East Asian Sculptures and Carvings

A striking Japanese late Muromachi Period (1333-1573) lacquered and giltwood figure of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, seated upon an elaborate car...

Rare pair of large Chinese carved stone foo dog guardian lions. Originated from a house of a mandarin (a public official in the Chinese Empire), located on The Silk Road. Here they were placed in front of the gate, with the gate doors mounted on the base behind the lions. The pair consist of a male with a ball on his back, and a female holding a puppy. The ball represents the world and the puppy represents nature or a nurturing spirit. One stand lightly carved with a horse, the other with a deer. The front of the stand is carved with camel...

A lovely and cute hand-carved antique Hetain White Jade with russet markings. The "Density is 3.06 g/cm³. -Dimensions and Density- Width: 1" Depth: 0.56 Height: 2" Weight: 49 g...

Zō-onna (増女) This mask depicts a woman with a noble and calm expression. In Noh theater, it is used for roles of young women. The mask conveys elegance and softness, making it suita...

Ōtenjin (大天神) A type of Noh mask used to portray powerful deities or revered, divine figures in Japanese Noh theater. The mask embodies strength, authority, and the transcendental n...

An opportunity to acquire a handsomely cased duo (2) of monumental hand carved stone swords or sabers from China. These are no ordinary swords. These unusual swords were probably int...

A very interesting pair of praying/ offering figures. We are not quite sure what they were used for but they have some age and are quite heavy and solid for their sizes. We believe they are from Tibet/Northern Nepal. Was acquired from a collection of Asian/ Tibetan/Nepalese and Indian artifacts...

Japan an attractive large scale bronze sculpture of a caretaking mother with two children and signed a by midcentury sculptor. Classic mother midcentury pose with artist's signature and date on base. Handsome original old verdigris patina from appropriate age. Mother's back gently protects and shelters her new born and her right hand lovingly clutches the hand of her second child in this charming and iconic design. Excellent garden candidate. Photographs were taken indoors and out of doors in natural light for your viewing pleasure. Dimensions: 32 inches high and 11 inches wide Signed on base. Artist name: Kiku (Chrysanthemum) and likely bronze sculptor Kikuchi Kazuo (1908-1985) and dated 1978 Provenance: private Japanese garden collection Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee. We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese...

19th century auspicious carved panel story board. Chinese carved wooden panel of one solid piece of carved wood set in a wooden frame. A C...

Bamboo and wooden slips - jiandú- were the main media for writing documents in China before the widespread introduction of paper during the first two centuries AD. This substantial group, 59 pieces, of one-of-a-kind slips with painted and applied hand calligraphy appeals to book lovers and antiquity sleuths We believe them to be circa 1900 Qing dynasty and are offering this group from a collection of old works of art. Dimensions: bamboo slips...

This is an intricate carving into a large jade boulder in many layers, with figures and mountain scenes depicting the traditional Chinese living style alo...

A nice hand-carved antique, Chinese Hetain White with a light celadon Jade of Two Rams from the 19th Century. The color is presented in white with a very light celadon and the contex...

A large and graceful carved nephrite jade conjoined double vase in the form of a pair of Buddha's hands fruit (finger citron), late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The large and heavy vase carved from a single piece of celadon nephrite jade, with areas of lighter brown "sugar" skin. The vase ingeniously carved as a pair of Buddha's hand fruit, also known as finger citron, rising from a gnarled, leafy branch. The smaller Buddha's hand with a pair of bats. The Buddha's hands fruit with elegant and naturalistic curved "fingers". The "fingers wonderfully shaped and reticulated. The body of the fruit with simple stippling, in imitation of the textured surface of the real fruit. The interior of each fruit well hollowed and able to hold water. Buddha's hands fruit are auspicious in Chinese culture. Their name in Chinese "Fo Shou" is a homophone for "Happiness and Longevity. They are often placed as offerings on Buddhist altars...

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: A devotional...

Small yet interesting netsuke in boxwood representing a seated rooster. The finish of its dishevelled feathers is neat, while the details of comb and the beak are treated with great ...

This pair of monumental Fu-Lions, also known as shizi, once would have flanked the entrance to a Qing-dynasty home in China’s Shanxi province. One has a pearl under its foot, and the...

A 19th-century limestone column base carved in relief with mythical qilin, chimeric animals from Chinese mythology described as having the head of a dragon, the body of a tiger, the ...

vase is carved with a dragon and a phoenix in high relief; cover is carved with a dragon in high relief; jade with russet tones; 1.5in(D) x 3.5in(W) x 4in(H) are the dimensions of th...

A beautiful, wonderfully crafted, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theatre. This mask is handcrafted and carved from natural wood. Ko-omote translates as "little mask" or sometimes "small face." This particular delicate featured mask (her red lips really stand out) is used for main and sometimes secondary roles when the character is a young girl or, in some cases, a supernatural being. What is also interesting about this mask is the blackened teeth which centuries ago, was customary for Japanese women to paint their teeth black after they became married. We believe this mask dates from the mid-to early Showa period, perhaps Mejia. The mask was acquired from an antique mask...

Bronze sculpture or Okimono of two toads facing each other, on a bamboo segment. These kinds of objects are traditionally used by calligraphs as a weight to stabilize the sheet of pa...

From our recent Japanese acquisitions and coming from a Japanese collector of rabbit usagi sculptures Rabbit family trio (3) seated rabbit sculptures hand cast and hand painted This is an unusual Japanese one-of-a-kind group in both large and small scale Quality: Hand cast with carved ears...

A stunning all natural genuine tiger's eye sculpture depicting a dragon chasing a ball. The sculpture is made with a whole slab of natural Tiger's Eye with fantastic iridescence. Fin...

A beautiful and exceptionally 20 1/2 inches tall classic traditional Naruko Kokeshi doll from Northern Japan. Handcrafted of wood and hand-painted ...

The hand carved & stained boxwood netsuke deftly rendered in the form of an octopus with somewhat anthropomorphic features, showing black stained eyes & furrowed brow effecting an am...

A beautiful 10 lb, gilt bronze statue of Tibetan White Tara. Seated in dhyanasana on a 4-tier lotus pedestal rising above holy beast on padmasana (single petal row lotus throne), both hands in Karana mudra to expel evils. Her small exquisite face with serene expression, with downcast eyes under high arched brows, wearing a high crown and long beaded necklaces ands rosette earrings. The beast with vivid expressions, bells and a saddle draped...

A large and magnificent near life-sized Chinese carved and lacquered wood figure of a Buddha, Qing Dynasty, 19th century or earlier, southern China. The figure likely represents one of the Five Tathagatas, also known as Dhyani Buddhas or Wisdom Buddhas. More specifically, either Amitabha or Amoghasiddhi. Amitabha is the Buddha of infinite light, and represents the wisdom of observation and recognition. Amoghasiddhi is the Buddha of accomplishment, and represents the wisdom of perfected practices. The size and scale of the Buddha indicates it was made for temple worship. The large Buddha is portrayed seated in vajrasana, or full lotus position, with the soles of both feet facing up. His elegant hands, with impossibly long and slender fingers, perform shuni mudra, the gesture of bestowing patience. His right arm is bent at the elbow, the right hand raised to heart level. The left arm resting gently in his lap, the left hand at navel level. The Buddha is dressed in voluminous robes that wrap around his shoulders and body, and tied at the waist. The heavy fabric draping and pooling elegantly all around his robust body. His broad chest and right arm exposed. The Buddha's face is both solemn and beatific - his expression seeming to change depending on the angle of view. The most notable feature of his face is the large urna to the center of his forehead, set between a pair of painted, high arching brows over heavily lidded almond shaped eyes. A strong nose is set above a small mouth pursed in an ever so slight smile. Long pendulous earlobes touch his shoulders. The Buddha's hair arranged in the typical fashion, with "spikes" representing tight curls. A prominent ushnisha rises from the crown of his head, covered by more hair, and topped with a rounded protuberance. The Buddha is constructed from several blocks of wood, joined, carved and lacquered a deep red-brown with gold flecks...

This sublime Chinese scholar stone was collected from the Jade Peaks in the Kun Mountains, Jiangsu Province. Known sometimes as "the magic stone" in China due to its unique formation...

A fantastic and powerful Sino-Tibetan gilt bronze figure of Hayagriva and his consort Vajravarahi, created in Tibet for the Chinese market, 18th/19th century, Tibet. The wrathful...

A truly beautiful, wonderfully aged, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theater. The naturally faded beauty and unique character drew us to this mask immediately. The mask is hand...

Rare Bronze Antique Fire Bell With Unique Family History And Provenance One of a kind fine bronze "Hansho" fire bell . This rare bell was used by t...

This captivating bronze Buddha sculpture, originating from Thailand around 1920, embodies the spiritual serenity of the early 20th century. The standing figure is meticulously crafte...

Various designs Kumiko wall hanging by joiner 1220(W)× 600(H) × 45(D) [mm]　5㎏ Estimated size after packaging (sandwiched with 5-10mm plywood): W140 CM x H75 CM x D15 CM　Weight　20 KG...

An impressive depiction of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of compassion, whose name bears the meaning ‘One who hears the cries of the world.’ The rather androgynous figure is adorned with beaded jewellery and the princely regalia of a dhoti, draped across her body and spilling out over to partially obscure what she is resting upon. The goddess’ profile exhibits idealised features of Asian artistic convention; her face is soft and rounded, with full lips and relaxed eyes that provide a serene quality of youthfulness to the figure. Adhering to Chinese iconography of Guanyin, the figure is marked by an urna on her forehead, denoting her own enlightenment, as well as a diadem displaying Buddha Amitabha, the spiritual teacher of Guanyin. Seated in the Lalit asana pose, translated as ‘royal ease’, the figure exudes a fine example of the relaxed majesty typical in the characterisation of Guanyin. Whilst the figure’s left hand is placed restfully upon the left leg pendant, the right is raised in the gesture shuni mudra, the second finger held gently against the thumb. Otherwise known as the seal of patience, this gesture indicates the figure as one intended to bestow this virtue, along with compassion and understanding, upon the beholder. Notes on the item: Guanyin is the Chinese interpretation of Avalokiteshvara, the Indian Bodhisattva of compassion. The term “Bodhisattva” is derived from the Sanskrit “Bodhi”, meaning ‘awakening’ or ‘enlightenment’, combined with “Sattva”, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘being’, referring to one on the path to achieving enlightenment. Bodhisattvas in Mayahana Buddhism are recognised as figures who have effectively achieved enlightenment yet relinquish their accension to nirvana in order to remain amongst mankind in the ultimate act of compassion to aid as spiritual guides. As such, the Bodhisattva inhabit a liminal space between samsara and nirvana; enlightened beings that maintain a relationship with humanity that buddhas cannot, as attaining Buddhahood necessitates the abandonment of all worldly attachments, including mankind. Guanyin’s very name, ‘One who hears the cries of the world’ highlights this role as a compassionate figure who acknowledges the suffering and strife of man. Along with Mahāsthāmaprāpta, a fellow bodhisattva, Guanyin serves as an attendant to Buddha Amitabha, with these three deities recognised as the Three Sages of Western Pure Land Buddhism, a sect of Mayahana Buddhism popular in East Asia. Avalokiteshvara is commonly posited to have been adopted from Indian Buddhism into China as Guanyin around 200-400 CE, however it was the Tang dynasty (618-907) which saw the popularisation of the deity. By the Ming (1358–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, Guanyin held the position as the most popular female deity in China. The unique state of religion in China held no monolithic canon regarding Buddhism and saw the assimilation of several belief systems, primarily Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Consequently, Guanyin became a deity to be revered beyond Buddhism alone, appointed as both an official imperial deity and Daoist deity in the 12th century. Guanyin may also be seen to fulfil the role of idealised femininity as prescribed by Confucianism, with the scarcity of female Chinese deities perhaps accounting for the gradual gender shift Guanyin underwent. The Indian Avalokiteshvara is unequivocally recognised as male, whilst the supposed gender of Guanyin remains contentious. Although there is a clear shift from the masculine Avalokiteshvara towards a more feminine representation, it is unclear if Guanyin is understood to be entirely feminine, to inhabit qualities of both genders or to be elevated beyond gender entirely, embodying neither. Depictions of Guanyin are highly androgynous, which some believe lends credence towards Guanyin symbolising the unity of dualistic forces as recognised in Daoism, displaying the anthropomorphism of yin and yang. Comparative Analysis: Market comparisons of similar Qing Dynasty polychrome figures of Guanyin include lot 767 (no.2) From Christies ‘Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art,’ New York, 25 March 2022, with the price realised USD 52,920 (Estimate USD 20,000 – USD 30,000). Christies also auctioned a comparable polychrome Guanyin...

A Nice Collection of 19th Chinese Jade nephrite and jadeite hair ornaments This beautiful collection including three pieces of Natural untreated Jade nephrite and jade jadeite hair...

This exquisite dark jade Budai, also known as the Laughing Buddha, is a cherished symbol of happiness, prosperity, and abundance in Chinese Buddhist iconography. The figure of Budai, often depicted with a joyful smile and a round, protruding belly, is said to represent contentment, generosity, and the joy of life. Historically, Budai is believed to have been based on an eccentric Chinese Zen monk who lived during the 10th century. Over time, his image evolved to become a symbol of prosperity and well-being, beloved in both religious and cultural contexts. Skillfully carved from dark jade, a stone highly valued in Chinese culture for its association with purity, wisdom, and protection, this sculpture brings both spiritual and artistic significance. Jade has held a special place in Chinese history for millennia, considered more precious than gold and revered for its ability to ward off evil and bring balance. The rich green hues of the dark jade in this Budai sculpture enhance the overall sense of calm and serenity that the figure embodies. The craftsmanship in this piece is evident in the intricate carving of Budai's flowing robes and expressive features. His smiling face radiates warmth and positivity, while his posture-relaxed and grounded-symbolizes inner peace and harmony. This dark jade Budai is more than just a decorative item; it is a reminder of the importance of joy, kindness, and generosity in everyday life. Perfect for both spiritual and decorative purposes, this Budai statue...

Group of five hand carved gilt wood Asian plaques, probably framed in the 1950s, the carvings may be much earlier. Beautifully framed in gilt frames with ...

A remarkable early Korean bronze Buddha, though this iconic style was occasionally emulated in later centuries. Careful examination of the wear, patina, underside, and casting techni...

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: The cavity ...

Monumental early 20th century Chinese sterling silver horse statue sculpture censer. Weighs 44.95 troy ounces or 1398 grams of .925 sterling silver...

A truly beautiful, wonderfully aged, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theater. The naturally faded beauty and unique character drew us to this mask immediately. The mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood, clearly by a master of his trade. We believe this mask is of the Noh theatre character Otobide. This mask dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1868). It comes with a wooden storage box (which may have been added at a later date). A rare, unique, and exquisite mask. Finely carved and executed. Would be a great addition to any Japanese or Asian art/artifacts collection or an eye-catching stand-alone accent piece in about any setting. Mask dimensions: 7.7" high, 5.7" wide, 2.1" deep...

We kindly invite you to read the entire description carefully, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our items. This extrao...

The rare rock crystal statue of the Tibetan Green Tara commands attention with its exquisite craftsmanship and spiritual presence. Seated in Lalitasana on a lotus throne with her pen...

A beautiful, wonderfully crafted, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theater. This mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood and signed/sealed by the maker on the underside. This mask is the mask of Waka-Onna - or young beautiful woman. It may be that of Ko-omote. Ko-omote translates as "little mask" or sometimes "small face...

With custom Arts & Crafts hardwood frame Gray & White "Sea and Mountains" in one unique work of art, signed This Chinese extraordinary natural stone "painting" of a mountain range in white and gray colors is called a dream stone Shih-hua. They are cut from historic Dali marble found in the Cangshan mountains of western China. These mysterious mountains, unique in the world, are known for yielding incredible and fantastic natural landscaped works of art created over tens of millions of years from mineral inclusions that affected the process of ancient organic material which transformed into limestone and finally resulted in marble- a metamorphic hard stone. This art form is centuries of years old since the Ming dynasty. Dream stones became favored art in the west particularly since the 19th century when French collectors named them Pierres de reve. This thin marble stone "painting" is approximately 1/4" thick and is cut from a large slab of rough material revealing incredible patterns in soft white and gray colors. Its weight is surprisingly modest- easily hung with standard hardware. On occasion, private collectors would invite an artisan to inscribe a poetic description onto their more important dream stones and in this case the artists' seal mark and calligraphy translation reads: Dimensions: Frame: 13 inches high and 32 inches wide. Site: 9 inches high and 27 inches wide. Provenance: Private Chinese collection, Yunnan, China. History of "White and Gray" dream stone paintings...

Antique pair of Chinese 18th century Qing dynasty openwork wood carving Gilded screen work wall hanging architectural elements. This pair of Chinese pan...

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

A contemporary hand-woven bamboo sculpture in an organic form by Japanese bamboo artist Mimura Chikuho (1973-). Named "Cloud on the Peak", the piece was made as one of his series in 2004. Entirely hand-woven in irregular plaiting, the artist challenged the traditional bamboo basket making and elevated it into modern abstract sculpture. The minimalist donut form resembles the hat-shaped cloud formed around the peak of the mountain (often seen on Fujisan in Japanese art). It displays a wonderful subtle undulation and irregularity in its organic shape, achieved by a mastery of the traditional technique. The irregular plaiting appears chaotic in its busy crossing patterns yet as a whole, the piece strangely quiet and introverted, demanding contemplation from the viewer. Signed "Chikuho" underneath in Kanji. The piece comes with its original storage paper box and a silk bag. Provenance: Purchased from Tai Gallery/Textile Arts now (Tai Modern) in Santa Fe. Mimura Chikuho was born in 1973 in Tokyo. He studied under Yufu Shohaku...

Featured a beautiful bronze sculpture of Tibetan Tara. This Tara is decorated with flowers, lariats, ankle bracelets. She wears an elaborate crown and is seated on a lotus throne. Up...

A beautiful pair of large vintage Chinese hand carved wood foo dogs painted a deep red with a heavy gold gilt, circa 1960s. The dogs (or lions) are in...

Carved white stone temple sculpture of a Bodhisattva featuring exquisite craftmanship and attention to detail. Bodhisattvas were enlightened beings who chose to remain in the cycles ...

Stunning Chinese sculpture of Shou Xing God of Wisdom and Longevity. Richly carved in organic burl wood. circa 1960s. Measure: 45.5" High. X.

This Chinese terracotta group of figures is made up of three figures of Chinese dignitaries in glazed green and ocher terracotta on hexagonal bases and removable heads. From the d...

A tall Chinese scholar stone (also known as Gong Shi in Chinese; meditation stone and spirit rock in the West) of significant weight and volume is gracefully balanced on the wood dis...

A dramatic and beautifully timeworn Japanese Wood Sculpture in vaguely anthropomorphic form balanced on five points and fashioned from a particula...

A beautiful string of Japanese hand-crafted Buddhist Juzu mala beads made of natural wood. These rosary-type prayer bead necklaces were used by Buddhist monks in temple prayers/ritua...

A beautifully carved, wonderfully crafted, highly engaging mask made for Japanese Noh theatre. The mask is handcrafted and hand carved from natural wood and is signed and sealed b...

Boxwood netsuke of a seated professional sneezer depicted as an old man with his right hand raised, holding an stick to tickle himself. His head is slightly raised, his eyes practica...

A large 19th century Chinese carved wall plaque in wood features a hunting tiger on rocks with bamboo trees and the sun in the background. ...

A pair of very refined standing pottery statue of guardians, dramatic facial expression, beautiful detail, early Tang dynasty 618-907, come with one Oxford authentication TL test cer...

Early Japanese Hinoki wood sculpture of Bishamon. Kamakura period (1185 - 1333) sculpture made from hinoki wood. Bishamon is also known as Tamonten, meanin...