minor bureaucrats, recording secretaries, similar to the structure of society in the Middle Kingdom (earthly China). Chinese temple Dogs...

A fine quality Meiji period (1868-1912) Miyao bronze statue of a female muscian, having wonderful gilded high lights and mounted on a hardwood stand. Sign...

A large carved example of The Seven Lucky Gods of Fortune, carved from a large tree segment. Believed to be of Chinese origin, early 20th century. A ...

Fantastic 20th Century Javanese biomorphic sculpture. This beautiful, hand-carved sculpture depicts waves and floating figures with wonderful movement throughout. It is composed of...

Civilization is a series of uniquely hand-carved marble tables, based on ancient Temples and Monuments hewn from their surrounding landscapes. The series pays homage to their great a...

An unusual and finely made vintage Japanese unglazed pottery figure of a pedlar being stung by a wasp dating from the 20th century. The figure is sea...

This is a very good large head or bust statue or sculpture of Buddha, possibly Chinese or Japanese, which we date to the first half of the 20th century, circa 1920s. The large hea...

Carved wooden vise tool with human figure finial from Nias, Indonesia (circa 1960s-1970s). A striking carved piece with geometric patterns on the top and ...

Large South Indian stone mortar Circa 12th C AD A very rare Museum quality large schist stone mortar the underside hollowed carved with a row cross shaped holes to the interior, the curved front with a lion supporting the shaped upper lip section, the upper back section heavily worn on the grinding face. Used in the preparation of Ayurveda medicines and pigments for Hindu religious...

A well carved Chinese soapstone brush pot of jar shape believed to date from the latter Qing dynasty and probably around 1900. The brush washer is carved from a jade colored soapston...

Carved buffalo horn tattoo ink pot from Timor Island, Indonesia (circa 1940s-1950s) on a modern stand. The carving on this piece is very skillfully detailed at a level well surpassing most pieces from the region. A monkey grasps the ink pot as if it were climbing a tree trunk. On the forepart of the pot an ancestral or ritual mask...

A superb pair of elaborately carved Chinese gilded panels, depicting a warrior scene. China, C.1920 In very good condition commensurate of age, with some...

19th Century country house dinner gong figure We are proud to offer an exceptional 55-inch-tall fine figural country house dinner gong figure in the form of an oriental man which is hand carved pine with gesso detail. All section carved body, shaped bamboo legs and midsection detail with glass eyes. With long ponytail real hair detail. Wearing its original 19th century Chinese court official's winter hat made of soft black velvet and is covered with red silk fringe and hand-crafted brass and wood knob. The green colour knob on the top of the hat indicates that this hat was a Qing official's hat, and the knob is an imperial court cap knob button antique...

Civilization is a series of uniquely hand-carved marble tables, based on ancient Temples and Monuments hewn from their surrounding landscapes. The series pays homage to their great a...

Civilization is a series of uniquely hand-carved marble tables, based on ancient Temples and Monuments hewn from their surrounding landscapes. The series pays homage to their great a...

Civilization is a series of uniquely hand-carved marble tables, based on ancient Temples and Monuments hewn from their surrounding landscapes. The series pays homage to their great a...

Timor Island sculpted wooden traditional mask (circa 1960s-1970s) on contemporary stand. This is a traditional mask of a figure with male facial features and two holes as eyes and another for the mouth. The island of Timor gave rise to a distinctive practice of creating traditional masks whose precise origins and significance remain uncertain. Portraying both male and female ancestors, they were held by men during dances and other ceremonies, including celebrations of victory in war. Carved sculptures and masks are specific to rural villages. Here the practice of animism, or nature-worship, is incorporated with the carving of ancestral statues and masks, which have a ritualistic function. Some occasions that call for these ceremonies may include asking for successful crop planting, for prosperity, for good...

A large and stylish antique Japanese Meiji bronze lidded twin handle urn standing on a rounded plinth base with tongue and grotesque head formed legs with dragon handles and a flat c...

Timor Island sculpted wooden traditional mask (circa 1970s) on contemporary metal stand. This is a traditional mask of a figure with male facial features and two holes as eyes and another for the mouth with a handle below the face. The island of Timor gave rise to a distinctive practice of creating traditional masks whose precise origins and significance remain uncertain. Portraying both male and female ancestors, they were held by men during dances and other ceremonies, including celebrations of victory in war. Carved sculptures and masks are specific to rural villages. Here the practice of animism, or nature-worship, is incorporated with the carving of ancestral statues and masks, which have a ritualistic function. Some occasions that call for these ceremonies may include asking for successful crop planting, for prosperity, for good weather...

Double-sided carved wooden blawong board from Java, Indonesia (circa 1920s-1950s). Blawong boards were used to hold a pair of Keris daggers. They were fix...