Silk Roads
Our namesakes, the Silk Roads, were trading routes that connected Europe with Asia, and were most active between the 11th and 13th centuries. Adventurous merchants from the West traveled these ancient routes in search of exotic treasures never before seen in their native lands. They brought the magic of their discoveries home, and by so doing, they broadened world knowledge and appreciation of beauty.
By spending time and carefully selecting each piece- looking for the qualities that make it unique and timeless-we have done essentially the same thing at Silk Roads Design Gallery.
India
17th-18th Century
These wood-carved Avatars, standing on bases decorated with cut mirrors, are wearing headdresses and breastplates and belts also adorned with cut mirrors. These figures were probably part of a Hindu temple shrine.
8"w x 23"h x 71/2"d
China Ming Dynasty
16th Century
The lion symbol was introduced to China in connection with Buddhism, figuring as the defender of law and protector of sacred buildings. These particular ceramic lions are standing on a rectangular based adorned with half lotuses on all sides. They guarded a Buddhist temple in Southern China. These striding figures have their mouths open in a roar, which represents the "voice of the Law". The characteristic square-shaped head with bulbous eyes is framed by a coiled mane with stylized horns on the top. Bells and tassels are hung from the trappings with a cloth draped over its back in the center. The ceramic figures are covered in a green glaze with details in ochre, brown, and cream. The lion is also an emblem of valor and energy, those indispensable complements of wisdom.
20"w x 20"h x 7"d
Cambodia
12th Century
Ritual implements dating from the12th Century, whose form echoes that of a sea-snail (triton) shell, are referred to as conchs. Like real conch shells, they were used either as ladles to dip and poor libations of holy water or as wind instruments to produce the sacred sound, "om." The spiral apex of this piece ends in a carefully worked mouthpiece surrounded by the rosette of a full-blown lotus. The conch is decorated in a fixed design: the apex resembles the spiral turns of the shell, the curving belly is left smooth, and the leaf-shaped panel bears depictions of figures in relief. A decorative border rims the entire opening. During ritual performances this conch was laid horizontally on its tri-pod stand with naga feet.
111/2"H (including tripod stand) x 41/2"w
Our selection process also involves looking for "universal" pieces that can compliment any dŽcor-be it European, early American, contemporary, Mediterranean, or Asian. In our showroom we place items in settings that allow our customers to visualize how they can be used in their own homes or workspaces.