Works of Art
18th c. Brahma - TibetRarely depicted in Tibetan figures, Brahma on the hamsa is a copper alloy figure which is mounted onto a fine old wood stand from Japan. From a wonderful sword collection belonging to a Samurai family, this figure is magical. Brahma holds the sun of illumination in his hand. Traces of gilding. |
19th c. Silver Reliquary StupaThis extraordinary silver Tibetan Buddhist reliquary in the form of a Stupa, set with coral and turquoise, is sealed with prayers by a chase and repousee Padmasambhava. The figures on the lower levels are of those suffering from ignorance. Auspicious symbols assist the aspirants and toward the upper sections, the enlightened ones are depicted and surround the fully enlightened one at the top on either side. |
Vietnamese 19th c. Altar ChairThe 19th century altar chair of gilt lacquer on wood is an extraordinary example of devout Vietnamese artistry. The arms of the chair are awe inspiring Dragon Heads. |
Zushi Reiliquary 18th c.The copper alloy reliquary in the form of the flaming pearl of wisdom on a lotus stand, holds jewels in nine portals behind glass. Enshrined in a gilt lacquer zushi with panels on both front and back. |
Sacred GeometryAn original and impressive single transparent selenite crystal mounted on a geometric steel base. This represents a collaboration between David Humphrey, Eric Peterson (34stbombers} and Peter Asmar of Asmar Studio. - With thanks.23 inches tall and 30 inches wide Note: Does not include the antique Mother of Pearl Inlay Trunk. |
19th c. Portable Shrine - Five panels of Indian MiniaturesA charming portable shrine of brass and gilding, which opens to five breath taking Indian miniature paintings decorated further with gold, basra pearls and gems . The panels feature Krishna and Arjun, Shiva and Parvati, Ganesh with Siddhi and Riddhi and Durga astride the tiger.Due to its age and condition, the paper has been professionally conserved to the extent possible. 7 3/4 x 5 3/4 inches |
Guan Yu - Gilt lacquer on wood - late 19th centuryAn historical figure turned fierce guardian and object of worship, Guan Yu was a general at the end of the Han Dynasty. Though considered as an emblem of war he is actually venerated as a man of peace who would rather keep violence to a minimum and, as such, he is worshipped throughout China. This monumental figure stands 24 inches and weighs over 30 lbs. He brings the gift of PRESENCE as seen in the images! |
Indian Miniature of a Bejeweled Maharani 18th-19thc IndiaA bejeweled Maharani! This oil measures 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches. It dates to the late 18th to early 19th century and rests in a metal frame shielded by beveled glass, which is slightly chipped at the lower left as can be seen in the 2nd image. |
19th c. Vietnam: French Colonial Altar HouseThis antique, gilded wood altar, combines the distinctly Asian taste and sensibility of the Vietnamese artists who were most likely commissioned by the Jesuits to create this altar to house a statue of a Catholic luminary.16 1/2" x 40 1/4" x 18 1/4" |
18th c. Matador FigureThe 18th c. figure of this matador is a striking example of the Neopolitan or Creche sculptural traditions. This sensitive depiction is, most likely, that of a great matador of 18th century Spain. There has been some restoration to the front foot to strengthen stability. Otherwise, since "time and tide wait for no figure", threads in places may be bare, but the strength of the spirit, the "duende" of this matador, remains untouched by the ravages of time.27 inches tall |
Pre-historic Camel's FootA fossilized camel's foot from South Dakota. This is not a replica but the real thing. For the paleontologist who has everything!19" from tip to toe, and I do mean toe! |
Precolumbian Gold Breast PlateThe high karat Precolumbian gold breast plate from Veraguas, W. Panama dates to the 15th c. and is of hammered native gold. The animal depicted is most likely the Panamanian crocodile or Largarto Aguja.13.06 grams 22 karat+ gold 2 11/16" diameter Provenance: Dale Flores Collection |
A Ming glazed stoneware figure of a Seated BoddhisattvaA glazed stoneware figure dated to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), of a seated Boddhisattva holding a ruyi scepter.8 3/4" tall This sublime figure has survived for 500 years and but, for some minor chips, has weathered the ages remarkably well. |
Ancient Kohl Dish - 3rd c. BCThis dish was found in the Necropolis north of the ancient Punic city of Kerkouane in Tunisia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necropolis_of_Kerkouane The recessed center indicates that the dish was probably used in a woman’s chamber for the application of kohl, the ancient eye cosmetic still in use today in Africa and India.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohl The dish measures 8 inches in diameter. |
Treasure Jar - 5th c.Property of a LadyThe 5th c. Central Asian treasure jar stands 12 inches high and is decorated in the round with three ferocious beasts and painted with the "eyes that watch" as protection for the valuables that would have been stored in the jar. |
Qing Dynasty Buckle Tourmaline and jadeiteThis Qing Dynasty (turn of the 20th century) buckle features a large polished, pink tourmaline slice from California and a Burmese "moss on snow" jadeite. The gilt copper buckle features ice crackle decoration behind the transparent pink tourmaline. The Empress Dowager, Tzu-hsi, was the most important patron of California tourmalines during her lifetime and consequently China became its biggest importer in the late 19th century. |
Continental Bronze VesselContinental bronze vessel surmounted by two children at play 19th c. Measures approx. 6.5" high. |
19th century Chinese Water CoupeThis beautiful example of Chinese taste is a 19th century water coupe with a rich flambe glaze. 1 3/4" tall."Water coupes were small pots for ornamental as well as functional use by Chinese scholars. Displayed on their desks, they were filled with water for making ink or for refilling the artist's brush washers to clean their writing utensils. Many were delicately carved from a variety of colored jades and agates and were patterned after organic plant forms or animals." Information courtesy of Lois Thomas, p4A.com editor, April, 2009. |
Elegant Chinese Wooden StandsThe elegant bamboo motif stands measure approx. 5.5 inches square and the tallest of the three, stands 21.5 inches tall. 20th century |
Pre Columbian Jaquar Head - Basalt - Costa RicaOver 800 years old, this dramatic jaguar head was once attached to a massive metate or corn grinding platform, in the shape of a jaguar. The jaguar head was found in Costa Rica, attached to a mail box by the concrete extension, wood and bolt arrangement seen in the photo below. The entire artifact measures 6 1/2 x 15 inches (including the bolt extensions) |
Captured in Time - A spectacular event under the seaWhat appears to be red coral is, in fact, the result of overgrowth after the death of a branching, white hard coral; colonized or taken over by a sponge, algae or bryozoan which appears as a red encrustation. Please take note in the additional images where the deep folds of the large clam shell can be seen to which, the coral originally attached itself.This specimen measures approx. 9 x 10 x 8 inches |
Cloisonne lidded cup - China 18th centuryThe charming cloisonne lidded cup measures 1 1/2" in diameter. Late 18th century (Qianlong Period) |