Artifacts, archaeologically speaking are objects made or modified by a human culture and later recovered from an archaeological endeavor. In the case of 'cultural artifacts', these are human-made objects which give information about the culture of its creators and users and usually had a practical purpose. Some of these are ancient objects that have been recovered from marine excavations, unearthed or just "found".
Some of our current collection of artifacts are shown in this category such as the example to the left; an anthropomorphic figure handle fragment of a carved limestone secondary burial urn cover from a site in theKulaman plateau, Cotabato province, Mindanao island, in the Philippine archipelago.
Many of our favorite pieces are in this category, their age and history being particularly fascinating. Since each of these items usually had some practical use, the history behind them and the primitive hands that made and used them is awe inspiring.
Since ancient times, baskets have been used initially for utilitarian purposes and later for decorative value. The weaving of them is as old as the history of civilization. Fragments of basketry have been found in Egyptian tombs and pyramid excavations. Made from a minimal amount of raw resources such as grasses, trees and other natural fibers, baskets display earlyprimitive mans ingenuity at it's peak.
Baskets and other utilitarian forms of basketry have been a mainstay of our collection since its beginning in 1970. All of our baskets were made by the localindigenous peoples of Africa, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
The collection consists of new, used, vintage, old and in some cases antique specimens. Many are made in quantities and some are unique one of kind examples woven by craftsmen and artists in their native homelands.
Ceramics is one of the most ancient industries on the planet. Once humans discovered that clay could be dug up dug up and formed into objects by first mixing it with water and then firing, the industry was born. As early as 24,000 BC, animal and human figures were made from clay, fired in primitive kilns partially dug in the ground.
About 10,000 years later, as settled communities were establishe, tiles were made in Mesopotamia and India. The first use of functionalfunctional potter vessels for storing water and foods and clay bricks are thought to be around 9,000 - 10,000 BC.
The Chinese started making ceramic pottery as early as 3500 BC. By the time of the Tang dynasty, which began in 618 CE, there were many different colors of glazes being used. The Tang dynasty also saw the development of the first true porcelain. During the two dynasties that followed, the Sung and the Yuan, the making of porcelain became an art form.
Asian pottery and ceramics of all sorts can be found within the collection. Antique ceramics and ceramic arts have been brought in from all parts of the world. Antique pots and vessels have been excavated from ancient sites and from underwater recoveries. These unique finds are in extremely limited and rarely available.
Hand crafted within the many diverse cultures of the Far East, these items hold special character. They tell the stories of the people who made them, sharing the images of their legend, lore and history.
A wide variety of objects can be found in our Folk Art Collection. Items from China, India, Thailand, and the Phillipines to name a few. All of them are handmade and each a unique piece of the rich culture from where it came.
Oriental furniture started to appear in North America in significant quantities in the early 19th century when trade with the east increased. Since then, we have come to love the diversity of styles that is available from all over Asia.
Mixing utility with highly stylized artistic shapes and natural materials, our furniture covers a wide range of possibilities. We have just the right piece for any design, modern or classical.
Come inside to see Asian furniture at its finest.
Asian gardens are tranquil spaces meant for reflection and the enjoyment of nature. The object found in the garden are often made of stone or other natural materials that lend balance and presence to the scene.
Garden art of all shapes and sizes can be found here. From stone frogs to monolithic stone vessels or wooden cane grinders. If you are looking for a focal piece or a simple accent, our garden collection has just what you need.
Come inside to browse our selection of garden art and garden statues.
Asia is home to all the religions of the world. From Bhuddist to Christian, Muslim to Shinto, it's all here. We carry a diverse collection of religious painting, religious icons and statues, and objects central to a culture religious practices.
The collection is extremely diverse, each culture has it's own take one a religions central story. Religious art, in ever culture, is some of the richest and most beautiful of all art.
Take a look at our collection, we think you will like it as much as we do.
|
See the Richard Gervais Collection integrated into various designs and locations.
