The Three Graces of Dance, Meihui

The Three Graces of Dance, Meihui

The Three Graces of Dance "is a 19th-century French artwork currently housed in the Minneapolis Museum of Art in the United States. This artwork is a sculpture shaped like three goddesses named 'Three Graces'. In Greek mythology, Charites, also known as Graces, are three or more goddesses who represent charm, beauty, nature, human creativity, kindness, and fertility. They are usually considered daughters of Zeus and the ocean goddess Eurynome. In Roman mythology, they are called Gratiae, which means' grace '
Ming Dynasty Tibetan Green Tara Statue

Ming Dynasty Tibetan Green Tara Statue

The Tibetan style Green Tara statue from the Ming Dynasty is a 15th century Ming Dynasty artwork, currently collected at the Minneapolis Museum of Art in the United States. Green Tara is the incarnation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Tara, also known as Tara in Sanskrit, is the full name of Saint Salvation Tara Buddha Mother. In ancient China, she was referred to as Tara Bodhisattva or Tara Guanyin. Tara has many different manifestations, including 21 Tara, 500 Tara, and others, all of which are incarnations of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Green Tara is the main deity of all Tara, capturing all the merits of the other 20 incarnations.
Maitreya Bodhisattva Stele

Maitreya Bodhisattva Stele

The Maitreya Bodhisattva Stele is a Chinese cultural relic dating back to 563 AD, currently housed in the Minneapolis Museum of Art in the United States. This cultural relic is made of black limestone and has traces of paint. This exquisitely carved stone tablet, although small in scale, displays a complete image of the same theme as a large Buddha statue. In addition to the Maitreya Buddha statue in the center, the engraved halo, and the bodhisattvas on both sides, there are also flying celestial beings and dragons on the flame shaped backs at the top and bottom. The back of the stone tablet is engraved with a 69 character inscription, listing the names of the donors who commissioned the production of this work and dedicated it in 563.
Longevity Star Woodcarving

Longevity Star Woodcarving

Taoist longevity star wood carving. In Chinese, his name means' Star of Longevity '. The elderly figure leaned against a cane, holding a peach in his left hand and a crane beside him. In this situation, the crane would land on the cane.
New Ireland Malagan Totem

New Ireland Malagan Totem

The Malagan totem from late 19th century New Ireland is decorated with various pigments, including lime, in the form of carved wood. The eyes are made of tiger snail shells, and the hair is made of wooden handles fixed in the head socket. Malagan is a collective term in Northern New Ireland, primarily used for ceremonies commemorating the deceased, as well as for masks and carvings associated with them. This Malagan totem is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Qing Dynasty gilded offerings to Buddha

Qing Dynasty gilded offerings to Buddha

This is a Buddha statue from 1850 AD, currently housed in the Minneapolis Museum of Art in the United States. This Buddha statue sits in the tentacle print on the ground, depicting the scene of Buddha about to awaken under the Bodhi tree. This moment is often described as a powerful battle between good and evil, confusion and insight.
Gilded Bodhisattva Statues of Qing Dynasty

Gilded Bodhisattva Statues of Qing Dynasty

The artifact is one of a pair of gilded bodhisattva statues from 18th century AD China. It is now housed in the Minneapolis Museum of Art. Although the two statues are mirror images of each other, they do not represent the same bodhisattva; they are Maitreya and Guanyin, respectively. They stand in elegant poses, holding the stems of a lotus flower, probably part of a sculptural trinity that surrounds a larger Buddha.
The container of Tibetan sutra in the period of Koryo

The container of Tibetan sutra in the period of Koryo

This relic is a box of sutras known as the "container of Tibetan sutras", from the Korean Koryo period (918-1392) around 1100 AD. It is made of gold-plated copper with embossed decorations, and the overall dimensions are 10.2 x 6.5 x 1.5cm. This sutra box was once used to preserve miniature Buddhist sacred texts. By hammering the reverse side, the front and back of the box are engraved with relief designs depicting a peaceful pond boy holding a huge lotus in his hand and a pair of mandarin ducks swimming. These playing boys may represent the newly born soul in the Pure Land. Collected at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
King Kong Lex Hum

King Kong Lex Hum

The door gods are known in Japan as the Kongers, and their role is to protect the temple and Buddhism. Door gods (Niō) usually appear in pairs, with one mouth open and one mouth closed. Those who open their mouths are called A, and those who close their mouths are called Hum. Corresponds to the second generals of Chinese Buddhism. These two names stand for the first and last syllables in Sanskrit, symbolizing the beginning and end of all things. The pair of statues are now in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
King Kong, Hercules

King Kong, Hercules

The door gods are known in Japan as the Kongers, and their role is to protect the temple and Buddhism. Door gods (Niō) usually appear in pairs, with one mouth open and one mouth closed. Those who open their mouths are called A, and those who close their mouths are called Hum. Corresponds to the second generals of Chinese Buddhism. These two names stand for the first and last syllables in Sanskrit, symbolizing the beginning and end of all things. The pair of statues are now in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Dancing King Kong Hai Mother

Dancing King Kong Hai Mother

This is a small stone tablet called "Dancing King Kong Hai Mother", created in Nepal from 1000 to 1100 AD. The overall size of the statue is 9.6 x 5.3cm. The statue is now in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. King Kong Hai Mother, also known as King Kong Yoga Mother, is one of the Buddhist King Kong (Tantra) statues and belongs to the system of empty mothers. The Ming concubine of Shengle King Kong and Great Compassion Red Guanyin originated in India from the 8th to the 12th centuries. The mother-to-mother revered by the four major sects is mainly used to make the spirit of the treasure bottle and the concept of self-determination.
Bamboo root carving of 'Kirin'

Bamboo root carving of 'Kirin'

Bamboo root carving is a traditional handicraft made from bamboo roots, mainly produced in Nanjing, Jiangsu and Jiading, Shanghai. It was once divided into the "Jiading School" and the "Jinling School". Chinese artworks made from bamboo include bamboo carvings, bamboo root carvings, bamboo bonsai, bamboo armrests, etc. In the southern region, there are dense bamboo forests growing. Bamboo, as a plant, had extraordinary significance for ancient literati. The phrase 'It is better to eat without meat than to live without bamboo' was used by the Song dynasty literary giant Su Dongpo to express his spiritual world, but it also reflects the great poet's love for bamboo.
Longmen Grottoes in Henan, China

Longmen Grottoes in Henan, China

Located on both sides of the Yishui River in the southern suburbs of Luoyang City, Henan Province, China, it is one of the four major grottoes in China and a world-renowned treasure trove of Buddhist art. Excavated from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty, it lasted for more than 400 years and showcased the peak of ancient Chinese Buddhist sculpture art. Known for its grand scale, exquisite art, and rich content. There are over 2100 caves, more than 100000 Buddha statues, as well as a large number of inscriptions and pagodas in the grotto complex. The most famous among them is the Lushena Buddha, which is 17.14 meters high and has a solemn and dignified face. It is an iconic sculpture of the Longmen Grottoes. In 2011, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.
Statue of Japanese Daozu God

Statue of Japanese Daozu God

A traditional symbol of faith on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Daozu gods are deities who protect roads and travelers. In Japanese culture, they are often placed on both sides of roads, especially at intersections in mountainous areas, to bless the safety of passing pedestrians. These stone statues usually appear in pairs, with ancient and rustic images, reflecting the characteristics of Japanese folk art. Known for its long history and unique style. Not only is it an object of local faith, but it has also become a tourist attraction that attracts visitors. Often using rounded carving techniques, it showcases a primitive and mysterious charm, reflecting the ancient Japanese reverence for nature and gods.
The Blue faced Vajra Buddha statue at Shengman Temple in Japan

The Blue faced Vajra Buddha statue at Shengman Temple in Japan

A Buddha statue enshrined in Shengman Temple, Shinbori 1-chome, Edogawa ku, Tokyo, Japan. Qingmian Diamond, also known as Qingshi Big Diamond. Known for its unique blue face, it is one of the iconic cultural relics of Shengman Temple. Representing the Vajrayana in Buddhism, symbolizing fearlessness and strength, it is often depicted as a protector deity, protecting Buddhism from evil spirits. Shengman Temple is a Buddhist temple with a long history, and the blue faced Vajra statue inside is not only a symbol of religious belief, but also a manifestation of artistic and cultural heritage. The existence of this Buddha statue not only attracted many believers to come and worship, but also provided valuable physical materials for the study of Buddhist art.
Bronze Pixiu

Bronze Pixiu

Triceratops

Triceratops

Uma Maheshwara Limestone Indian Sculpture

Uma Maheshwara Limestone Indian Sculpture

Uma Mahshvara is a form in Hindu Buddhism that represents the divine couple, Maheshvara and Uma. This image symbolizes the union of male and female aspects of the universe, representing the unity of all things.
brave troops

brave troops

Pixiu (p í xi ū) is a fierce and powerful divine beast in ancient Chinese mythology, with "Pixiu" being male and "Pixiu" being female. Pixiu, also known as Tianlu, Bixie, and Baijie, is related to the beliefs of ancient people. In Volume 10 of the Ming Dynasty's Zhou Qi's "Examination of Names", it is mentioned that Pixiu is called Bixie because it can dispel bad luck, and Tianlu because it can attract wealth. In the south, people often refer to it as Pixiu, while in the north it is often called Pixie. Pixiu has a body shape like a tiger or leopard, with a dragon like head and tail. Its color is also golden and jade, and it has a pair of wings on its shoulders that cannot be spread. It is known as one of the five great auspicious beasts along with the dragon, phoenix, turtle, and qilin.
Buddha statue

Buddha statue

Renneisance Church Angel Statue

Renneisance Church Angel Statue

The angel statues in churches during the Renaissance period are a type of artwork with unique aesthetic and religious significance. These angel statues often appear in art works such as murals, sculptures, and stained glass in European churches. Known for its elegant and refined image. They are usually presented in the form of beautiful women or children, showcasing the purity and elegance of angels through soft lines and intricate carvings. The angel statues in churches usually symbolize religious beliefs and the spiritual world. They showcase the purity and elegance of angels with exquisite images and exquisite craftsmanship, while playing an important religious role in churches, bringing comfort to people's religious beliefs and spirits
Charon, a marble sculpture of a ferryman from the underworld in Greek mythology

Charon, a marble sculpture of a ferryman from the underworld in Greek mythology

Charon is a ferryman in Greek mythology responsible for transporting the souls of the deceased from Earth to the underworld. He was described as a pale faced old man, dressed in a black robe, standing on the edge of the Styx River, ready to cross the river with the deceased. According to ancient Greek beliefs, every deceased person was required to pay a token to Charon as a ferry fare. In some legends, this token is a coin, while in other legends, it may be a magical copper coin placed in the mouth of the deceased. If the deceased did not pay the ferry fare, they would be trapped on Earth and unable to enter the underworld.
Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Han Zhong Li Clay Carving Ornament

Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Han Zhong Li Clay Carving Ornament

The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea by Han Zhongli "is an ancient Chinese legend that tells the story of the Eight Immortals embarking on a cross sea adventure to help Han Zhongli search for immortal grass. The Eight Immortals are Han Xiangzi, Tie Guai Li, Cao Guojiu, Zhang Guolao, He Xiangu, Lv Dongbin, Lan Caihe, and Fairy Sister. They each have unique immortal skills and talents, and through cooperation, they overcame numerous difficulties and helped Han Zhongli successfully find the immortal grass. This story inherits the values of friendship, courage, and teamwork in ancient Chinese culture, and the image of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea has become one of the well-known figures in Chinese culture, often quoted and praised by people.
Stone sculpture of Ganesha, the Hindu god of elephant heads

Stone sculpture of Ganesha, the Hindu god of elephant heads

3D scanning of Maya solid wood masks

3D scanning of Maya solid wood masks

The Bamboo Root Carving Arhat, a Lucky Lion, was created by Liang Fengzhu

The Bamboo Root Carving Arhat, a Lucky Lion, was created by Liang Fengzhu

Ruishi Luohan Bamboo Root Carving, a 1999 work by Liang Fengzhu, a master of Chinese arts and crafts. It is currently collected in the Liangfengzhu Arts and Crafts Museum in Nanyue, Hengyang, China, with a height of 21 cm and a width of 23.2 cm
Nezha's Chaos in the Sea "created by Liang Fengzhu

Nezha's Chaos in the Sea "created by Liang Fengzhu

The gloomy wood carving, made by Chinese master of arts and crafts Liang Fengzhu in 2001, is now collected at the Liang Fengzhu Arts and Crafts Museum in Nanyue, Hengyang, China. Nezha is a protector deity in Chinese folk religion. His official Taoist name is' Marshal of the Middle Altar '. After he became a deity, he was bestowed with the title of "Third Lotus Prince".
The sitting statue of Shakyamuni Buddha during the Guishuang Empire period

The sitting statue of Shakyamuni Buddha during the Guishuang Empire period

The Kushan Empire was an ancient prosperous country that existed in Central and South Asia. During its peak period (105-250 AD), its territory extended from present-day Tajikistan to the Caspian Sea, Afghanistan, and the Ganges River basin. Guishuang is a branch of the Dayue people who lived in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins in the 2nd century BC. In 130 BC, the Yue people migrated south to conquer Daxia and divided it into five tribes, each with a chief called the Marquis of Xi. The Guishuang Xiahou Qiu, one of the Five Xiahou, eliminated the other Xiahou, unified the five tribes, and established the Guishuang Kingdom. However, Qiu defeated Anxi and attacked the Kabul River Basin and Kashmir region southward, eventually establishing the capital as Gaofu.
Chinese white ceramic birthday star painted statue

Chinese white ceramic birthday star painted statue

Shouxing, also known as the Antarctic Elder Star, is the god of longevity in ancient mythology. He is also a deity in Taoism, originally named Xingxing and one of the three stars of fortune, fortune, and longevity. After Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified the world, he built the Shouxing Temple in Du County near Chang'an. The late birthday star evolved into the name of an immortal. The Ming Dynasty novel "Journey to the West" depicts the birthday star holding a lingzhi mushroom, with a long head, large ears, and a short body. The "Warning to the World" has a mythological story of "three stars of fortune, wealth, and longevity". The birthday star in the portrait is an old man with white beard, holding a staff and a raised forehead. The ancients symbolized the longevity of the elderly. Often accompanied by deer, cranes, immortal peaches, etc., symbolizing longevity.
The sculpture "Aphrodite" from the ancient Roman Empire period

The sculpture "Aphrodite" from the ancient Roman Empire period

Aphrodite, also known as Aphrodite in Greek, is the goddess of love and beauty in ancient Greek mythology. She is also the goddess of sexuality and one of the twelve Olympian gods. Because it was born in the ocean, it is sometimes revered as a patron saint for navigation. Aphrodite was born on the waves of the sea, with porcelain like skin, blonde hair and blue eyes, and the perfect figure and appearance of ancient Greek women, symbolizing the beauty of women and considered the highest symbol of female physical beauty. It is currently housed in the Capitoline Museum.
The cast iron statue of the Sphinx in front of the French Military Museum

The cast iron statue of the Sphinx in front of the French Military Museum

The Sphinx statue stands between museums and streets in Paris. Made by Ducel Foundry, which was one of the most important foundries in France at that time.
The marble statue "Ugolino and His Sons" collected in the Rodin Museum in Paris

The marble statue "Ugolino and His Sons" collected in the Rodin Museum in Paris

Ugolino and his sons are Ugolino marble sculptures made by Jean Baptiste Carpeaux in Paris in the 1860s. It depicts the story of Ugolino in Dante's Inferno, where a 13th century Count is imprisoned and starving with his children. This work is known for its expressive details, which opened up Karbo's career. It is currently housed in the Rodin Museum in Paris.
Chinese white ceramic painted sculpture of the God of Wealth

Chinese white ceramic painted sculpture of the God of Wealth

In Chinese Taoism, the God of Wealth is the deity responsible for managing the wealth of the world. In Chinese folk customs, New Year's Eve is the busiest day of the Spring Festival. On New Year's Eve, people eat dumplings and stay up all night, waiting to pick up the God of Wealth. Some even bring the God of Wealth to their doorstep, and on the second day of the lunar new year, they also offer sacrifices to the God of Wealth. Nowadays, it is most popular to welcome the God of Wealth on the fifth day of the first lunar month. The God of Wealth worshipped includes the God of Wealth, the God of Wealth, and the God of Wealth, such as Zhao Gongming and Guan Gong; The God of Wealth is Bi Gan, Fan Li, and others. The gods of wealth that people believe in include the Five Saints, Chai Rong, Caigong Caimu, Hehe Erxian, Lishi Xianguan, Wenchang Emperor, and Living God of Wealth Shen Wansan. Among them, the belief in the Wenwu God of Wealth and the Five Saints is the most widespread.
7th century Tang Dynasty gilded bronze sculpture "A Pair of Xianglong - Left"

7th century Tang Dynasty gilded bronze sculpture "A Pair of Xianglong - Left"

This Chinese cultural relic is named "A Pair of Xianglong" and was made during the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century. It is made of gold-plated bronze. The dragon is a universal symbol of glory in Chinese culture. As early as the Neolithic Age, the Chinese believed that this mythical creature was an auspicious animal, living in heaven, providing rain and nourishing life. In the late Bronze Age, dragons were equated with emperors. In 221 BC, the great unifier of China and builder of the Great Wall, Qin Shi Huang, declared himself a descendant of dragons. Since then, almost every ruler has been referred to as the "True Dragon Emperor", and the Chinese court is known as the Dragon King constellation, with the official court attire being dragon robes.
Sandstone sculpture from the Northern Wei Dynasty titled 'Stone Statue of Buddha Sitting in Four Sided Shrine'

Sandstone sculpture from the Northern Wei Dynasty titled 'Stone Statue of Buddha Sitting in Four Sided Shrine'

This Chinese cultural relic is a seated Buddha statue in a four sided shrine, made during the Northern Wei Dynasty and carved from sandstone. Unearthed in 1957 in Nanguoshui, Qin County, with severe weathering on the surface, it is collected by the Nanguoshui Stone Carving Museum in Qin County. A total of 4 niches were unearthed, each engraved with 4 Buddha statues.