This is lovely miniature boxwood carving of a lohan riding on a horse. It is possible that it was intended for use as a Chinese toggle – there are holes on the two ends –but we have tried to push a needle through from each end and it gets stuck about half way through – probably some old clogged dirt. The carving is quite detailed and the lohan’s face and the horse’s head are very realistic.
DESCRIPTION: A large and elaborately carved ivory figure of Taiguai Li (or Iron Crutch Li) with his young assistant and a mythical hoofed creature, the Qilin (a frequent symbol associated with Li). In this carving, Taiguai Li, one of the Eight Immortals and known as a patron of the injured and diseased, is dressed in his beggar’s clothes. He leans on his iron crutch while at his feet a young assistant holds Li’s prayer beads and rests one foot on the mythical Qilin. Behind Li’s head a large g... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A handsome Chinese jade carving, the attractive stone a dark celadon color with brown veining, crafted in the form of a recumbent camel with long beard and head turned back onto its shoulder. This piece has been beautifully carved with fluid lines and pleasing composition. From a northeast USA collection and in perfect condition, I am estimating this piece to date from the Republic Period (1911 – 1949), or earlier. DIMENSIONS: 3 1/4” long (8.3 cm) x 2” wide (5 cm) x 1 ˝” high (3.... Click for details
This is one of the most unusual items we have ever had in our collection – a tiny carved wood travel shrine. The Japanese have their travel shrines called zushi – most in enclosed cases – some even in ceramics. However, this is the first time we have ever seen a Chinese travel shrine.
A simple and yet well done jade sculpture, using a technique of manipulating the inclusion to emphasize detail. A rare and almost even color of both brown and celadon jade. Notice that the water buffalo is brown, while on the backside of the celadon boy, is a straw hat that shows a hint of brown. You can see this hint of brown again for the boy's hair on top of his head. This delightful sculpture dates to the early 20th and comes with the original ornate stand. In excellent condition, it measu... Click for details
A well-carved sculpture of a laughing boy on the back of a rather playful water buffalo. Carved from one piece of bamboo. Qing dynasty, 19th century.
The carving has a good patina though it is apparent that in the past it has had a few insect holes filled. These are few in number. There ar... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A large, charming Chinese toggle (guajian) fashioned from burl wood in the form of a frog with inlaid eyes crouched to a lily pad. The lily pad is shaped like a large convex button with a loop fashioned on the back for suspension by cord from the belt as a counterweight to some other object such as a tobacco pouch. These beautiful little handmade objects are outstanding examples of Chinese folk art; this one has a rich patina from age and wear, and most likely dates from the 18th ... Click for details
A 19th century Chinese red lacquered wood panel is carved with the gods of happiness, prosperity and longevity surrounded by lively attendants running to and fro in a garden scene. Gold leaf applied sparingly over the lacquer adds richness and depth to the carving. The panel is in two parts, with the gods and their retinue carved in relief on the upper section, and fine pierced carving on the bottom section, with beautifully executed symbolic icons: a peony representing honor and masculinity is... Click for details
