Gallery of Rare Jewels | David Humphrey Period Carvings and Sculpture

18th c. Fertility Blessing Figure

A sublime 18th c. golden nanmu wood figure, of a Mother who sits with her two suckling children; emblematic of the blessing of many children. The marvelous chair stand is of a different wood and of later date. China. 13 x 21 inches

Ming Bronze Qilin Censer

A wonderful bronze censer in the charming form of a magical creature; the Qilin. A combination unicorn, flaming dragon with hooves and the spindly legs of a giraffe. The head tilts open in order to accept the burning incense. Stands 11 inches tall and 7 inches in length. 17th century China
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18th c. Parvati - Bronze with silver eyes

A heavy, bronze door/wall ornament with traces of gilding. The enchanting face of Parvati with silver inlaid eyes. 18th c. Maharashtra, India 6 x 10 inches

18th c. Brahma - Tibet

Rarely depicted in Tibetan figures, Brahma on the hamsa is a copper alloy figure which is mounted onto a fine old wood stand from Japan. From a wonderful sword collection belonging to a Samurai family, this figure is magical. Brahma holds the sun of illumination in his hand. Traces of gilding.

Qing Jadeite Seal

Jadeite carved into the form of a squirrel astride a bunch of grapes as symbols of abundance in fortune and offspring. Further embellished with symbols for longevity in the form of Lingzhi (immortal fungi) 2 1/2" tall.

Guan Yu - Gilt lacquer on wood - late 19th century

An historical figure turned fierce guardian and object of worship, Guan Yu was a general at the end of the Han Dynasty. Though considered as an emblem of war he is actually venerated as a man of peace who would rather keep violence to a minimum and, as such, he is worshipped throughout China. This monumental figure stands 24 inches and weighs over 30 lbs. He brings the gift of PRESENCE as seen in the images!

A Ming glazed stoneware figure of a Seated Boddhisattva

A glazed stoneware figure dated to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), of a seated Boddhisattva holding a ruyi scepter.
8 3/4" tall
This sublime figure has survived for 500 years and but, for some minor chips, has weathered the ages remarkably well.

Lapis Butterfly Brush Wash 19th century

This remarkable late Ching Dynasty Long Life brush wash, is carved in Afghan Lapis Lazuli in the form of a butterfly, echoed by an image of the creature meticulously carved in low relief on the underside. 5" x 1 3/4" x 2 3/4"

Lapis Magical Dragon

This 19th century Chinese carving in Afghan Lapis Lazuli, gracefully depicts a dragon in motion. Note the stars incised onto the Dragon. They are emblematic of magic, hence the name Magical Dragon.
2"long x 1" high

Jadeite Longlife Pendant 20th Century

This extraordinary multicolor carving in jadeite exhibits the poetry of Chinese sensibility. The crane, the peach and the fungus of immortality are emblematic of long life. When together in a carving the wish and blessing of a long and fruitful life becomes more potent for the wearer. These elements are carved here out of a russet skinned jadeite pebble. Two naturally occurring veins of color. The carver created a charming two sided pendant. One side is of the orange to russet to deep red color of the pebble's "skin" while the other side is of the rather celadon green interior of the pebble with spots of apple green.
2 3/8 x 1 1/4 x 1/2 inch

Mt. Fuji - Rock Crystal and Wood

Mt. Fuji in rock crystal with a fitted stand of hard wood carved as undulating waves. The sculpture measures 4" x 4" x 11"
Mid 20th century - Japan