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/

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.