Qing Sculptures and Carvings

This beautiful sculpture realized in China in the 18th century depicts Guanyin, a Bodhisattva associated with compassion. The female form holds a pot in her hands. She appears draped...

Fabulous Antique Chinese Foo Lion incense burners originally purchased in Bangkok, Thailand. Patinated bronze with cloud-like tails and fierce open...

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...

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...

A pair of fine porcelain rooster statues, lively modeled, beautiful colors and lines,

This palm-sized cicada talisman from the early 20th century is carved from a material known as rutilated quartz, often referred to as angel's hair, a clear quartz pierced by needle-l...

An exquisite antique Chinese Hand Carved Peking Glass Snuff Bottle. Hand crafted in beautiful imperial yellow colored glass. The glass is slightly translucent almost looking like mil...

A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand painted face, a wonderfully fabulous hairdo, and an original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets, we acquired from a collector. Each puppet shows clear signs of previous stage use. Clearly original works. Likely from the early 1900s. Would make for a great addition to any Chinese artifacts...

An extremely finely carved antique Chinese Qing dynasty, Celadon green triple vase/brush washer with an Imperial Dragon from behind attacking a bird in fro...

Chinese pair of wood carved Fu Dogs, rendered from a single block of hardwood each, with exquisite detailing in a naive style, the dogs are opposing, crouched on their haunches, each...

Rare and unusual 19th century monumental Chinese rosewood brush pot carved from a large, solid trunk. Beautiful crafted with a subtle hourglass cylindrical shape. Featuring rich and ...

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...

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...

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

A Chinese Bronze Seated Guanyin, 19th Century Guanyin is the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion. In the East Asian world, Guanyin is the equivalent term for Avalokitesv...

This antique Chinese bronze statue represents Marici, a revered figure in Buddhist mythology. Crafted from bronze, a material known for ...

This large exquisite A-grade jadeite seal presents a masterful carving of a scaly dragon, rendered in a delicate shade of pale lavender. The dragon, a symbol of power, strength, an...

This limestone carving depicts a Fu Dog Guardian figure and was carved from a solid block. Sculptures such as these were used to protect ones home from bad spirits or bad luck. They ...

A finely carved Bamboo representing a sage Chinese Qing Dynasty, 19th century Good condition as shown in the photos Height 25.5 cm Beautiful aged patina

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 ...

A rare large Chinese soapstone monkey group sculpture dating to the early 19th century, featuring seven intricately detailed monkeys scrambling over one another to reach a peach. The...

A powerful Chinese figure of the Taoist diety Zhenwu (Xuanwu), carved and lacquered wood with applied lacquer details, Qing Dynasty, 19th century or earlier, China. Zhenwu, also kno...

A good find comes this large 26 inch diameter, 5 inch thick round hand-carved mill stone from the 19th century or earlier period. This was likely a grinding base stone for a large oi...

A Chinese scholar stone of white Lingbi type in upright mushroom form presented on a carved conforming wood base. The type of special Lingbi known to the collector as white Lingbi fe...

A Whimsical Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Horses on Patinated Bronze Bases with Removable Saddles This pair of cloisonné enamel horses is modeled in an animated stance, each figu...

An integral part of traditional Chinese home life, ancestor worship before a domestic altar often featured painted ancestral portraits or tabletop ancestor figure...

Exuding an energy of calm and tranquility, this larger-than-life stone bust depicts a Buddhist bodhisattva in serene meditation. A disciple of the Buddha, a bodhisattva is a compassi...

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 Chinese early Qing Dynasty carved and lacquered wood figure of Guanyin, Southern China, 17th/18th century. Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and Mercy, is portrayed seated in dhyanasana, one hand raised in viktara mudra, the gesture of teaching and discourse. The great bodhisattva is dressed in heavy, loose robes tied at the chest, with a mantle draped over his shoulders. He looks serenely outwards from heavily lidded eyes. Guanyin's face carved beautifully with somewhat feminine features. A large five pointed crown sits upon his head. The larger leaves of the crown carved with indistinct images of the Buddha. The statue was originally fully lacquered in the deep red gilt lacquer typical of Southern Chinese Buddhist sculpture...

A small desk top Chinese scholar stones (also known as Gong Shi, meditation stone and spirit rock) fitted on a hand-carved wood stand circa late 19th century. The specimen is of a black Lingbi type stone in an arch form mimicking a horizontal mountain range. The wrinkles and folds on the black surface were perfectly weathered by elements for millenniums. Smooth and rugged at the same time, the mountain range shows a poetic formation that was often depicted in the ink scroll...

A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period elmwood panel circa 1900 with carved phoenix in central medallion, surrounded by flowers, bats and scrolling foliage. Experience the allure of Chin...

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...

A late 19th century censer from the Qing Dynasty. This is a beautiful censer created in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, circa 1890-1910. The censer has been designed ...

An Incredible and Rare 19th Century Chinese Nephrite Spinach Jade Hand-Carved Arrow Vase with its Original Carved Wood Base. Nephrite is one of the two dis...

The finely carved full length figure of 'The Goddess of Compassion, Kindness & Mercy' shown attired in flowing robes, her hair worn in high chignon with her face effecting a serene a...

As the embodiment of compassion, Guanyin is the most beloved enlightened being in China. Known as the Goddess of Mercy, she is the female bodhisattva form taken by Avalokitesvara in eastern Buddhism and is instantly available to all who call upon her with their mind. Though commonly depicted as a woman in Chinese statuary...

A pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty period hand-carved and lacquered puppet show signs from the 19th century each depicting two characters. Travel back to the vibrant world of 19th centur...

Qing Dynasty Hand Carved Asian Buddha Coral Figurine Beautiful coral carving of Buddha reclining on a trunk, with perfectly executed details. Measures: Height: 9.5 centimeters Length...

A late Qing Dynasty period giltwood architectural panel on red ground, with floral motifs, set in new frame. Delve into the rich tapestry of the late Qing Dynasty period with this gi...

This 18th century architectural object, hand-carved out of a single block of white marble, is intricately finished with an all-over celestial cloud motif—an ancient and auspicious Bu...

This petite footed basin carved of solid limestone was likely once used in the courtyard of a wealthy Qing-dynasty home. Unusual decorative elements elevate...

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...

A lovely pair of Chinese export porcelain candle holders in the form of court ladies holding lotus blossoms, mid 20th century, circa 1960's, China. Modeled after 18th century Qianlo...

A fantastic and charming Chinese yellow glazed porcelain model of a mythical unicorn, xiezhi, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, China. The xiezhi is a ...

With closed eyes and a gentle expression, this large stone Buddha head brings calm and serenity to its surroundings. The hand-carved figure depicts the historic Buddha Shakyamuni, also known as Shaka, Gautama Buddha...

This very nice carved plaque of good size comes from China and was made circa 1900. The stone is a rich combination of dark, light and emerald green. Sliced from a boulder washed and...

JADE RUYI Dark green jade finely and naturalistically carved in openwork along the arched shaft of characteristic S- form, The upper surface of the handle c...

A large and powerfully cast Chinese bronze censer in the form of two Buddhistic lions, Qing dynasty, late 19th century. The censer is well cast with a strong sense of movement, featuring a pair of fierce Buddhistic lions playfully antagonizing each other. Locked in a mock battle, the smaller lion...

An early 20th century censer from the Qing Dynasty. This is a beautiful highly detailed small censer, created in the early 20th century during the Qing Dynasty, circa 1910. The cens...

Dong Xue was a student of the great Master Wang Xisan and in the 1980 they painted many similar scenes after the scroll by the famous 19th century artist Re...

A rare, all original, actual, 19th century Chinese honor plaque commemorating the appointment of the 16th official, Xu Shao Li, The left side bears the inscription “Emperor Tong Zhi,...

No idol in China is more widely worshiped than Caishen, the God of Wealth. His shrine can be found in nearly every home, his image set beside ancestors a...

Used across the shoulders to tote pails of water and grain, this 19th-century burden bar transcends its functional origins as a striking sculptural object. Also known as a carrying p...

The Chinese yellow soapstone carving from the mid-20th century is depicting a village scene, is a stunning piece of art with intricate details and cultural significance. Yellow soaps...

Happening upon an intersection, a traveler in Qing-dynasty China would have been grateful for the guidance of this limestone path marker. Still bearing traces of its original pigmentation, each side of this marker is inscribed with directions. One side directs towards the Zhen De Teng household, another towards the Liang family, and a third towards the North East Road. The fourth inscription announces the year of its construction, the 33rd year of Emperor Guangxu (1908). This second-to-the-last emperor...

A fine quality antique Chinese late Qing boxwood carved figure of an Immortal holding a child and dating from around 1900. The figure, an elderly man, is dressed in a full length rob...

A Rare Chinese Pale Lavender Jadeite Carving of Two Immortals, on its original carved wood base, from a private collection. One standing and one kneeling, mounted on an openwork woo...

This fine Chinese urn carving from the early 19th century has been in the late 19th century placed on a carved wood base that has been gilded creating a dramatic foil for the carving...

19th century bronze bust of Buddha on the original hand carved custom base. The pleasing proportions, subtle smile, and tranquil eyes of this bust of Buddha make it a beautiful examp...

A fine antique Chinese red cinnabar lacquer lidded round box carved with a scene with a young boy and a seated elderly bearded sage within a rocky landscape with trees. The "dragon's...