{"title":"Sculpture","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"miao-necklace-counterbalance","title":"Miao Necklace Counterbalance","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Dong and Miao people of southern China began melting down standardized silver to make jewelry starting around the 14\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Century. Their work is as distinctive as it is beautiful. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnmarried Miao women might wear up to 20 lbs of jewelry at festivals, and a counterweight like this one made it easier for women to wear their jewelry without affecting their balance. The knobbed form of this particular counterbalance is unusual; typically these take the form of a two-dimensional S shape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScholars contend that silver is used to ward off evil in the Miao culture. Further, the spirals represent the interminable essence of life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7 inches width x 4 depth x 5 height (7 inches height with stand)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e19th\/20th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mingei Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42314910564507,"sku":null,"price":580.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/IMG-6321.jpg?v=1721603807"},{"product_id":"bishamonten-carving","title":"Bishamonten Carving","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBishamonten is a Japanese god of war and a Buddhist protector of shrines and holy places. As one of the Seven Lucky Gods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, he protects the great treasure pagoda of Buddhist offerings and divvies these out to faithful believers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBishamonten is a warrior, an armored war god most often depicted wielding a spear in one hand and a pagoda in the other. This sculpture, from the 1600’s, no longer has either. Bishamonten’s armor is atypical for Japanese warriors and reflects Bishamonten’s continental origins. His facial expressions are varied; here, he casts a serene look. He is unique among the Seven Lucky Gods in that he is the only warrior, and the only one who engages in violence, though, to be clear, it is only done to protect followers of Buddhism where they are worshipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example has developed a rich patina after withstanding roughly 400 years of time. The feet of Bishamonten are joined to the base via his feet. The base itself is as elaborately crafted as Bishamonten himself and is constructed using wooden nails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e 1\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e7c. Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16” height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mingei Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43041447870619,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/products\/image_06c4ee8a-0f91-456d-8f29-1d359e547bed.heic?v=1669694605"},{"product_id":"prince-shotoku","title":"Prince Shōtoku","description":"\u003cp\u003ePrince Shōtoku was a regent and a politician of the Asuka period in Japan who served under Empress Suiko. He was the son of the Emperor Yōmei and his consort, Princess Anahobe no Hashihito. The Prince is renowned for modernizing the government administration and for promoting Buddhism in Japan.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShotoku codified the \u003ci\u003eAnnotated Commentaries on the Three Sutras\u003c\/i\u003e starting in 615 AD, making him the first known Japanese writer. He is also responsible for being the first to refer to Japan as the Land of the Rising Sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis large sculpture, from my grandfather’s personal collection, dates to the late 1600’s and is 19 inches high x 8 inches wide x 6 inches deep. It features exceptionally intricate carving and polychrome paint, which has fading throughout and some chips. The statue’s foot is chipped in one area. The base is not original to the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mingei Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45297090822299,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/56333211-AEFE-41D8-87FF-BF6D0BE5C0A8.jpg?v=1721843442"},{"product_id":"daruma","title":"Early Daruma Mold","description":"\u003cp\u003eA fine and early Daruma mold with a near-black patina. The grain of the wood can be seen on various portions of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mold was used to shape the figure of Daruma, the Zen Buddhist monk who is depicted in a seated posture, embodying meditation and perseverance. The Daruma doll is steeped in symbolism and is regarded by as a powerful talisman of good luck. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLegend claims that the Bodhidharma sat facing a wall in meditation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for nine years without moving, which caused his legs and arms to fall off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Another popular legend claims that after falling asleep during his nine-year meditation, he became angry with himself and cut off his eyelids to avoid ever falling asleep again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e17-18c. Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.5\" diameter, spherical in shape\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mingei Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46146175795355,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/53231FE2-A186-4F31-A814-7CCDF529508F.jpg?v=1741626144"},{"product_id":"lightning-lacquer-plates-copy","title":"Shoe Lasts","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 6.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003eA group of American cobbler shoe last forms on contemporary metal stands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 6.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003ec. 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, United States\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Galen Lowe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47446728442011,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/DSCF5986.jpg?v=1761361154"},{"product_id":"bridge-finial","title":"Giboshi","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 6.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003eA massive Japanese wooden giboshi, or bridge post finial. The large, onion-shaped finial would have originally had a cylindrical base and been attached to the top of a bridge column to be both decorative and protective from weather. Its unusually large size indicates that it likely came from a very large bridge. The finial has a large age crack and traces of previous pigments and lacquer finishes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 6.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003ec. 18\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e–19\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century (Edo period)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 6.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e19\" height x 15\" width\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Galen Lowe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47447294509211,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/F317FDA5-DB43-4F05-AE47-C1B79284CF59.jpg?v=1761369864"},{"product_id":"lion-puppet","title":"Hand Puppet","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 6.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003eRare lion’s head hand puppet, carved of cedar and originally brightly colored. The puppeteer’s hand would fit into the mask to manipulate the articulating mouth and ears, while the body, made of textile, covered the arm. The accompanying collector’s box is inscribed “purchased lion’s head puppet,” suggesting it may once have belonged to an antiques study group, which were popular during the Meiji period. The puppet itself, however, dates to the mid-Edo period. Outstanding example. Professionally mounted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 6.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003ec. 18th century or earlier (Edo period), Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 6.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e11\" height\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Fairman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47450999488667,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/71969610-F8D1-44C4-AAC4-06A68CB6F5C8.jpg?v=1761420685"},{"product_id":"lotus-tile","title":"Lotus Tile","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eA Japanese ceramic roof tile end cap with a lotus design. The tile with stylized petals surrounding the central seed pod. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e7¼” diameter x 2” high\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMuromachi Period (1338-1573)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn contemporary metal stand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mingei Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47915038474395,"sku":null,"price":1400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/894C7132-C7E6-4AC1-844D-03850DE18258.jpg?v=1769450515"},{"product_id":"inari-god","title":"Inari God","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eJapanese carved wood sculpture of Inari, the Shinto god of rice and food, riding a fox. More exactly and as a good example of the complexity of Japanese religions the figure represents the syncretistic fusion of the Hindu and Buddhist goddess Dakini with the Shinto Inari. The fox acts as the vehicle of the goddess, her messenger, as well as protector. The magical abilities of the fox and its ability to transform into human form are the basis for numerous traditional Japanese legends and myths. The Shinto Inari's association with Buddhism may have begun in the 8th century, when Shingon Buddhist monk and founder, Kukai, took over administration of the temple of Toji in Kyoto, and chose Inari as a protector of the temple. With losses including to one of Inari's hands and the foxes ear. With losses to pigment.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eWood, pigment\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e17\" high\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdo Period (1600-1868)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Mingei Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47915089920155,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/62BC7EF5-EA36-4661-80D1-DBCB9DAB43ED.webp?v=1769451480"},{"product_id":"shinzo","title":"Shinzo","description":"\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 6.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003eA Japanese \u003cem\u003eshinzo\u003c\/em\u003e of Yahata (Hachiman), carved in three interlocking wooden sections. Worshiped as both a god of war and a protector of the people, Hachiman was also revered as a guardian of agriculture and as a protector of fishermen seeking abundant catches. Exceptional patina.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 6.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003ec. 18\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e–19\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century (Edo period), Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 1.5pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e6\" height\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mingei Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48015860400283,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/DSCF7001.jpg?v=1771209520"},{"product_id":"kannon-bosatsu","title":"Kannon Bosatsu","description":"\u003cp\u003eBodhisattvas are accomplished practitioners of Buddhism who postpone their own final enlightenment to help all sentient beings attain liberation. Kannon, the bodhisattva of limitless compassion, is one of the most widely worshipped and depicted deities in the tradition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis example dates to around the Heian or Kamakura period and has become stylized through exposure to elements. A carved foot adds a surprising detail to the otherwise weathered form. Two small repairs (one to the temple and the other to the foot) serve as further ‘proof of the past’ as one of my friends poetically puts it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn inscription on the stand contains the text “Kōfukuji sentaibutsu 興福寺千体仏”, indicating that this piece may have been one of one thousand statues housed in a worship hall at the Kōfukuji Temple in Nara.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBox included\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16” height on stand\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mingei Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48157650124955,"sku":null,"price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/7A1CCA3B-26DE-4BFD-BF51-9AA53E10079D.jpg?v=1774056815"},{"product_id":"lock","title":"Lock","description":"\u003cp class=\"xmsonormal\"\u003eA forged iron tansu lock bearing a kiku (chrysanthemum) motif, displayed on a metal stand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"xmsonormal\"\u003eForged iron; steel stand\u003cbr\u003e12½” height including stand\u003cbr\u003eEdo Period, 18th–19th century\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mingei Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48662438117531,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/files\/DSCF9546.jpg?v=1780271090"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0584\/2685\/1483\/collections\/image_06c4ee8a-0f91-456d-8f29-1d359e547bed.jpg?v=1780432697","url":"https:\/\/mingeiarchive.com\/collections\/sculpture.oembed","provider":"Mingei Archive","version":"1.0","type":"link"}