r/asianart

My museum has absolutely nothing to do with art, and we cannot decide on what to call this artifact we believe came from 1955 "Rangoon." It's currently accessioned as "Vase in the form of a footed bowl," but it's small size leads us to believe it's neither. The points are so sharp that "cup" does not seem appropriate either. It was a gift to an historically significant person and we'd like to exhibit it, but we have little documentation. Thank you so much.

I’ve had this large wooden Guanyin for years that I bought from an antique dealer. At the time I was told it was 17th century and from Thailand, but I didn’t ask many questions back then.

Recently, during a move, the lips on the statue fell off and revealed another set of painted lips underneath. That got me digging into how these were made, and now I’m trying to understand what I actually have.

A few details:

Carved wood core

Surface appears to have a gesso/plaster layer with paint over it

Significant cracking and flaking throughout

Multiple visible paint layers (especially now on the face)

Seated in a relaxed “royal ease” pose with one arm resting on the knee

Large scale 5 feet 11 inches tall, 3 feet 6 inches wide , 3 feet deep.

From what I’ve learned so far, it seems like:

Multiple paint layers may be from different repainting campaigns over time

The pose and style might align more with Chinese “Water-Moon Guanyin” rather than Thai origin

What I’m hoping to learn from people here:

Does the style and carving look more Chinese than Thai?

Any thoughts on realistic age range (17th c vs later Ming/Qing vs even later)?

Is the layered paint (like the double lips) typical for these?

Does anything here suggest it’s a later reproduction vs genuinely old?

Any red flags I’m missing?

We love the piece regardless and aren’t looking to sell, but I’d like to better understand what it is before I move forward with conservation or appraisal.

Thanks for any insight, happy to provide more photos or details.

The painting has 3 chops as well. Just would like to know the language and what it says, and names of chops. Thank you

I would love your help to identify the objects on this carved door panel.

The left shows a scholar’s cabinet. Is that a foo dog on top, southern style? Does it make sense for there to be only one rather than a pair? Could it be a cat?

Is that a lotus flower in a stand next to it?

The center is supposed to show two phoenixes with flowers and branches. I can make out some wings but I’m having a hard time seeing the whole bird. Would the flowers be peonies?

On the right I’m guessing a brush pot with an ink stone behind. Do the objects in the pot read as brushes to you? What is the object with the long tassel? I’m guessing a ruyi scepter but what is the attachment? Looks like six objects on a string. There seems to be a little wall box alongside, but what’s in it? Or should this be interpreted at a different scale, not as a desk pot but something the size to hold things as big as umbrellas?

Saw at an antique store and very intrigued! Can someone explain the meaning/background on the different patterns? I would love more information on this!

I picked up this artifact from an antique dealer in Hanoi, Vietnam. Upon researching it, It looks to be a Cham bronze figure of the deity Avalokitesvara from the 12th to 9th century CE. It looks to be authentic based on the malachite oxidation, especially on the bottom but would love a second opinion!

I’m quite drawn to this. Seller says it’s early an 19th Japanese lacquer box (not sure about that tbh!). It is very damaged but does anyone have an insights into this piece/how one might go about restoring it a little? Thank you!

Hello! I'm trying to identify a couple wooden pieces I've wooden

seen. Id greatly appreciate any help!

I’ve recently aquired this antique screen. I’ve never seen this caricature style before. One panel is disconnected and is rough shape. The back paper has deteriorated and show they are filled with perhaps recycled calligraphy paper. Any infomation would be helpful. Thanks.