Limestone Asian Art and Furniture

A good find comes this large 26 inch diameter, 5 inch thick round hand-carved mill stone from the 19th century or earlier period. This was likely a grinding base stone for a large oi...

An ideal garden ornament, sturdy weather proof planter display base or a rock solid all weather stone base for a special sculpture. From China, comes this large 20.5 inch rectangula...

China Monumental Pair (2) Antique Stone “Spirit Pathway” Tigers, middle Qing period 1750-1850. Please view our video. Dimensions: 115cm, 46” high and 60cm, 24” in width. Likely utilized as spirit pathway tomb markers, these powerful, benign carved sitting effigies perched on haunches and front paws with round heads and faces exposing defined eye sockets, ears and two fangs a top bases that feature curled tails on side each whole atop a block shaped base and hand-carved from limestone whose surfaces show considerable weatherization from exposure and good age. Reference: 35 Years Collecting 35 Treasures, Schneible Fine Arts catalog Number 30, p. 66. Provenance: originally found in Fujian Province. Fujian has the distinction of being home to China’s last remaining wild tigers and famous “tiger” mountain. No wonder then that these early stone works...

China, a carving of a canine “Pug”, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644 CE Dimensions: 38 cm, 15” High Photographs taken indoors and out of doors for your viewing pleasure. The hand carved limestone beast shown on its haunches with naturalistic joyful expression and a well defined compact head, ears, noes, eyes, feet, and tail parted to one side on reverse with distinctive collar ornament seated four square on a thick base all-over showing a weathered surface from significant age. Formerly exhibited “Asia Week” New York City, Fuller Building, Hutton Gallery 2006. Provenance: ex collection luoyang, Henan Province, China. Includes custom display base as shown Catalog reference: 35 years collecting 35 treasures, Number 35, p.76 (photo) In ancient China, it is a well-known fact that several types of small dogs were bred and were favored pet gifts between emperors and kings including Lion Dogs, Pekingese and Lo-sze breeds. Some Lo-sze are pictured wearing collars with bells a frequent combination fancied by European royalty of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Lo-sze or pugs were prized for their compact body, good bones, flat face, square jaw, short coat, curled tail, side set back ears, and temperate disposition. History: Placing stone animals in important tombs can be traced back at least to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), some two thousand years ago. In ancient times, stone animals and human figures placed before imperial tombs symbolized royal power and privilege in addition to decorative functions. The first Ming tomb...

On offer is an extraordinary Chinese scholar rock of Taihu type in a vertical mushroom-cloud form. Impressive in size, texture and grotto-filled shape, the well-balanced stone is pre...

Hard to Find Pair (2) Display Pedestals from the 19th Century From China's Qing dynasty (1644-1912) a hard to find pair (2) of limestone carved "flower" pedestals - perfect for di...

A fantastic Chinese scholar's stone, called gongshi, of gray lingbi limestone, mounted on a hardwood stand, late Qing or early Republic, early 20th century, circa 1910, China . The ...

This pair of intricately carved limestone fu lions once protected the entry of a grand courtyard home in 19th-century China. Also known as shizi or foo dogs, the mythical creatures a...

Rare and Hard To Find 19th Century From China's Qing dynasty (1644-1912) a hard to find solid limestone finely carved "drum" pedestal - perfect for displaying your indoor or outdoor...

Hand-carved 4 heads sculpture from Cambodja

Unique antique garden accent This delightful round hand-carved stone in the form of an old "cash coin" with its square hole dates to the 19th century. This was likely originally a m...

Rare and Hard To Find 19th Century From China's Qing dynasty (1644-1912) a hard to find solid limestone finely carved round top pedestal - perfect for displaying your indoor or outd...

Exuding an energy of calm and tranquility, this larger-than-life stone bust depicts a Buddhist bodhisattva in serene meditation. A disciple of the Buddha, a bodhisattva is a compassi...

Rare Chinese Limestone Head of Buddha, Tang Dynasty, 9th Century A rare and beautifully sculpted Chinese limestone head of Buddha, carved with remarkable sensitivity and spiritual ...

Often referred to as “Fu Dogs” in western culture, these handsome stone sentinels are iconic gatekeepers seen throughout China and elsewhere in Asia. Traditional symbols of protectio...

An immense and rare large-scale Chinese scholar's limestone Lingbi rock or water stone presented on an intricately carved hardwood display stand. The monumental form of the stone is ...

A very tall and slender Chinese scholar rock of Taihu type in an elegant Lingzhi mushroom form well-balanced on a custom-carved wood stand circa late 19th century. Being exposed to t...

Our 34 inch tall Chinese Caishen's name is often invoked during Chinese celebrations! This is a large and unusual antique hand carved limestone Wealth God Caishen- coming from an old New England collection Hand Made and Hand Carved Measurements: 34 inches high and 15 inches wide, Period: late Qing dynasty, late 19th-early 20th century. This god grasps a silver sycee (an ancient form of silver wealth). Provenance: Coming from an old New England collection and originally acquired from a Shanghai private collection decades ago. History of China's Wealth God Caishen: Caishen's name is often invoked during the Chinese New Year celebrations! Caishen (simplified Chinese: 财神; traditional Chinese: 財神; literally: "God of Wealth") is the Chinese god...

China, a large votive model of a stone Ram Dimensions: 45cm, 18 inches high and 65cm, 26 inches length and 25cm, 10 inches wide A strongly conceived and...

China, a large votive model of a stone Ram- impressive garden art suitable for the finest garden. Dimensions: 45cm, 18 inches high and 65cm, 26 inches length and 25cm, 10 inches w...

On offer is a tall Chinese Taihu scholar rock in an upright mushroom-cloud shape displayed on a custom wood stand. Well-balanced in form, the stone is of an uncommon deep yellow colo...

Magnificent Limestone Torso of Buddha With arms slightly angled, the figure is wearing a long robe falling in loose elegant pleats over the torso, with the left arm raised, and the o...

Sculptural and unusual stone formations have long been fixtures of the scholars' studio, displayed as sources of beauty and creative inspiration. Known as gongshi, or scholars' rocks...

Rare Chinese Song Dynasty Carved Limestone Head of Buddha, Ca. 9th Century DIMENSIONS Height: 9 inches Width: 7 inches Depth: 7 inches ABOUT A ...

A Chinese Taihu scholar rock is displayed on a carved wood base in an vertical form. Well-balanced and resembling a mushroom head, the stone is of an uncommon deep yellow color with ...

This pair of monumental Fu-Lions, also known as shizi, once would have flanked the entrance to a Qing-dynasty home in China’s Shanxi province. One has a pearl under its foot, and the...

This sculptural stone container is a 19th-century Chinese mortar, once used to grind herbs and spices in a kitchen or apothecary. Hand-carved from a single block of limestone, the mo...

Ichimatsu Ningyo doll is a Japanese shell limestone doll from the Meiji period. The doll body as well as the head, forearms, hands, legs and feet are made...

A 19th-century limestone column base carved in relief with mythical qilin, chimeric animals from Chinese mythology described as having the head of a dragon, the body of a tiger, the ...

Happening upon an intersection, a traveler in Qing-dynasty China would have been grateful for the guidance of this limestone path marker. Still bearing traces of its original pigmentation, each side of this marker is inscribed with directions. One side directs towards the Zhen De Teng household, another towards the Liang family, and a third towards the North East Road. The fourth inscription announces the year of its construction, the 33rd year of Emperor Guangxu (1908). This second-to-the-last emperor...

China, a monumental pair (2) of 500 year old lime stone “Spirit Path” Equine horse head sculptures. Ming dynasty, (1368-1644 CE). Please view our video. A pair of near life size and robust head sections with fine, wavy combed manes, well defined mouths, ears, nostrils, and ornamental bridles, all carved in a medium to dark gray limestone with considerable weathering to surfaces. The smaller head with a later inscription on bottom and signed “Zhuang”. Formerly exhibited “Treasures from Asia”, Shelburne Vermont, Shelburne Art Center, 2006. Originally found in the vicinity of the village of Chuan near Luoyang City, Henan Provance, China. Each mounted on a custom iron display stand. Dimensions: A the smaller 32.5cm, 13” high and 62.5cm, 25” in length and with display stand, 60cm, 24” high; b the larger 37.5cm, 15” high and 67.5cm, 27” in length and with display stand 65cm, 26” high. Please view additional photographs from our Chinese antiquities catalog 35 Years Collecting 35 Treasures, page 60. History: Placing stone animals and human figures along spirit paths in front of important tombs can be traced back at least to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), some two thousand years ago. In ancient times, stone animals and human figures placed before imperial tombs symbolized royal power and privilege in addition to decorative functions. Life size “spirit path” stone horse sculptures are known and can be viewed from Ming dynasty tombs including thirteen imperial tombs of the Ming Dynasty scattered over an area of forty square kilometers in Changping District to the northwest of Beijing. The first Ming tomb...

Unlike many objects of its kind, this limestone hitching stone was carved into a simple rounded shape without any figural references. Used to secure a horse by rope or reins, the sto...

This petite footed basin carved of solid limestone was likely once used in the courtyard of a wealthy Qing-dynasty home. Unusual decorative elements elevate...

These 19th century column bases likely figured into the grand and imposing surroundings of a Qing-dynasty courtyard, flanking the entryway with their protective presence. Carved from...

This tabletop altar with scrolled edges, a scalloped apron, and turned legs from China's Shanxi province is a rare find. We conservatively estimate it to be late Ming dynasty (circa ...

This ancient stone guardian lion shizi was carved by hand out of a single block of limestone. The artisan beckoned the guardian out from the stone, manipulating the unyielding materi...

This pair of 19th century carved limestone Fu dogs with sinister smiles and furled brows once guarded the entrance to one of provincial China's grand homes. One peers up and the othe...

A MASSIVE LIMESTONE FIGURE OF BUDDHA The imposing standing figure wearing simple robes subtly revealing the contours of the body, with U-shaped folds and gracefully draped over the ...

An excellent mid 19th century French Caen stone architectural fragment on stand reputedly from a church destroyed in WWII. With its beau...

Mid-century modern wall console by the belgian company Belgo Chrom Wall console with a travertine top Console made in brass with 2 different patina's. Still labeled with the origi...

Over four hundred years ago, these rare stone finials once adorned the garden or courtyard of a traditional Qing-dynasty home. Hand-carved in Shanxi province, they offer a rare glimp...

Sculptural lanterns of carved stone or wood are traditionally placed throughout Buddhist temple grounds or courtyard gardens to contrast lush foliage and cast light on their surround...

In the spirit of the traditional Chinese garden design, these miniature stacking lanterns bring the permanence of stone to a garden or patio space. The small lanterns assemble from f...

This statue appears to be a stone sculpture of an apsara, a celestial nymph from Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Despite its fragmentary state, the sculpture conveys grace and movement. The apsara is captured in a dynamic pose, perhaps once part of a larger tableau, playing a flute-like instrument. The facial features are serene yet expressive, with faint traces of pigmentation hinting at the sculpture's original polychromy. The black stand was made in Hong Kong at the time of the acquisition. Date : Northern Wei...

This intricate limestone stele of a standing buddha likely depicts Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. The only Buddhist divinity revered as both a bodhisattva and a Buddha, Maitreya is prophesied to return to Earth some time in the distant future and continue the historic Buddha's teachings of the Dharma. Like the historic Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya is a compassionate being devoted to showing the path to enlightenment. Carved in the style of sixth century Chinese statuary...

Striking pair of sculptural side tables featuring bold zigzag silhouettes with stepped geometric profiles. Crafted in a warm, travertine-like stone finish, these tables showcase stro...

China, a fine archaic ceremonial club hand carved, hand pecked in lime stone with an anthropomorphic "birds head" and contoured grip dating to the 19th century or earlier. Quality: fine condition as found. Notice the head, eye sockets, and nose all hand pecked Dimensions: 14 inches tall and 5 inches width. We will include a complimentary custom display base as shown. Provenance: Our private collection and accompanied by our Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity and in addition, this has been authenticated by Mr. Gu Fang...

This carved stone stele depicts the historical Buddha, known also as Shaka, Shakyamuni, or Siddhartha Gautama. Seated in perpetual meditation, the Buddha embodies virtues of wisdom and composure. Hand-carved of limestone in the style of Northern Wei (386-535) statuary, the Buddha is depicted upon a lotus plinth with legs crossed in lotus position. His hands are held downwards in bhumisparsha mudra, a gesture representing the moment that the Buddha claimed the earth as witness to his awakening. The Buddha has a peaceful, benevolent expression and is framed by a halo of concentric circles. His figure is surrounded by attendant bodhisattvas, carved in relief on the curved stele behind and platform below. Leafy tree branches add a naturalistic touch to the background, wrapping around to the back of the stele to form a canopy above a second, smaller Buddha...

Hand-carved from a solid block of limestone, this small stone vessel is an antique Chinese incense burner from the 19th century or earlier. Placed within a shrine or atop a home alta...

An opportunity to acquire a handsomely cased duo (2) of monumental hand carved stone swords or sabers from China. These are no ordinary swords. These unusual swords were probably int...

Drum-form stools such as this were traditionally used in gardens and outdoor pavilions where upper class scholars read, wrote, gathered for discussion and, in general, developed thei...

China an ancient limestone figure of an Entertainer replete with hands holding tambourines and a top a drum, -for the afterlife- , Han dynasty 206 BC...

This limestone carving depicts a Fu Dog Guardian figure and was carved from a solid block. Sculptures such as these were used to protect ones home from bad spirits or bad luck. They ...

Carved out of a solid block of stone, this fine Japanese statue depicts Jizō Bosatsu, a beloved bodhisattva in Japan. Also known as Kṣitigarbha in Sanskrit, Jizo is one of the four p...

This monumental drum stool was hand-carved from solid limestone by artisans in Shanxi province over two centuries ago. Drum-form stools such as this were traditionally used in gardens and outdoor...

Hand-carved from a single block of limestone, this stone fu dog sits at attention as a watchful guardian of the home. He exudes a remarkable sense of life and energy - crouched on al...

Passing through these impressive posts, a visitor to a Qing-dynasty estate would know he was entering someplace special. Used in a traditional courtyard entry to secure the doors as they swung open, these hand-carved posts are nonetheless ripe with symbolism. Double dragon medallions...

This antique limestone Buddha statue from Burma (Myanmar) stands at a height of 37 cm and features exquisite traces of 24-carat gilding. Crafted durin...

Despite their muscular frames and fearsome expressions, these petite stone beasts are actually the benevolent creatures known as qilin. Also known as kirin or Chinese unicorns...

Exuding an energy of calm and tranquility, this larger-than-life stone bust depicts a Buddhist bodhisattva in serene meditation. A disciple of the Buddha, a bodhisattva is a compassi...