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One Of A Kind Chinese Antique Hand Carved Wooly Mammoth Ivory Tusk Sculptures

When we see one of the hand carved woolly mammoth tusk sculptures created by Chinese artisans, one cannot help but be overwhelmed by the intricateness of the design and the incredible beauty of the sculpture. This same feeling would also apply when viewing any of the other amazingly intricate types of sculpture created by Chinese artisans. Such varying materials as soapstone, gold, and jade also come to mind when considering fine Chinese sculpture.

But many would agree that there are few sculptures as breathtaking and difficult to create as those made from woolly mammoth tusks. To begin with, an artisan is working with a piece of material that is already fragile by nature, ivory. Add to that the fact that the tusk is at least tens of thousands of years old being made from the tusk of an extinct creature, and it is clear that this is truly a difficult, painstaking, and ancient for of art. Ivory also has certain types of lines in it that were created when it was formed in the animal's mouth. These lines make it even more difficult to carve the material without causing breakage.

There are many sources for very beautiful ivory tusk carvings. Several pieces can be found on d- vers.com, where one can enter the search term "woolly mammoth," or simply click here to be directed to that page.

Ivoryandart.com also has a lovely collection of woolly mammoth tusk carving that are more contemporary, and tide-mammoth.com has a large collection of netsuke carvings as well as jewelry and small figurines.

Antique Kwan Yin Statues and Other Buddhist Antique Statuary

In Chinese art and sculpture, the theme of Buddha and bodhisattvas frequently recurs. A bodhisattva is an awakened person to whom the possibility of ultimate liberation in nirvana is possible. However, in the tradition of love and compassion first practiced by the Buddha, they have decided to continue to be reborn on Earth to help the rest of humanity along the path to enlightenment.

For centuries, Buddhists have created statues to represent the Buddha or the Boddhisattvas to aid people in devotion and mediation. Among the most popular Boddhisattvas is Kwan Yin. She is referred to as the Goddess of Mercy, and is associated with compassion.

Many of the Buddhist statues that one can find show the Buddha seated in a lotus posture with his hands raised in a gesture of blessing. The boddhisattvas are similarly represented in sculpture. Statues of the Buddha and of Kwan Yin are made of many materials, including gold, silver, soapstone, jadeite or crystal, and other natural materials.

Many practicing Buddhists find it helpful to focus on a statue of the Buddha while meditating. Offerings are also often placed before such statues. Neither the Buddha nor the bodhisattvas are worshiped as gods or goddesses. However, their statues provide a form of spiritual practice designed to generate humility and appreciation(1).

Buddhism is a spiritual practice, but is not a religion. If you choose to decorate your home with Buddhist statues, either as a form of spiritual practice or as simply an expression of your personal taste, it is entirely your own individual choice.

(1)http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48856.asp

Art Deco in the Spotlight

Art deco was a style made popular in the 1920s, as our culture looked ahead into the future, and people's tastes now demanded something different, something more modern, with clean lines and modern materials like metals and bakelite. The design style of Art Deco originated in Paris in the 1920s, and it remained popular into the World War II era. According to the wikipedia entry, the style of Art Deco influenced all forms of design, including architecture, interior design, industrial design, fashion and jewelry, and the visual arts such as graphic design and film. To get an idea of the vast diversity extant in Art Deco, please check out the following pages: http://d-vers.com/art-deco-c-166_167.html www.artdecoworld.com/newyork01.htm adsla.org/ www.decopix.com/ artdeco.org/

Traditional Sculpture in China - Facing An Uncertain Future

The people of China have a long history of creating beautiful works of art from many different materials. From rosewood, bronze, and metal, to rhinocerous and mammoth tusks, jade, and coral, many seemingly ordinary materials have been transformed into some of the most intricately detailed works of art available anywhere.

China, it would seem, is facing a tug of war of sorts, on many different fronts. Many of the young people of China are not interested in learning the traditional techniques of sculpture taught in the schools there. Some of them are interested in learning the craft, but are not interested in pursuing it as a profession.

In addition, many modern artists have been trying to pick up the pieces of what is left of the ancient and traditional culture of China, including the sculpture and religious beliefs. These artists are attempting to create a new generation of art based on the traditions of the past that remain in the present. According to a recent New York Times article, "Tang Yuhan, born in 1985, nearly a decade after Mao's passing marked the close of the Cultural Revolution, said that she and other young artists have started sifting through the centuries to transmute some aspects of classical culture into "art for the new generation."" This likely means that much of what collectors seek as traditional sculpture will be changing into something new. And as more of the traditional art is purchased for private collections, only the new types of sculpture will be available.

Some of the highly specific traditional sculpture crafts are dying out in a different way, such as the craft of Liaoqi. Liaoqi is a form of glass sculpture that requires a piece to be started and completed in one sitting, with no molds. In an article on the NTD television website, we are introduced to Xing Lanxiang and her family. She is one of only four masters of the craft of Liaoqi remaining in China today. Although Xing was able to pass the craft on to her sons, one of her sons is facing great difficulty in passing the craft down to his daughters.

Liu Yu said in the article, "My daughters are not that interested in Liaoqi making. They thought it's too tiring…From their point of view, Liaoqi making is only an interesting handicraft or one of their hobbies. They have never thought about taking it up as a lifelong career." This is a craft that could die out very soon if the four remaining masters face similar difficulties in passing the craft down to the next generation.

It is hoped that the traditional cultural treasure of Chinese hand carved sculpture, as well as Liaoqi and other similar crafts, are able to survive. Out of the great turmoil that was the Cultural Revolution, something new and amazing can be born. Only time will tell.

Articles reference:

New York Times Article

NTD Television Article

Art Deco Style Pieces Show Interest and Appeal

Art Deco style is one of the most interesting and appealing styles of the modern age. It was created before the mid-century modern and modern styles, and features bold lines and symmetrical shapes.

In most pieces created in the Art Deco period, as well as those created in the styles afterward, the symmetry, bold lines, and geometric shapes are apparent. All types of decoration were created in the Art Deco style, from desks and furnishings to lamps, vases, and other decorative arts.

Several beautiful pieces created in the Art Deco style are featured on d-vers.com.

One such example can be found at the following URL: Pair of glass vases. This is a beautiful set of hand blown glass vases, combining frosted and clear glass. The shapes on each side are reminiscent of those atop the Chrysler building in Manhattan, a building also created in the Art Deco style.

Another example can be found at this URL: Art Deco settee. This interesting and unique leather settee was made in France, and features symmetrical designs on the settee's back, which are duplicated in reverse on the bottom. This settee can be turned upside down for an identical settee, which is a very interesting concept for a settee.

As you can see, Art Deco is a very interesting and unique style which was a departure from many of the styles which preceded it. To many people, Art Deco was the definition of modern style at the time, and represented progress and a break from prior generations and styles.

For other interesting items, please visit our website at d-vers.com

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Georgian Burl Walnut Tripod Pedestal Table From England With Rare Burl Top

An extremely rare Georgian tripod pedestal table can be found by clicking here.  This table is of exceptional quality, and is all original.

The rarity of the table comes from its apparently solid burl walnut top.  On most, if not nearly all, pieces of antique burl walnut furniture available, the burl walnut portion is a veneer.  On this particular table, the burl walnut irregularities show through on the bottom.


A table such as this is unique, as the burl walnut (or a burl of any type of wood) is an extreme rarity.  Normally a burl is caused by a reaction of a tree to some sort of disease, insect, or other environmental condition, so it does not happen to many trees.

Add to that the fact that most burls are not very large at all, and you have in this piece of furniture a very rare find indeed. This table was made in the 19th Century in England.

For other rare and interesting pieces, please visit our website by clicking here. 

Art Deco Hand Blown Frosted and Clear Glass Vases

A pair of hand blown glass vases from the Art Deco in France are a beautiful and modern decoration for the collector of antiques and decoration from that period.  The Art Deco period borrowed many of its elements from other movements, such as cubism and modernism.

These influences especially can be seen in this lovely set of vases, with their square cubist shaped layered pedestals, and the interesting cubic  and modern designs in the frosted glass.  The designs in the frosted glass resemble the designs in the Chrysler building, which was also an Art Deco style building.

Stylistic elements in the vases, such as the stylized leaf veins in the clear glass, add to their charm and elegance.  This pair of vases was created in France, where the Art Deco style and movement were born.  This beautiful set of Art Deco vases would make a lovely gift, and would fit with nearly any modern decor.   They can be found by clicking here.    

For other interesting and unique decorative arts and antique items, please visit our website at d-vers.com, by clicking here. 

Gentleman’s Emerald Ring In Custom Dragon Design Motif For The Man In Your Life

A great gift for the man in your life, especially if he likes dragons and fantasy creatures, would be the large emerald ring on d-vers.com.  It’s made of high quality 18K gold, which has been formed and sculpted into the form of a dragon clasping the emerald in its claws. 

The dragon motif is highly detailed, and clearly depicts a fierce dragon grasping the emerald.  The emerald itself is very large, measuring 15.77 mm and 7.93 mm at its farthest points.  The emerald is transparent with good clarity, and the color is beautiful. 

This would make a great gift for the man in your life.  It can be found listed on d-vers.com, by clicking here. 

For other interesting items, please visit the main site, here. 

Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Antique and Decorative Arts Collecting Friends

It’s that time of year again, when everyone is thinking about the ones they love... and what their loved ones should receive for the holidays.  In this blog post today, I will list some gift  ideas for your friends and family who are collectors of antiques and decorative arts.  Even non-collectors can find gifts they will love on d-vers.com Online Gallery, as many of our items, especially the silver items, are investment pieces. 






One of the most valuable and highest quality pieces listed on d-vers.com is the Georgian Sterling Silver Warwick Vase listed here.  This piece is finely detailed and features Bacchic ornament.   It is inspired by the porcelain vase found at Hadrian’s Villa in 1770, and it is one of the largest Warwick vase examples in sterling silver.  Please click here for the Warwick vase.


Another wonderful piece listed on d-vers.com is the Art Nouveau centerpiece.  It features a large vasiform centre, with three arms reaching to the base.  The centerpiece has applied decoration, instead of the more common stamped decoration.   Please click here for the Art Nouveau Centerpiece.


Yet another sterling silver piece is an adorable condiment set crafted in the shape of a small owl family, and featuring a mustard server, and a salt and pepper shaker.  Exquisite detailing to the faces and bodies of the owls lend this set a realistic yet cartooned appearance. 

The detailing is exacting, even to the eyes and the small mouse on the end of the spoon which rests inside the largest owl’s mouth.  Please click here for the condiment set


An excellent gift idea for the devout  Buddhist or collector of Buddhist statues is a carved and gilded bronze statue of the Buddha seated, with his hand upraised in a gesture of blessing.  This piece is an antique Chinese decorative and religious item, designed to be the focal point of the room in which it is placed.   Please click here for the gilded Buddha statue


One of the most interesting and by far most rare pieces listed on our site is the enormous boulder of jadeite which has been carved into a statue of Longevity.  This jadeite boulder features naturally occurring lavender, green, and white, and the colors were taken into consideration when carving this amazing piece. 

Consequently, there are trees where the jadeite was green, flowers where the jadeite was lavender, and the hermit’s face appears in the white of the jadeite.  Its translucence also adds to its value, as the colors are very pure and translucent.   Please click here for the statue of Longevity.


Another piece which would make a great gift for collectors of Chinese art is an antique pewter wine pot, overlaid with silver, and decorated with jadeite and semi-precious stones.  This wine pot is made in a Mongolian design, and features the symbol for happiness on its side, in carved jadeite.  Please click here for the wine pot


For the collector of fine ivory, which is becoming more and more rare resulting from the refusal of many countries to import newly created ivory sculptures, a beautiful carved hippo tusk sculpture is available on d-vers.com.  The hippo tusk is carved with rhinocerous families along its length.  The carved rhinocerous are intricately carved and finely detailed.    Please click here for the hippo tusk sculpture


And for the avid collector of  truly ancient and unique antiques, we have listed on d-vers.com a Tang Dynasty painted pottery figure and equestrian.  This piece was created between the 7th and 10th Centuries, and as a result has lost much of its paint. 

Its likely residence was in a tomb, where it was discovered many centuries later.  This resting place is likely responsible for the remaining paint, as it was not exposed to the natural elements or ravages of time so thoroughly as it might otherwise have been.  Please click here for the Tang Dynasty pottery piece.


Finally, I will end this discussion of gifts for antique collectors with a piece from the modern era, a very interesting Art Deco coat rack, with light and mirror.  This coat rack was made of hand hammered iron, and has a very unique look as a result. 

The light is functional, and the coat rack features several coat hooks upon the front of it, along with a ledge toward the bottom, perhaps for the hanging of other items.  This coat rack is very interesting, and would be an excellent gift for any collector of Art Deco pieces.   Please click here for the Art Deco coat rack


For other gift ideas, you might also like to visit our website, at d-vers.com.  Many other unique items are listed there, from a variety of periods and styles.  Please click here for d-vers.com

Black Lacquered Etagere As An Example of Orientalism and Chinoiserie France

The etagere listed on the d-vers.com website is an example of Orientalism, which was popular in France in the 19th Century. Orientalism generally refers to the imitation by French artisans of Chinese styles of decoration, such as can be seen in this etagere.

The design of the etagere, including the use of black lacquered wood for the piece, would fit it into the category of Orientalism in France.

Additionally, the gilded scene on the top of this etagere is defined as chinoiserie. This particular design shows, as do other works of chinoiserie, life in China that did not exist and was idealized and fanciful.

The design on the top of the etagere shows a Chinese village, with trees surrounding it, and several people by a river below. The people appear to be far away from one another, but are about the same size.

While aesthetically pleasing to its audience of French collectors and decorators, the type of scene depicted on the top of this etagere was the artist's rendition of their fantasy of life in China.

On this black lacquered etagere piece, this scene is rendered in beautiful gilding, and, as is common in chinoiserie designs, it is asymmetrical and fanciful in concept and execution.

This beautiful piece was made in the 20th Century.

For other interesting antiques and decorative arts, please visit d-vers.com by clicking here.

History of the Sterling Silver George III Georgian Warwick Vase, made in England in the 19th Century.

This is a brief history of the sterling silver Georgian Warwick vase, made in England in the 19^th Century.

The original Warwick vase was a massive ancient Greek marble vase that was found in pieces at Hadrian’s Villa, discovered in a marshy pond that was on the grounds of the villa. 

It was excavated in 1770, and it was restored by Sir William Hamilton.  It was then sold to the 2^nd Earl of Warwick, from whom it derived the name by which it is still known today. 

The original Warwick vase was much admired by guests while on the grounds of the castle

The original Warwick vase measured over six feet high, and was carved with Bacchic ornament.  Very elaborate carvings decorate this interesting vase, some of which have been replicated in the 19^th Century re-creation.   

Very few large size casts were allowed by its owner to be made, though two full size bronze gilded replicas were created in the 19^th Century. 

The Warwick vase offered on d-vers.com’s website (please click here to view) is probably one of the largest and earliest examples made in sterling silver of the Warwick vase.  Its large size and excellent condition, as well as the certified sterling silver content, and associated marks from England, make this an investment quality piece. 

For other items on the d-vers.com website, please click here.   

Antique Chinese Altar Table 19th Century China Bare Elm

An authentic Chinese altar table, whether antique or contemporary, can serve dual functions, depending upon your personal style, taste, and belief system.

For an individual of Chinese descent, these small narrow tables served as an integral part of honoring one's ancestors. Upon the top of the table would be placed pictures, mementos, and symbolic items representing the departed ancestors.

This type of table would help to remind the individual of those ancestors who have passed on, and it is believed that ancestors who have moved on have the power to continue to influence events and people in the world of the living.

For those individuals not of Chinese descent, these altar tables would serve a purely aesthetic purpose. Often very simple in design, though sometimes having hand-carved and elaborate decorative elements, these tables are perfect for the hallway of a home, or even the central room.

On occasion, a table such as this would also be highly polished and elaborately decorated, depending upon the family for whom it was intended. Altar tables can be used for placing decorative items upon, such as pottery, lamps, or floral arrangements (real or fake).

Most of these altar tables would create a beautiful focal point or accent piece in any room of the home. One such Chinese altar table can be found by clicking here.

Antique items will always create the greatest decorative style in a home, as many of them were created at a time before mass production of furniture was possible. There is a large selection of antique furniture available by clicking here.

Balustrade Table Lamp Pair Hand Carved 20th Century

Pair of hand carved wood balustrades converted into a pair of table lamps.

The balustrade is a part of a staircase, between the rail and the floor, acting mainly as supports for the banisters. Balustrades were made of many types of materials, such as wood, plaster, and metal, and some were intricately carved. The balustrade example above is hand carved of a dark wood, crowned with a black tole lamp shade.

Balustrades were made in many shapes, the most common shape being that resembling a pomegranate flower, with a swelling lower portion tapering to a thin upper portion, then swelling slightly once more to form the top. This shape is also called a vasiform shape, as it resembles the shape of a vase.

The shape of the balustrade listed above is an urn type of shape, however, this particular pair of balustrades features many squared shapes, including the central urn shape. This central shape, instead of being rounded, flares out to sharp edges in the center of the urn. It then tapers above and below, more so above than below, to meet the plinth below, and the pedestal above.

In the 19th Century, balustrades were converted into a variety of different ornamental objects, including lamps and lighting objects. This pair of balustrade lamps is an example of such a conversion. The balustrade is heavy, as its original design and intention were as the support of the handrail of a staircase. This particular pair of balustrades is exceptionally heavy and massive, and is composed of many sharp angles and forms.

The pair of balustrades described above may be found here

Burl Walnut Louis Philippe Commode with 3 Drawers

Louis Philippe Commode 3 Drawer Burl Walnut Veneer Gray Marble Top

Burl walnut was and is one of the favored woods of furniture makers. It brings incomparable beauty to any piece, with its interesting and intricate natural design. Burl walnut is very rare, and generally in furniture is used as a veneer.

An example of the use of burl walnut as a veneer on furniture is the piece listed on d-vers.com, here This three drawer commode is made in the Louis Philippe period, and features a fine veneer of burl walnut on the drawers, front, and sides, as well as on the feet. This fine piece of furniture is quite beautiful, and it is obvious upon viewing why the use of burl walnut was so in vogue.

The burl walnut creates such an interesting design on the front and sides of the piece, where the veneers are placed in a very flattering way due to the incredible skill of the artisan who made it. Dove tailed drawers and intricately detailed drawer pulls and locks make this a very unique piece. Such a piece as this can never be replicated exactly, whether in burl walnut or another type of wood. The designs seen on this piece will never be seen again on any other piece.

The burls in burl walnut are anomalies, which is why they are so prized by furniture makers. These anomalies are usually caused by some type of stress, whose results are unpredictable. Large burls can form on certain types of trees, but they take a very long time to form. This is in part what makes the burls so costly. Veneers for furniture are typically made from a cross section of the burl, which shows the beautiful veining and streaking that can be seen in the furniture piece above.

The burl walnut piece listed on d-vers.com is in excellent condition, with a beautiful shine to the burl wood. Topped with gray marble veined with white, it is an excellent complement to the burl wood. You may view the furniture piece here