Chinese Qing dynasty ornately carved rootwood fly-whisk handle. Fly-whisks were carried by Buddhist priests to wave away flies which, according to Buddhist tenets, they could not kill. The fly-whisk is also a symbol of leadership. 19th century. 11" long. Very good overall condition with a nice patina. There is one small crack which is visible in the center of enlargement 4. This piece is from the private collection of American expatriates who lived in Hong Kong in the 1970s and 1980s.
Old Chinese robed Budai image with characteristic elongated earlobes and fat belly standing on his bag of treasures, carved from a dense block of hardwood. Known as Hotei in Japan, and frequently referred to as the "Laughing Buddha," Budai is one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck and symbolizes prosperity and abundance. The back is flat, as it was designed to hang on the wall. Estimated to date from the first half of the 20th century. Measures about 10 3/4" long. Good overall condition except ... Click for details
A finely detailed Chinese relief carving shows a bearded scholar in his courtyard surrounded by friends and family. He and his bearded associate sit at a table under the ornate roofs of the raised pavilion. Two children and several other figures are seen in other sections of the courtyard, which is enclosed by a low fence. Six tiled roofs, trees and potted plants are carved with meticulous care, and another structure is seen atop a mountain in the background. The coins carved in each end of the ... Click for details
Each figure depicts an old man displaying an opened scroll, he carries a long staff and is accompanied by a deer. It is possible that he depicts the star god of longevity; Shoulao and the original purchaser chose to have two, left and right facing for double long life or perhaps just to grace a mantelpiece.
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Handcarved wood molds used in making rice cakes for Chinese celebrations at New Year and the first full moon conveyed a family’s hopes for good fortune in the coming year. On this set of three, special wishes for wealth are expressed with carvings of coins, for joy with the butterfly shapes, for abundance with fish, and for protection with dragons. The rice cakes themselves, whether made with such special molds or just patted into round or oval shapes, carry a symbolic meaning of peace, harmony ... Click for details
A Chinese hardwood casket carved in Canton with deep , thick and intricate panels of typical figures, buildings and flora. The interior is lined with red silk and it has a lift up tray over its main chamber.These caskets are more commonly seen in softwood and examples in hardwood such as this are rarer. Age: C. 1880. Size: 7 inches ( 18cm) long. 5 1/5inches (14cm) wide. 4 1/4inches(11cm) high. condition: very good, no restoration, no breaks.
A Chinese two handled cup, carved in one piece of hardwood with a floral motif. Age: 19 C. size: 3 7/10 inches (9.5cm) at its widest and 1 1/2inches (3.8cm) high.condition: good, no restoration.
A Chinese libation cup, carved from one piece of hardwood, may be rosewood, with flowers and trailing stalks . The result is a very well modelled and attractive item. Age; 19C. condition: good, a faint vertical age stress on the side, barely noticeable and nothing of consequence.Size; 2 7/8 inches (4.5cm) high.
Excellent pierced carving of leaves and scrolling surrounds a circular piece of marble in this late 19th century Chinese piece. Marble gazing was somewhat like cloud gazing in Qing Dynasty China, when pieces of "pictorial" marble were set into furniture and hung on walls as art. Patterns in the marble veins were said to resemble mountains, water scenes, or auspicious flowers and birds. This piece, with its beautifully carved hardwood frame, looks quite Victorian and is in very good condition. Di... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A fine and appealing Chinese Qing Dynasty caved burl figure depicting one of the eight immortals, Lan Caihe, the patron deity of the impoverished. Here he/she (has been depicted as each in various times) is shown in his most well-known form as a youth with hair in two top-knots, carrying a bamboo flower basket filled with peaches, symbol of immortality. His left arm is raised holding a peach in his hand, and his delightful face gives us an open smile. The carving itself is made fr... Click for details
