What materials are common in Asian antique figures?

Bronze remains the predominant metal used for Buddhist and secular statues, often accompanied by gilt finishes and fine engravings. Hardwoods, precious coral, and pottery also feature prominently across different regional traditions. Ceramic examples include Kutani porcelain, Satsuma earthenware, and Sumida Gawa pottery where figures are built up in high relief. Each material dictates the level of detail achievable by the artisan.

How do I distinguish Japanese Meiji period pieces?

Meiji period metalwork and porcelain showcase a surge in technical precision, driven by international exhibitions and changing production methods. Look for naturalistic depictions of animals, woodcutters, and folklore subjects. Signatures on the base or body often point to specific workshops or named artists. The finish tends to be crisp, balancing traditional iconography with meticulous surface detail.

Where were these figures displayed historically?

Many smaller bronze okimono and scholar's desk items were kept close at hand for contemplation, paper-weight use, or intellectual appreciation. Larger sculptures of deities and bodhisattvas occupied temples, household shrines, and altars. Ceramic vases and figures adorned traditional interiors, often placed within display alcoves. Their placement depended on whether the piece served a religious, domestic, or decorative purpose.

How should I care for antique bronze and porcelain?

Bronze figures require minimal intervention, benefiting from gentle dusting with a soft brush to protect patinas and gilt surfaces. Avoid liquid cleaners or polishes that strip historical age. Porcelain and earthenware pieces need stable display environments away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature shifts. Handle ceramic items securely by their main bodies rather than fragile protruding elements.

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Asian Figures

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Asian antique figures bring together centuries of spiritual devotion, folklore and craftsmanship from across the continent.

Antique Solid Silver Repoussé Bowl – Intricate Hand-chased Figures – Southeast a

19th century

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Antique Solid Silver Repoussé Bowl – Intricate Hand-chased Figures – Southeast a

From Bushells Antiques

£495

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

A Fine Chinese Carved Jade Figure of a Seated Buddha Late Ming to Early Qing Dynasty

Pre 16th century

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A Fine Chinese Carved Jade Figure of a Seated Buddha Late Ming to Early Qing Dynasty

From Sandbanks Antiques

£1,875

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

Quality Large Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase

1900 - 1920

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Quality Large Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£395

3+ MONTHS AGO

vases

A Pair of Huge Scale Japanese Bronze Geese

1900 - 1920

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A Pair of Huge Scale Japanese Bronze Geese

From Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art

£24,000

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

A Rare Large Chinese Double Sided Superbly Carved Jade of a Dragon and Figure of Wisdom Qing Dynasty

19th century

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A Rare Large Chinese Double Sided Superbly Carved Jade of a Dragon and Figure of Wisdom Qing Dynasty

From Sandbanks Antiques

£1,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

A Very Fine and Charming Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Quails

1900 - 1920

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A Very Fine and Charming Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Quails

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£485

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

19th century

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Hindu Gilt Bronze Buddha Jnana Dakini

From Rams Head Antiques

£485

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

19th century

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A Large Antique Bronze Mandalay Burmese Seated Buddha Circa 19th Century

From Bushells Antiques

£2,750

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

Superb Japanese Antique (Late 19thc) Boxwood Netsuke, Wise Man on Horse, Masayuki

19th century

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Superb Japanese Antique (Late 19thc) Boxwood Netsuke, Wise Man on Horse, Masayuki

From Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

£225

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

Chinese Turquoise Glazed Cockerel, Qing Dynasty.

19th century

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Chinese Turquoise Glazed Cockerel, Qing Dynasty.

From Philip Carrol Antiques

£380

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Listings feature works spanning the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries, with a strong representation of nineteenth-century Japanese and Chinese pieces.

Chinese Carved Wooden Panels / Plaques (X6). Circa 1850.

19th century

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Chinese Carved Wooden Panels / Plaques (X6). Circa 1850.

From Dragoncharger Antiques

£1,800

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of Kannon on Shishi, Early Meiji, C.1870

19th century

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Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of Kannon on Shishi, Early Meiji, C.1870

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£800

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Chinese Bronze of Water Buffalo with Scholar

19th century

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Chinese Bronze of Water Buffalo with Scholar

From Jane Short Antiques

£395

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

Exceptionally Rare 18thc Qianlong Period Chinese Porcelain Dog Statue Figurine

18th century

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Exceptionally Rare 18thc Qianlong Period Chinese Porcelain Dog Statue Figurine

From Artsonline

£1,050

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

19th century

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Pair of Large Chinese Bronze Horses

From Jane Short Antiques

£3,850

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

A Matched Pair of Chinese Carved Stone Figures.

1900 - 1920

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A Matched Pair of Chinese Carved Stone Figures.

From Robert Belcher Antiques

£475

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

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Asian Figures

Antique Solid Silver Repoussé Bowl – Intricate Hand-chased Figures – Southeast a

A Fine Chinese Carved Jade Figure of a Seated Buddha Late Ming to Early Qing Dynasty

Quality Large Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase

A Pair of Huge Scale Japanese Bronze Geese

A Rare Large Chinese Double Sided Superbly Carved Jade of a Dragon and Figure of Wisdom Qing Dynasty

A Very Fine and Charming Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Quails

Hindu Gilt Bronze Buddha Jnana Dakini

A Large Antique Bronze Mandalay Burmese Seated Buddha Circa 19th Century

Superb Japanese Antique (Late 19thc) Boxwood Netsuke, Wise Man on Horse, Masayuki

Chinese Turquoise Glazed Cockerel, Qing Dynasty.

Chinese Carved Wooden Panels / Plaques (X6). Circa 1850.

Japanese Kutani Porcelain Figure of Kannon on Shishi, Early Meiji, C.1870

Chinese Bronze of Water Buffalo with Scholar

Exceptionally Rare 18thc Qianlong Period Chinese Porcelain Dog Statue Figurine

Pair of Large Chinese Bronze Horses

A Matched Pair of Chinese Carved Stone Figures.

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