Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese (143)

Statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, in monk's robes, sitting cross legged, his right hand in "abhaya mudra". Votive box at the back, its lid and contents missing. Wood, with remnants of polychrome colors painted on a paper lining glued on the wood. China, Qing Dynasty period, 18th century. Height: 41 cm. A few losses, including on the finger tips of the right hand, otherwise very good condition. .

Mask of the "Nuo" esoteric theater representing the character of Heshang, the Buddhist monk, with very expressive features. The mask was carved on wood, then paper was affixed all over its surface, on which polychrome pigments were painted. China, early 19th century, probably earlier. Height: 9 13/16" (25 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Paper partly flaked, and consequently the colors, otherwise very good condition.

A half part of a military tally, finley cast in the form of a crouching tiger. Inside the tally is a protruding character and two round holes. Beneath the tally, nine incised halves of characters.The tally is made of bronze, with remnants of the original gilding and a fine patina. China, Early Ming dynasty or earlier. Height: 4.2 cm. Length: 8.2 cm. Very good condition. NOTE: a tally was used to command troops in ancient China...

A parcel-gilt silver cricket box and its cover. The body of the box is decorated with embossed flowers in cartouches, and its base is pierced with an intricate lattice design. The lid is also decorated with embossed concentric decorations, at the center with flowers in an octogonal frame, and around the rim with large fowers of various forms. China, early 19th cetury, maybe earlier. Diameter: 7.7 cm. Height: 4.4 cm. Very good condition...

A fine cricket cage, composed of a body made from a gourd and a base, rim and lid made of ivory. The lid itself is nicely carved to represent a bird among flowers. China, 19th century. Length: 3 1/2" (9 cm). Very good condition.

Finely cast, with nice details, miniature statue of bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, standing on a lotus base, his left hand holding what seems to be a gourd. Bronze, with encrusted reddish green patina, with traces of the original gilding. China, Tang Dynasty. Height: 5.6 cm. The statue is nicely mounted on a custom wood stand. Good condition.

Very well hollowed out and beautiful moss agate snuff bottle, with a "tao tie" mask carved in relief on each side. Bronze stopper with turquoise inlays, bone spoon. China, 19th century. Height (without stopper)/ 2 1/2" (6,4 cm). Tiny chips around rim, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: this snuff bottle is so light that is is supposed to float on the surface of water...

Small figurine representing Kuan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, in formal attire and wearing elaborate diadem and necklaces, sitting cross-legged on an elevated throne around which reclining lions are showing. Bronze, with dark reddish-green patina. China, Northern Wei or Sui Dynasty. Height: 2 3/4" (7 cm). Strong erosion due to great age, right hand partly chipped (old accident) otherwise good condition. An extremely rare object.

Buddhist statue of a guardian deity ("dvarapala"), standing on clouds, in martial posture. Bronze, with fine dark green and reddish patina. China, Tang Dynasty. Height: 5.7 cm. The statue is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Left arm missing, some abrasion, otherwise very good condition

Head of Buddha, eyes half closed, its face reflecting a profound inner serenity. Wood, with remnants of the original lacquering and gilding. China, 18th century. Height: 10 1/2" (26,7 cm). The head is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Age cracks, otherwise good condition.

Head of Buddha, its face with eyes almost closed reflecting a profound inner serenity. Wood, with numerous layers of polychrome pigments, lacquering and gilding. China, early 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 32 cm. The head is not mounted. Some flaking, otherwise very good condition.

Mask of the "Nuo" esoteric theater representing the character of Master Jiang, a respected professor. Polychrome wood, with animal hair under the nose and around the chin to represent mustache and beard. China, early 19th century. Height: 9 3/8" (24 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition. Publications: "Le Masque de Chine" by Yves Crehalet Actes Sud Publisher, France, 2007 (p. 148).

Statue of Buddha, in monk's robes, eyes half closed, his hands in "abhiseka mudra", sitting cross-legged on a double lotus throne. Bronze, with large remnants of the original gilding and dark, reddish-green encrusted patina. China, Yuan or early Ming Dynasty, 14th century. Height: 7 3/8" (18,8 cm). Good condition. NOTE: "abhiseka mudra" is the mudra (hands posture) of anointing. It is very rarely seen in Buddha statues.

Statue of a snarling lion holding a smaller lion under its front paws, resting on a rectangular base. Bronze, with fine dark green patina with reddish areas. China, Ming Dynasty. Length: 6.7 cm. Height: 5.7 cm. Very good condition.

Mask of the "Nuo" esoteric theater representing the character of Bao Gong, or Judge Bao, also named "King of Inferno" because he also goes down to visit the Inferno to inquire about the souls. The mask was carved on wood on which lacquer and polychrome pigments were painted. China, mid-19th century. Height: 12 1/4" (30,5 cm). Old insect damage (no more danger), otherwise good condition.

Finely cast statue of Bodhisattva Manjusri, in formal attire, his face showing a half smile, sitting in "rajalila asana" on a chimera or highly stylized lion, both resting on an elevated lotus throne. China, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Height: 9 1/8" (23,3 cm). Iron, with partly encrusted patina. Obvious signs of great age, strong oxydization in some areas, otherwise very good condition. A very fine statue. NOTE: "rajalila asana" is the king's posture. It is sometimes used on bodhisattvas statues...

Realistic and superbly cast statue of a Taoist dignitary, standing in formal attire, holding an archaic vessel with both hands, with a slight smile on his face. Bronze, encrusted patina, traces of gilding in some recesses. China, Qing Dynasty, early 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 7" (17,7 cm). Old dent on the upper part of the back, otherwise very good condition. A rare piece.

Head of a lohan (or "arhat"), one of the 18 disciples of Buddha, wearing mustache and goatee, his face displaying a severe expression. Wood, with remnants of the original plastering (used to support a former polychrome painting, now gone), Eyes made of black glass. China, early 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 12" (30 cm). The head is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Some chips, otherwise very good condition.