Artifacts

Seated Mandalay Buddha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

A magnificent sculpture of a seated Mandalay Buddha, made of teak, covered with black lacquer, gold leaf and colored glass inlay. More about Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama was a spiritual teacher in the northern region of the Indian subcontinent who founded Buddhism. He is generally seen by Buddhists as the Supreme Buddha (Sammasambuddha) of our age. The time of his birth and death are uncertain: most early 20th-century historians date his lifetime from c. 563 BCE to 483 BCE; more recently, however, at a specialist symposium on this question, the majority of those scholars who presented definite opinions gave dates within 20 years either side of 400 BCE for the Buddha's death, with others supporting earlier or later dates. The term Buddha means "Awakened". As he fully comprehended the Four Noble Truths and as he arose from the slumbers of ignorance he is called a Buddha. Since he not only comprehends but also expounds the doctrine and enlightens others. Where is Burma? Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar, is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia, or Indochina. The country is bordered by the People's Republic of China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, and the Bay of Bengal to the southwest with the Andaman Sea defining its southern periphery. One-third of Burma's total perimeter, 1,930 kilometers (1,199 mi), forms an uninterrupted coastline. Mandalay period: 19th century – early 20th century: At the end of the 18th century a new style of Buddha images – called Mandalay – appeared. In this style the face of the Buddha is oval with a long, pointed nose and thick lips whilst the eyebrows are normal. Curved ear lobes are placed well behind the head and the ushinsha [top of the head illustrating the Buddha’s enlightenment] is round. The Buddha is always displayed wearing a long robe with delicate folds and shown either in a sitting, standing or reclining posture. Early Mandalay Buddha statues were predominantly made in bronze and marble, followed by representations in wood and lacquer.

Price:$5,000.00

Tibetan singing bowl

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional bronze singing bowl from Tibet. More about our singing bowls: Singing bowls (also known as 'Himalayan bowls' or 'rin' or suzu gongs in Japan) are a type of bell, specifically classified as a standing bell. Rather than hanging inverted or attached to a handle, standing bells sit with the bottom surface resting. The sides and rim of singing bowls vibrate to produce sound. Singing bowls were traditionally used throughout Asia as part of Bön and Tantric Buddhist sadhana (spiritual practice). Today they are employed worldwide both within and without these spiritual traditions, for meditation, trance-induction, relaxation, healthcare, personal well-being and religious practice. Singing bowls were historically made in Tibet, Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, Japan and Korea. Today they are made in Nepal, India, Japan and Korea. The best known type are from the Himalayan region and are often called "Tibetan singing bowls." Source: Wikipedia

Price:$1,100.00

Manjushree temple oil lamp

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional, Manjushree temple oil lamp. This beautiful piece from Nepal is made of bronze.

Price:$1,600.00

Ganesha temple oil lamp

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional, Ganesha hanging temple oil lamp. This beautiful 19th century piece from Nepal is made of bronze.

Price:$1,500.00

Porcelain Quan Yin

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Porcelain figure of a seated Quan Yin.

Price:$1,350.00

Reclining Buddha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

A wooden figure of Lana, Mandalay period reclining Buddha, covered in lacquer.

Price:$2,000.00

Burmese angel

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Figure of a Burmese angel, sitting on a lotus flower, made of wood and covered in gold lacquer. Period: contemporary

Price:$800.00

Tibetan gau prayer box

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Authentic, 19th century prayer box "gau" from Tibet, traditionally used in Tibetan Buddhism. This beautifully crafted box comes with the original carrying case.

Price:$900.00

Kneeling monks

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

A set of wooden figures of Burmese monks kneeling in adoration of the Buddha. Those beautiful, 19th century carvings are covered in red lacquer and gold leaf. More about Burmese monks: A Burmese monk or bhikkhu - which means a mendicant - on the daily alms-round. The practice of collecting alms food is a discipline practice by the ordained Sangha, that is monks and nuns in all Theravadin countries. The daily alms-round was practiced by the Buddha and is continued to this day as a means of making merit, by developing generosity, by lay Buddhist and for the material support of the Sangha. The monks set out each day at first light with their alms-bowls and wander silently through the village or town collecting the food for the day. On returning to the monastery they will share the food and usually eat communally finishing their meal - for some monks their only meal - before midday. Where's Burma?: Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar, is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia, or Indochina. The country is bordered by the People's Republic of China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, and the Bay of Bengal to the southwest with the Andaman Sea defining its southern periphery. One-third of Burma's total perimeter, 1,930 kilometers (1,199 mi), forms an uninterrupted coastline. The country's culture, heavily influenced by neighbors, is based on Theravada Buddhism intertwined with local elements. Burma's diverse population has played a major role in defining its politics, history and demographics in modern times, and the country continues to struggle to mend its ethnic tensions. The military has dominated government since General Ne Win led a coup in 1962 that toppled the civilian government of U Nu. The Burmese Way to Socialism drove the formerly prosperous country into deep poverty. Burma remains under the tight control of the military-led State Peace and Development Council.

Price:$2,000.00

Tibetan silver bowl

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional, 19th century Tibetan silver bowl. Where is Tibet? Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north of the Himalayas. It is home to the indigenous Tibetan people, and to some other ethnic groups such as Monpas and Lhobas. Tibet is the highest region on earth, with an average elevation of 4,900 metres (16,000 ft). It is sometimes referred to as the roof of the world.

Price:$1,200.00

Praying Burmese nat figure

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

20th century figure of a Burmese angel in the praying pose, hand carved from wood and gold gilted with colored glass. More about angels: Angels are usually viewed as messengers of a supreme divine being, sent to do the tasks of that being. Traditions vary as to whether angels have free will. While the appearance of angels also varies, many views of angels give them a human shape. Despite a common popular belief— or at least metaphor— that angels are former human beings, most major religious groups deny such a view, and this position is held only by Latter Day Saints and the Bahá'í Faith. Where is Burma?: Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar, is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia, or Indochina. The country is bordered by the People's Republic of China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, and the Bay of Bengal to the southwest with the Andaman Sea defining its southern periphery. One-third of Burma's total perimeter, 1,930 kilometers (1,199 mi), forms an uninterrupted coastline. Source: Wikipedia

Price:$500.00

Burmese praying monks

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

A pair of antique, 19th century Burmese monks sitting in adoration of the Buddha. These monks are hand carved from wood, gold leafed and lacquered. More about Burma and Burmese monks: A Burmese monk or bhikkhu - which means a mendicant - on the daily alms-round. The practice of collecting alms food is a discipline practice by the ordained Sangha, that is monks and nuns in all Theravadin countries. The daily alms-round was practiced by the Buddha and is continued to this day as a means of making merit, by developing generosity, by lay Buddhist and for the material support of the Sangha. The monks set out each day at first light with their alms-bowls and wander silently through the village or town collecting the food for the day. On returning to the monastery they will share the food and usually eat communally finishing their meal - for some monks their only meal - before miday. Along with Sri Lanka and Thailand, Burma, recently renamed Myanmar, is a major stronghold of Theravada Buddhism. The earliest written evidence of Theravada in the country is some inscriptions in Pali dating from about the 5th century AD. In later centuries though, Mahayana and Tantra became popular, although the scandalous behaviour of the Aris, the Tantric priesthood, eventually led to the discrediting and finally the disappearance of Tantric Buddhism. In the 11th century AD King Anawrahta (1044-77), converted to Theravada and within two centuries this form of Buddhism became predominant. This conversion of the whole country was helped to a great degree by the flood of monks and books from Sri Lanka. Source: buddhanet.net

Price:$375.00

Tibetan bell and dorje

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional, 19th century Tibetan dorje and bell set made of bronze and sterling silver. What is dorje? Symbolically a dorje represents the 'thunderbolt of enlightenment,' that abrupt change in human consciousness which is recognised by all the great religions as a pivotal episode in the lives of mystics and saints. The bell and dorje, or thunderbolt, are inseparable ritual objects in Tibetan Buddhism. They are always used in combination during religious ceremonies. The Bell held in the left hand, representing the female aspect as wisdom; the dorje, or male held in the right hand, aspect as method. Together, they represent union of wisdom and method, or the attainment of Enlightenment. The transformative enlightenment experience is recounted in the various religions. In the Christian tradition, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus is a well known example and that of Muhammed on the mountain is fundamental to Muslim belief. For Buddhists, it is what occurred to the historical Buddha and to all those who experience kensho-satori, the dropping away of 'self'. The Tibetans call this "the Great Death" to distinguish it from that physical one which will be the experience of us all. Dorje is also a common given-name for men in people of Tibetan culture. Hence Phu Dorje, Ang Dorje (young Dorje) and Nima Dorje (Monday Dorje) or, more usually, Dorje. Source: www.crystalinks.com

Price:$600.00

Marble Buddha head

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Antique, Mandalay period Buddha head made of marble.

Price:$6,500.00

White jade Buddha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional figure of Buddha sitting in a meditation posture, made of white jade.

Price:$500.00

Reclining Buddha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

A wooden figure of a reclining Buddha, covered in lacquer.

Price:$950.00

Golden lana bird

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Antique Lana, Mandalay period wooden bird and stand, covered in lacquer.

Price:$1,000.00

Wooden Shan Buddha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Highly ornamented, seated figure of a Shan Buddha made of wood.

Price:$1,500.00

Royal Mandalay Buddha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Antique, royal figure of a seated Buddha, Mandalay period, made of wood and covered in lacquer.

Price:$4,000.00

Mandalay marble Buddha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Marble figure of a Mandalay period seating Buddha.

Price:$5,000.00

Mandalay monks

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

A pair of antique, Mandalay period seated monks from Burma made of wood.

Price:$8,000.00

Mandalay marble Buddha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Antique, marble figure of a Mandalay period seating Buddha.

Price:$8,000.00

Porcelain Quan Yin

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Museum collection quality white Blanc de Sheen porcelain figure of Quan Yin.

Price:$3,500.00

Bronze Shan Buddha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Museum quality, antique bronze figure of Shan Buddha from Burma.

Price:$4,000.00

Tibetan bronze Bhasadhara

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

18th century bronze statue of Padmasambhava's wife, Bhasadhara. Who is Padmasambhava? Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, Padmakara, or Tsokey Dorje, was the guru predicted by the Buddha Shakyamuni to bring the Buddhist Dharma to Tibet. In the land of Uddiyana, King Indrabhuti had undergone many trials, including the loss of his young son and a widespread famine in his kingdom. The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara felt compassion for the king, and entreated the Buddha Amitabha, pictured directly above Padmasambhava, to help him. From his tongue, Amitabha emanated a light ray into the lake of Kosha, and a lotus grew, upon which sat an eight year old boy. The boy was taken into the kingdom of Uddiyana as the son of King Indrabhuti and named Padmasambhava, or Lotus Born One.

Price:$2,000.00

Kartika Tibetan chopper

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Antique Tibetan chopper (The Curved Knife) made of bronze covered in gold gilt. More about Kartika: Kartika is one of the most prominent weapons used by Buddhism's angry deities, both male and female. Continuously brandished by them or simply carried in their hands, its purpose is to chop up disbelievers. This curved flaying-knife is modeled on 'knife of the butchers', used for skinning animal hides. The gibbous crescent of its blade, which terminates in a sharp point or curved hook, combines the flaying implements of a cutting-knife and scraping blade, and the piercing activity of a dagger or pulling-hook. The blade's crescent is used for cutting through flesh and scraping it clean, separating the outer and inner as 'appearance and emptiness'.

Price:$1,800.00

Bronze stupa

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Antique, 19th century stupa from the top of Lamas walking staff, made of bronze and covered in gold gilt. What is stupa?: A stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, once thought to be places of Buddhist worship, typically the remains of a Buddha or saint. Stupas are also an ancient form of mandala.

Price:$500.00

Antique bronze urli

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Antique, 19th century bronze urli pot from India.

Price:$4,800.00

Thai rain drum

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional rain drum from Thailand, made of bronze. Where is Thailand?: The Kingdom of Thailand is an independent country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Laos and Myanmar, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast and Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea to the southwest. The capital and largest city of Thailand is Bangkok.

Price:$1,200.00

Tibetan temple conch

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional temple conch from Tibet, beautifully handcrafted and decorated with red corals and tourmaline. More about conch shells: A Shankha shell (the shell of a Turbinella pyrum, a species in the gastropod family Turbinellidae) is often referred to in the West as a conch shell, or a chank shell. This shell is used as an important ritual object in Hinduism. The shell is used as a ceremonial trumpet, as part of religious practices, for example puja. The chank trumpet is sounded during worship at specific points, accompanied by ceremonial bells and singing. A Hindu priest blowing a Sankh (a shell of Turbinella pyrum) during a puja. In the story of Dhruva the divine conch plays a special part. The warriors of ancient India blew conch shells to announce battle, as is described in the beginning of the war of Kurukshetra, in the Mahabharata, the famous Hindu epic. The god of Preservation, Vishnu, is said to hold a special conch, Panchajanya, that represents life, as it has come out of life-giving waters. As it is an auspicious instrument, it is often played in a Lakshmi puja in temple or at home. Buddhism has also incorporated the conch shell, as one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. Source: Wikipedia

Price:$1,600.00

Thai rain drum

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Price:$1,500.00

Nepalese Sagun pair

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional, Nepalese pair of saguns made of bronze.

Price:$9,900.00

Green Tara wood panel

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

19th century wall panel from Nepal, depicting Green Tara. This beautifully crafted piece is made of wood and plaster.

Price:$3,200.00

Malla King and Queen

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Nepalese bronze figure of Malla King and Queen.

Price:$1,800.00

Ganesh and Parvati

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Antique, 19th century bronze statue from Nepal, depicting Ganesha and Parvati.

Price:$1,900.00

Bronze temple guardians

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Pair of traditional, Nepalese bronze temple guardians. These temple guardians are sold ONLY as a pair.

Price:$12,000.00

Framed White Tara

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

White Tara, made of plaster and surrounded by a hardwood frame.

Price:$1,800.00

Sagun temple oil lamp

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional, Ganesha Sagun temple oil lamp. This beautiful 19th century piece from Nepal is made of bronze.

Price:$900.00

Soyembhu temple oil lamp

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional, Soyembhu hanging temple oil lamp. This beautiful 19th century piece from Nepal is made of bronze.

Price:$2,100.00

Newari Temple oil lamp

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional, bronze Ganesha hanging temple oil lamp made of bronze in the Newari style.

Price:$2,200.00

Tibetan ritual box

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional, Tibetan ritual box, painted on wood.

Price:$300.00

Nepalese singing bowl

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional bronze singing bowl from Nepal, handcrafted and decorated with traditional Nepalese design. More about our singing bowls: Singing bowls (also known as 'Himalayan bowls' or 'rin' or suzu gongs in Japan) are a type of bell, specifically classified as a standing bell. Rather than hanging inverted or attached to a handle, standing bells sit with the bottom surface resting. The sides and rim of singing bowls vibrate to produce sound. Singing bowls were traditionally used throughout Asia as part of Bön and Tantric Buddhist sadhana (spiritual practice). Today they are employed worldwide both within and without these spiritual traditions, for meditation, trance-induction, relaxation, healthcare, personal well-being and religious practice. Singing bowls were historically made in Tibet, Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, Japan and Korea. Today they are made in Nepal, India, Japan and Korea. The best known type are from the Himalayan region and are often called "Tibetan singing bowls." Source: Wikipedia

Price:$250.00

Bronze cooking pot

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Antique, 19th century large, bronze cooking pot from India.

Price:$10,000.00

Cooking pot

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Antique, bronze cooking pot from India with the elephant handles.

Price:$6,500.00

Copper flower urn

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Traditional, copper flower urn.

Price:$5,000.00

Copper water jar

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Water jar from India, made of copper.

Price:$4,000.00

Granite Ganesha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Beautiful granite statue from India, depicting a Hindu elephant god Ganesha sitting in his throne. Who is Ganesha? Ganesha, also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh and also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India. Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India. Although he is known by many other attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify. Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles (Vighnesha, Vighneshvara), patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is honored at the start of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as Patron of Letters during writing sessions. Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography.

Price:$1,500.00

Bronze dancing Ganesha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

A very detailed, authentic reproduction of a Chola, 12th century dancing Ganesha, made of solid copper. It's a 19th century masterpiece from Swamimali, Tamil Nadu in India. Who is Ganesha? Ganesha, also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh and also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India. Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India. Although he is known by many other attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify. Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles (Vighnesha, Vighneshvara), patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is honored at the start of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as Patron of Letters during writing sessions. Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography. Source: Wikipedia

Price:$7,500.00

Bronze Saraswati

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

Saraswati - goddess of wisdom, music and education. This finely designed, 19th century bronze statue from Tamil Nadu in India really calls special attention to details. Saraswati is considered as consort of Brahma, the god of creation. Thus, with the goddesses Lakshmi and Parvati or Durga, she forms the Tridevi ("three goddesses"), who are consorts of the male trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, respectively. Saraswati's children are the Vedas, which are the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. Saraswati is also a figure in Mahayana Buddhism, where she first appears in the Golden Radiance Sutra of the late 4th or early 5th Century, a relatively late Mahayana Sutra.

Price:$7,500.00

Stone Ganesha

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:12:14 +0000

A fine, 20th century South Indian soapstone carving of a dancing Ganesha. Who is Ganesha?: Ganesha, also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh and also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India. Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India. Although he is known by many other attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify. Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles (Vighnesha, Vighneshvara), patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is honored at the start of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as Patron of Letters during writing sessions. Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography. Source: Wikipedia

Price:$4,800.00