Mid-19th Century Sculptures and Carvings

Rare Early Shinto Temple Find This is an incredibly rare and authentic Omikuji (Sacred Fortune Telling) set, dating back to the Late Edo Period. Unlike modern plastic or simple wo...

This is an antique Japanese stone sculpture of a snake. Carved simply from a single piece of stone, it depicts a snake coiled several times wi...

Buddha figure from Siam (present-day Thailand), dated to the second half of the 19th century. Seated in meditation on a throne in the classic bhumisparsha mudra, also known as the “...

A striking mid-19th century Tibetan Buddhist skull mala, traditionally associated with Lhasa, Tibet, and composed of numerous individually hand-carved beads in the form of miniature ...

Rare Vietnamese Gilt & Polychrome Carved Teakwood Buddha Seated on Lotus Throne, ca. 1850 Origin: Vietnam Period: 19th Century, circa 1850 Material: Carved teakwood with gilt and po...

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...

Japan, a rare dated large bronze hand hammered temple bell rin, Edo period , incised and dated Tenpo era 13th (1842) around rim. Perfect meditation instrument. When struck emits a pleasing bold reverberating sound guaranteed to please you. Bell is in very good condition... Includes red lacquered display base as shown and a complimentary striker This hand-hammered and wrought bronze percussion instrument created by specialized Samurai craftsmen with dimpled construction and incised signature of maker along rim sets atop a round red lacquered footed wood display base with wooden striker and when struck creates a serene reverberating sound. Perfect for meditation gardens or interior spaces. Total Height of bronze bell with red lacquered stand...

A gorgeous Meiji Period (1868-1912) Japanese bronze Shishi (Shi Shi) guardian lion (Chinese Foo Dog) sculpture. This work has a wonderful feel and beautiful aged patina. Shishi l...

From our recent Japanese acquisitions, a rare find Antique Original Japanese temple "blossoming lotus" flower bud stem including its original red lacquer display base. This finely hand carved wood and lacquered gold flower stem was made for a Buddhist 19th century temple altar. Its flower blossoms and leaves symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. The individual parts of each lotus is carved separately then joined in an arrangement and inserted in altar vessels. Also called "Jyôka" , it is placed on or next to an altar in a Buddhist temple. Made with meticulous techniques. In Buddhism, the lotus is an important symbol of divine enlightenment because it blooms into beautiful flowers while growing in mud. Tsunehana means "a flower that continues to bloom forever" and "a flower that does not wither." For this reason, the flowers represented are in different stages of their life, unfolded lotus leaves, buds and full flowers, thus symbolizing the journey towards Buddhist enlightenment. This lovely Japanese antique gilt Lotus flower is an early survivor, circa 1840, and a hard to find treasure that was originally placed on or around a temple altar. This ensemble consists of a single stem, the top most flower, and the bottom leaf- all mounted in the original square red lacquer display base. A gold gilt 3.5 inch long tortoise "minogame" is affixed to the base as seen in the photo. Its attractive original old patina coupled with much of the original gilding remaining present is just the way we like to find them. Dimensions: With original red lacquer display stand Height, 17 inches height and 9 inches in width. The lotus flower stem alone measures 16 inches in height. Provenance: acquired from a Kyoto Japanse monk and collector History of the Japanese turtle "minogame" One of the most famous is the mythological giant turtle...

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 charming Japanese Edo Period (1615-1868) seated wooden figure. This figure is likely Buddhist, and would have sat outside a temple. The serene seated figure is wearing a robe and...

Japanese Articulated Copper, Bronze and Iron Rock Lobster (Jizai Okimono), Signed Hiroyoshi, Edo Period (1603–1868), circa 1850 An exceptionally rare and finely crafted Japanese articulated jizai okimono...

From our recent Japanese acquisitions A rare couple. These Japanese Tachibina dolls represent the simplest essential form of the imperial couple. Their beautiful faces were crafted from crushed shell called gofun coated over carved wood and their dress feature period Edo (1840) textile kimono dress. Used as the display for the Girl’s day celebration, more specifically they are constructed of kinran brocade fabric covered paper, the heads carved of wood and covered in gofun with painted features and inset hair, the male form with outstretched arms and conical legs, the female has a cylindrical form. They come in an original kiri wood storage box. Dimensions: Large doll 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide Small doll...

Stunning and unique pair of matching horse sculptures. With a combined experience of almost 30 years in the antiques trade, we were thrilled to once again find beautifully hand-crafted and decorative antiques that we had never seen before. From the density and the weight we can see and feel that these highly decorative horse sculptures are made of a tropical hardwood. Like, for example, with antique mirror frames or church sculptures these horses too were first covered with a mixture of chalk and glue so that the paint would hold longer. And, as so often is the case with antiques, the colors that were used for painting these horses are so much more beautiful than anything you find in this day and age that they truly are an absolute joy to look at. From the colors, the wear, the materials and the techniques that were used to create these horses we can see that these are 19th century antiques. However and unfortunately we lack the knowledge to be able to tell you from which country these highly decorative and sizeable works of art originate. We just can't find matching style horse sculptures anywhere on the worldwide web. They could be Chinese or Nepalese, but they could also be Persian or Arabian. We just have not been able to find out. What we do know is that they are definitely antique, they are in beautiful condition (with some wear, consistent with their age), they are highly decorative, probably unique and they have a look and feel that will instantly change the atmosphere of the room they are in. Mind you, our sharp price for this wonderful pair of horse sculptures...

A Chinese Shanxi carved wooden corbel from the mid 19th century, mounted on a base and depicting two deities. Born in the Northern Province of Shanxi during the 1840s, this exquisite wooden corbel demonstrates the undeniable skill Chinese artists possessed at the time. Presenting two deities (possibly Zhong...

A beautiful standing Edo Period wood carved antique Japanese Kannon Bodhisattva Buddha Amida sculpture/statue. This Buddha is one of four we acquired that were rescued from an abando...

Just discovered from an old Kyoto area garden. Call or message us for details or to reserve. Please view our video. For the finest garden- an exceptional and spiritual representation of the Buddha expressed in this unique and substantial 10 feet five roof pagoda with four buddha images carved on base. Japan, a monumental antique stone pagoda...

From our recent Japan acquisitions An important black lacquer treasure dated 1852 with its original box tomobako Superb antique Ohibachi (over sized hibachi) from late Edo era use...

This is a very rare carved wooden statue of a sacred horse that was dedicated to a Japanese shrine. It was produced during the Edo period (1800s-1860s), and the main material used is...

Large Japanese Meiji Bronze Roaring Tiger on Carved Wood Base, Signed, circa 1860s Meiji Period Roaring Tiger Bronze & Carved Wood Signed Japan, Circa 1860s DIMENSIONS OVERAL...

The simple exterior of black lacquer encasing this 19th-century Japanese traveling shrine (zushi) belies the splendor within. The hinged doors open to reveal a lustrous gold interior...

A beautiful standing Edo Period wood carved antique Japanese Kannon Bodhisattva Buddha Amida sculpture/statue. This Buddha is one of four we acquired that were rescued from an abando...

A pair of antique 19th century hand carved cabinet door panels. This is a great pair of carved panels originally from a large carved buffet. The doors are in good condition and curve...

An unusual Japanese carved wood, lacquer, and gilt decorated portrait sculpture of a shogun, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The unidentified shogun (possibly Tokugawa Iey...

This pair of intricately carved limestone fu lions once protected the entry of a grand courtyard home in 19th-century China. Also known as shizi or foo dogs, the mythical creatures a...

This small clay plaque is an antique tsatsa amulet, a form of votive offering created by devotees of Tibetan Buddhism. Three Buddhist deities are stamped onto the front, including Sh...

A delightful Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha in royal attire, mid 19th century, Thailand. The charming figure depicts the Buddha in dhyanasana, the gesture of meditation. The Buddha sits serenely in half lotus position, his hands resting comfortably upon his lap, one on top of the other. The Buddha is dressed in elaborate robes, cast with floral and foliate designs in high relief. Over his robe, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape...

A beautifully aged 19th-century Chinese carved wood figure of Guanyin, the bodhisattva traditionally associated with compassion and mercy, s...

Once an original part of a Mid-19th Century Buddha wood sculpture from Thailand, this reclaimed hand fragment is polychromed and lacquered in red, black ...

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...

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 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 ...

Chinese tortoise shell finely carved box, Canton circ 1840, The box is carved with court scenes on both top and bottom. Finely executed edge with greek key pattern and scenes. THIS I...

An excellent mid 19th century French Caen stone architectural fragment on stand reputedly from a church destroyed in WWII. With its beau...

A lovely Thai lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, portrayed in Maravijaya, Rattanakosin Period, early to mid 19th century, Thailand. The B...

19th century bronze Chinese Foo Dog.

Extremely Rare Japanese Karakuri Ningyo Holding a Fox Mask, Edo Period, Ca. 1840 DIMENSIONS 20” high without raised arm 22” high with raised arm holding the fox mask 16" wide 15" de...

A large and heavy well cast bronze image of the Buddha seated in meditation, late or just post Kandyan period (1597 - 1815), early to mid 19th century, Sri Lanka. The Buddha sits ...

Japanese Antique Stone Rice Field Deity Sculpture called "Ta no Kansaa", covered with natural green moss. Ta no Kansaa has been worshipped around South Kyushu area (Kagoshima, Miyaz...

This small marble head of the Buddha is from the Shan States of Burma and carved from white marble. The face is framed by elongated and intricately c...

This pair of 19th century carved limestone Fu dogs with sinister smiles and furled brows once guarded the entrance to one of provincial China's grand homes. One peers up and the othe...

Japanese Studio Pottery Figure of a Lady Holding a White Rat, Signed, Miyo Kiln, Kyoto, Late Edo Period, circa 1860 A rare and captivating Japanese studio pottery figure depicting a...

A wonderful Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha in royal attire, mid 19th century, Thailand. The lovely figure depicts the Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra, the gesture of calling the earth to witness. Seated in full lotus position, with one hand resting in meditation in his lap, the other extended over the knee to touch the ground, this gesture commemorates the moment the Buddha attains enlightenment. The Buddha is dressed in elaborate robes, cast with floral and foliate designs in high relief. Over his robe, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape, diamond shaped pectoral, and a winged crown upon his head - all with studded designs in high relief, imitating heavy embroidery...

This mid-19th-century bronze Buddha head is a finely cast Southeast Asian sculpture, probably Thai, distinguished by its elaborate ceremonial headdress and serene expression. The Bu...

Paire de chiens de Fô en bois laqué rouge. Cette paire de sculptures représente des créatures protectrices symboliques issues de la tradition impériale chinoise destinées à protéger ...

This set of four, Chinese carved window screens is from an 19th century house from the Shanxi province of China. Carved from Chinese Northern Elm...

The Victorian pair of Staffordshire dog figurines are known for their timeless beauty and exceptional quality. These figurines are a true testament to th...

Unlike many objects of its kind, this limestone hitching stone was carved into a simple rounded shape without any figural references. Used to secure a horse by rope or reins, the sto...

These carved wooden panels were once a part of the railing to a grand Qing-dynasty daybed or canopy bed enclosure. Expertly crafted, the panel displays a beautiful relief carving wit...

Antique bronze sculptures of puppies playing. Traces of gold on both, one holding tassels in its mouth. Measurements: 3 1/2" h x 6 1/2" w x 3 3/4" d and 4 1/4" h x 5 1/2" w x 3 3/4" d

A large & important pair of rare antique 19th century Indian Polychromed & hand carved stone Dvarpala (temple door guard) statues, circa 1850. Each statue is hand carved as a male Hindu four armed temple guard, the guards holding a mace (Gada) and one hand on a dagger (Katar), another hand holding a lotus flower to represent spiritual enlightenment. Each guard stands crossed legged on a plinth decorated with an elephant, both statues retaining old and yet brightly colored polychromed decoration, the statues are approximately 3/4 lifesize. They are a true pair facing each other and would have flanked either side of the temple door entrance, they are large and very heavy, each figure weighs about 300lbs. A rare & important pair of carved 19th century stone temple guards...

This wooden statue possesses a quiet presence yet somehow conveys a familiar, populist charm. The work depicts a figure seated atop a lion, a composition reminiscent of **Manjushri ...

This gilt bronze figure depicts the historic Buddha Shakyamuni in perpetual meditation. Also known as Shaka, Gautama Buddha, or Prince Siddhartha, Shakyamuni embodies the virtues of ...

Rare to source carved wooden galleon, with full guns and mast . Carved to hang in churches near the water, often in northern France, and used as a blessing to seafaring mariners

Antique Japanese miniature model of a suit of armor made for the Boy’s day display. Constructed of a lacquered paper cuirass, upper arm guar...

Devoid of figurative carvings, this primitive stone weight from the mid-19th century has an organic, abstract beauty. The stone has an oblong, lock-form shape with natural asymmetry ...

Antique Chinese horizontal panel made of wood with traces of traditional calligraphy. The surface shows marked wear and patina that reflect the passage of time, adding great aestheti...

Nandi Cow In Carved And Lacquered Wood ancient, hand-carved oriental sculpture from India. This figure of a bull, Hindu guardian deity in wood has a wonderful patina due to age and ...

This large polychromed wood figure from southeast Asia dates to the mid-19th century and depicts a male attendant or entertainer. Hand-carved by...

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...