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.
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 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
This item has been sold. Thank you. A small hardwood devotional figure, Ching Dynasty, 18th/19th Century. Probably a Daoist god or Chinese folk hero for use in a home shrine. A robed and seated judge or general figure wearing a helmet and/or fabric headress draped over the shoulders and tied across the forehead with a distinct knot at back from which depend two tabs or ribbons, and two tabs forward of the shoulders and flanking the face and which probably determine rank. This figure with fur... Click for details
An old architectural Chinese wooden foo dog very much resembling the ancient Chinese Pug. Dating to the late 19th century, pieces like these were used as guardians of the home. This sculpture is in excellent condition and measures 18" long x 6.5" high.
Chinese Zitan Chopsticks Case, 19th Century
A very special; well made Chinese zitan chopsticks case with two Chinese characters carved on the cover and bottom. The character on the cover is ‘Hao’ it means, good, excellent and blessing, the characters on the bottom is ‘Feng’ means abundant and blooming. This case probably was part of wedding gift.