Antique Asian Statues
If you are a fan of antiques and exotic decor then Asian statues will be perfect for your home. Asian decor has a blend of inspirational themes and rich colours, with often a story behind the art. It can be really interesting getting to know the story behind an antique Asian statue and a set of Japanese garden ornaments, Chinese themed room or Buddha shrine around one of these pieces.
What Are Some Popular Asian Statues?
While there are many different kinds of statues stemming from all over the large continent of Asia, some of the more popular are:
- Buddhas: Buddha statues have a deep meaning for Buddhism followers. Each Buddha statue has a certain pose or hand gesture that represents something in the history of Buddha. You can find whole bodied Buddhas or just the head, each with a different tale to tell.
- Jade figurines and statues: The Chinese people hold jade in high regard and value it much more than gold. There are various myths about it, and for centuries, these Chinese figurines and statues have held great spiritual value for their owners.
- Geisha dolls: As almost perfect representation of the traditional Japanese geisha women, geisha doll statues are valuable Japanese antique statues.
- Chinese standing horse: A standing horse comes from the Tang Dynasty, where a number of figurines lay in tombs. While it may be quite difficult to get your hands on one of the Chinese original statues, there are replicas available.
How Do I Know if My Antique Asian Statue is Valuable?
It is always best to visit a certified antique dealer that specialises in Asian antiques to determine the value of your piece. The dealer will check for:
- Damage: A statue that is in perfect condition will usually be worth a lot more than one with damage.
- Discolouration: If a statue has lost a lot of its original colour due to sun exposure or other means than this can affect the value.
- Maker's markings: Many famous sculptures and artists use symbols, initials or dates on their pieces to show who made them and when. Sometimes you can find a marking on the bottom of a sculpture, which could place the time of its manufacture.