Hardwood Sculptures and Carvings

This is thought to be a kibana lion from the middle to late Edo period. A kibana is a wood carving found on Japanese shrine and temple buildings. In traditional Japanese architectur...

A beautifully weathered cast iron sculpture of a standing Buddha, created in the late 19th Century to early 20th century in South Asia, likely Sri Lanka. The Buddha is depicted drape...

Chinese Carved Rose Quartz Archaistic Censer with Guardian Lion Finial, Estate of John Loring of Tiffanys Three pieces: Lid, censer, and Hardwood Carved base Beautifully hand carve...

Mutton Fat jade amulet carving on elaborate hardwood stand - the hand carved jade with pierced scrolling vines and solid base and central column - the ...

Thai Rattanakosin-Era Carved and Gilded Throne Side Panels Ornately carved panels with gilding from Thailand. The central portion of these panels depict...

The Form No. 9 of the Vrksa Series of works demonstrates the flow of wood; the emerging and the reduction of wood while retaining an organic form, creating a spectacle of shadows whe...

Large Vintage Japanese Naruko Kokeshi by Masa Kumagai. A turned hardwood traditional folk art originating from the vicinity of the hot spring, Naruko onsen. The highly collectible s...

This exquisite hand-carved wooden column chapiter showcases a masterful blend of cultural symbolism and botanical artistry. Featuring a central Barong motif, the piece draws inspirat...

This intricately carved teak panel depicts a scene from the life of the Buddha, likely part of a narrative sequence once adorning the interior of a Burmese temple. The composition fe...

This Japanese Edo Period Boxwood Skeleton Netsuke dates to the middle of the nineteenth century, circa 1840. Carved from boxwood, it depicts a skeleton curled tightly in the foetal p...

A richly detailed Tibetan shrine dating from circa 1880–1900, extensively hand carved from hardwood and displaying a beautifully developed patina. The ...

This exquisite late 19th-century Chinese carved hardwood figure depicts an immortal holding a bat, symbolizing happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. The workmanship is exemp...

A really nice vintage Japanese boxwood inro and netsuke of rats and snakes on a round basket, circa early 1940s. The piece is well carved with wonderful detail and in very good vint...

An extraordinary, museum-caliber 6th to 8th-century Post-Gupta period Indian sandstone architectural relief illustrating the Thousand Buddhas (Sahasrabuddha). Originating from Bodh ...

These statues are adorned wood-carved Burmese Mandalay 'Nat' Spirits from the early 20th century. Nats were worshipped by the Burmese people, depicted as supernatural guardians they ...

Description: A fine depiction of Guanyin, possessing the regal tranquillity that the Chinese Bodhisattva of compassion has come to be visually associated with. Marked by an urna signifying her spiritual enlightenment and crowned with a diadem depicting the Buddha Amitabha, the figure is immediately recognisable as Guanyin. Her androgynous figure is gracefully poised in the Lalit asana or “royal ease”, the pose classical in representations of the deity. The figure is asymmetric, with the weight of her supple form falling upon her left hand placed against the base, her right knee raised and left pendant. Her right hand rests upon her raised knee, delicately pinching at her draped attire. At first unassuming, this gesture may be suggestive of the Apana Mudra, the seal of purification. This Mudra is associated with physical wellbeing, fecundity and the cleansing of the body. Though she is adorned in the princely garb of dhoti, she bears features of idealised feminine beauty as prescribed in Asian art. With plump cheeks and near pouted lips, her full face gazes down upon the viewer with an empathetic and half-lidded gaze, upholding her title as ‘One who hears the cries of the world.’ 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...

Hard To Find Collector Cache Five (5) Wood Display Bases A fine collection of five old (5) Asian hardwood display bases in various sizes, for your favorite collectibles. Some reta...

Antique Burmese Life-size Standing Buddha Statue, Mandalay Period (1857-1885). This Mandalay Buddha figure is intricately carved of assembled teak and stands squarely with rendered b...

A beautifully hand-carved teak panel, featuring an intricate double-sided lotus motif framed by scrolling foliage and rhythmic floral patterns. The central lotus — a symbol of purity...

An exquisitely hand carved bone Chinese dignitary standing figure portraying a lavishly dressed bearded male. Difficult to date, in our opinion last quarter of the 19th century. ...

Extra Large Vintage Sakunami Kokeshi by Kenjiro Hiraga, 1995. This specific black and natural monochrome rarity in the classic Sakunami style is by the acclaimed master artisan of t...

A large and impressive Chinese caved jade vase, Republic Period, circa 1930. Carved from one massive piece of jade. The vase carved with the He He Er Xian...

Pair of hand carved Chinese Jade hardstone Foo Lions or Fu Dogs. This pair of Chinese spinach jade appears to be a nephrite, covered vases having a figural foo lion design with raise...

Antique Chinese large cork diorama depicting temple and garden scene.

Antique Thai Reliquary Nirvana Chedi. A finely carved and turned teak wood stupa form, constructed as a reliquary box in the nirvana (parinirvana) stupa ...

Vintage Thai Chedi Reliquary. A finely carved and turned sandalwood stupa shape, constructed as a reliquary box in stupa form. This box is composed of two reliquary chambers, a squa...

A stunning set of three framed Chinese carved cork diorama displays from circa 1950. Each piece showcases remarkable craftsmanship, with intricately carved traditional scenes featuri...

An antique Chinese figural group offers carved hardwood sculpture of intertwined dragons, circa 1920. Measures - 5.5"h x 2.75"w x 2.75"d A finely carved hardwood figural group depict...

Vintage Japanese Naruko Kokeshi by Takahashi Teruyuki. A turned hardwood traditional folk art originating from the vicinity of the hot spring, Naruko onsen. The highly collectible s...

Antique Thai Reliquary Nirvana Chedi. A finely carved and turned teak wood stupa form, constructed as a reliquary box in the nirvana (parinirvana) stupa ...

Hand-carved wooden sculpture representing a traditional guardian or deity figure, often referred to as the "Lady of Popa," originating from Vietnam or Southeast Asia. This striking p...

A rare and most impressive 1960s Japanese Ainu bear sculpture. Artist signed and dated. Indigenous Ainu Peoples, probably Ashikawa, Hokkaido, Japan's northe...

This item is a hand-carved wooden statue of Guanyin (also known as Kwan Yin or Quan Yin), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Guanyin is depicted standing elegantly in flowing robes with ...

This striking kentongan slit drum from Java is masterfully carved from a single piece of dense hardwood, shaped in the form of a mythical horse—its sinuous body and expressive head r...

Vintage Thai Chedi Reliquary. A finely carved and turned sandalwood stupa shape, constructed as a reliquary box in stupa form. This box is composed of two reliquary chambers, a squa...

Antique Thai Reliquary Nirvana Chedi. A finely carved and turned teak wood stupa form, constructed as a reliquary box in the nirvana (parinirvana) stupa ...

Pair of vintage 20th century carved wall hanging Thai religious deity / angel figures, one male and one female. Hand carved and painted featuring traditional thepphanom / thephanom p...

A boxwood netsuke depicting a mandarin fruit with a ryu dragon finely carved upside down, featuring a blonde horn-inlaid eye. Natural himotoshi formed from the mandarin's stem, en...

The central image in Toba Batak art is the singa, a supernatural creature whose likeness protects individuals, homes, and communities from malevolent supernatural forces. The name singa derives from the Sanskrit word meaning lion. However, the Toba Batak singa...

This exquisite antique teak wood panel hails from the culturally rich island of Java, Indonesia, and features a meticulously hand-carved and hand-painted depiction of a Wayang scene ...

Antique Thai Hardwood Betelnut Box. A turned wood globular chedi form having a narrower pedestal base, fitted wood conical top shaped with circular tiers...

Natural teak wood root sphere. The outer section is polished and the inner root left smooth in contrast. We have a collection available--all vary slightly in diameter. The price refl...

19th Century carved wood panel with lotus bud motive. An Architectural Element from a Buddhist Monastery in Northen Thailand. A Lotus Bud representi...

We are delighted to offer for sale this Stunning Framed Chinese Oriental Carved Cork Diorama Display Sculpture. It showcases intricate craftsmans...

2-342,Japanese Folk Art carved gilt wood mask on brass base.

Chinese Spinach Nephrite Jade Immortal with Lotus, Mid-20th Century Dimensions: 5” H x 5” W x 3” D (including base) A finely carved Chinese figure of a celestial maiden, sculpted f...

A finely carved Chinese zitan wood figure of an unidentified bodhisattva, possibly Guanyin, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The androgynous figure has a plump, almost matronly face, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile. The hair in long tresses, gathered and tied in a high chignon. The enlightened being is portrayed seated in dhyanasana, bare feet resting on crossed legs, both soles pointing up. Thick robes billow and drape around the full figured body. The hands display...

This collection consists of nine miniature Japanese netsuke figures, crafted from Japanese boxwood. The unifying focus is on the rabbit, a deeply symbolic animal in East Asian folklo...

Antique temple door in teak wood with remnants of the original color. We added the shell inlay by hand. Great as a headboard, coffee table or simp...

1202 Japan pair hand carved finely detailed pair of koi fish.

Pair of Chinese Gilt & Lacquered Openwork Figural Architectural Panels China, 20th Century An impressive pair of Chinese carved and parcel-gilt architectural panels executed in the ...

Antique temple door in teak wood with the original pretty coral color. We added the shell inlay by hand. Great as a headboard, coffee table or sim...

Monumental Indonesian architectural wall panel, hand-carved in solid teak and executed in exceptionally deep pierced high relief. Measuring approximately 92 inches wide, the expansiv...

This elegantly carved temple drum wase use in Buddhist Temples. It’s carved from teak and lacquered black with red and green stripped details. The top and straps are made of leather. These gigantic goblet...

Impressive reclaimed teak root which we have charred. Hand carved from a single 8.5" thick piece of reclaimed teak wood. This can also be used as a low minimalist coffee table with e...

Chinese Russet Jade hardwood Imperial Ruyi Scepter Qing Dynasty 19th century, Provenance. Large Chinese Qing Dynasty jade Ruyi scepter with three ...

This unique teak carved panel depicts Dayak Tribal mythology. The Dayak people are some hundreds of various native groups found in the interior rain...

Fine quality large antique Chinese carved hardwood figure having a fine quality antique Chinese hardwood figure of a sage.

Quality antique Chinese carved hardwood figure of a shoulou with a staff, attendant child and a stork standing on a carved base

Extraordinary mid century design This is a handsome Japanese mid century heavy hardwood bench hand chiseled on plank in a dramatic "wave" pattern using traditional Japanese tools "Oire Nomi". The butterfly joint at the end reminds us of George Nakashima's popular technique he used on his famous mid century tables. Solid and Heavy. Genuinely old waxed chocolate patina from care. We have applied a further protective coat of bees wax to ensure continued weather resistant use. Dimensions: Seat height: 18 inches x width: 71 inches x depth: 11.5 inches, 65 pounds Pair available. About Japan's hand chisels "Oire Nomi" The renowned metal-working arts of Japan are reflected in Japanese chisels...