Blog
Signed Antique Japanese Basket – Featured in The “Scout Guide”
This beautiful Ikebana flower arranging basket just arrived on our recent shipment from Japan. It was made in the first half of the 20th century and is woven from variegated or striped bamboo. Some of the particularly nice features of this basket are the root handle that comes from the bamboo rhizome, the finely woven […]
Vintage Kashigata: Traditional Hand Carved Wooden Confectionary Moulds
Little sweet cakes (Higashi) are made individually for tea ceremonies, events and shrine offerings. They are shaped into objects of art and symbolism using these hand carved wooden culinary moulds, or ‘Kashigata’. The rice flour and sugar confections have been a popular tradition in Japan for more than 300 years. Like many centuries-old Japanese specialty […]
“Front Porch Animals” Exhibition – Opening Party Video
‘Front Porch Animals’ is our 2019 fall art exhibition – November 15th to December 8th. We present an ultimately relatable theme with this collection of mythical, stylized and realistic animal art from across Asia (Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, China, Nepal and other countries). If you missed our opening party, or if you were there and want […]
The ‘Joglo’ – Javanese Architecture Featured at David Alan Collection
The Joglo House Frame – Beautiful Teak, Post and Beam Style Building Framework. And the DAC crew victorious after a full day spent assembling this beauty in the store front. Our hand carved Joglo waiting for its forever home. Approximate dimensions: 170″ tall x 138″ x 206″ (~14′ x 11′ x 17′) ‘Joglo’ is the […]
Vintage Kimonos – A Vanishing Art Finds Its Way Into Modern Fashion
One of the Finest Japanese Traditions, the iconic, ancient kimono has charmed its way into the high fashion and street fashion worlds outside of Japan. We love kimonos and delight in promoting this creative fashion trend. Come see our fabulous Kimono and Obi (kimono belt/sash) collection. We have hundreds of hand made, one-of-a-kind beauties. David […]
Behind The Scenes: Community Work – A Life Transforming Montessori School In Delhi, India.
A peek into one of the remarkable achievements that embody the humanitarian and visionary nature of the David Alan Collection proprietors, David and Amita Bardwick. Creating a rare educational opportunity. Amita with two of the students in a Cultural Dance program. In 2003 Amita established Ignite – a non-profit foundation, and she founded the Alpha Montessori […]
Japanese Kimono Fabric Accessories. From Vintage to Modern – Introducing Our New Line of Custom Designs Bags.
Vintage Kimono Accessories We’ve started a cool new project! Japanese kimonos are made of such spectacular textiles we decided to up-cycle some of our favorites for a new line of lively Computer cases, Travel Bags and Shoulder, Clutch and Coin Purses. The vintage textiles add a spirited flair to modern accessories. We are so happy […]
Tanuki 狸 – The Shape-shifting Prankster Icon of Wealth and Generosity
Tanuki have a complex and interesting folkloric history. Although largely unknown in the states, they have been among the most significant characters in Japan since the 16th century. Contemporary Tanuki are creatures of wealth and whimsy; symbols of prosperity seen outside many temples, shops and restaurants. These vintage statues of modern day Tanuki were designed […]
17th – 19th Century Burmese Marble Buddha Statues
Museum Quality, Hand Carved White Marble Shan Style Buddha, 17th century. Beautifully carved from a single block of marble. A smooth translucent finish gives surface depth and it displays some of its former gold gilt and red pigment. Excellent condition, the wear is consistent with its age. Buddha is sitting in the lotus position (legs […]
Musical and Ritual Instruments from Southeast Asia – Japan, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Tibet, Vietnam: Sacred, Secular, and Unusual
INSTRUMENTS!!! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY BROWSING OUR INTRIGUING COLLECTION OF HANDMADE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Carved, cast and intricately constructed, they are beautiful works of art as well. From across Southeast Asia, vintage to contemporary, tribal folk craft to fine art, every piece was masterfully engineered to produce a particular sound. Each has its own intangible significance […]
Shamanic Talismans, Amulets, Healing and Ritual Power Objects – Tribal Indonesia continued!
Since our epic Balancing The Universe: Shamanic Amulets, Instruments and Costumes exhibition last fall, we have additional objects to include – healing and power objects and ritual protector figures, that didn’t make it into the show. If you follow our Gallery Blog, no doubt you will see even more of these ancient southeast Asian shaman ritual objects […]
Shamanism: A Brief History of the Ancient Art of Healing
This introduction and following series of related posts on shamanism serve as an online version of our 2017 fall exhibition, ‘Balancing The Universe: Shamanic Amulets, Instruments and Costumes’. We also have a full color photo catalog available of the all the pieces in the show and 12 color postcards of selected pieces. Scroll down to […]
Balancing The Universe: Shamanism on Lombok Island and Bali
Less famous than Bali, Lombok the neighbor island directly to the east and is part of the Lesser Sundas. The indigenous Sasak people are predominantly Muslim after experiencing a long period of Hindu and Buddhist influence. However, as in most of the tribal cultures of Indonesia, ancient traditional ritualistic practices endure and shaman are still […]
Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in Sulawesi and Papua New Guinea
SULAWESI, Greater Sunda Islands (first 2 images): Shaman made their own medicine kits, including wooden backpacks, to contain items for healing, protections and predictions – such as special teeth, stones and other items. The figures on the exterior correspond to illnesses and other conditions or ailments. 19” x 9 ½” x 10”, $2200. Container for […]
Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in the Lesser Sundas – Timor Islands
Timor, like Flores is more mountainous than the rolling hills of Sumba, but the shamanic culture is much the same. Both islands are now predominantly christian, although, like most of the cultures throughout the Lesser Sunda Islands, they have integrated the newer belief systems with their ancient roots in Animism. (for several neighboring Lesser Sunda […]
Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in the Lesser Sundas – Flores Islands
Flores, and Timor, are more mountainous than the rolling hills of Sumba, but the shamanic culture is much the same. Both islands are now predominantly christian, although, like most of the cultures throughout the Lesser Sunda Islands, they have integrated the newer belief systems with their ancient roots in Animism. (see Timor and several neighboring […]
Balancing The Universe: Shamanism on Sumba Island, Indonesia
Sumba Island is part of the ‘The Lesser Sunda Islands’ – the long sweeping chain of islands south of Bali that make up the southern part of Indonesia. In the following posts we include items from Sumba, Flores, Timor, Lombok and a few others. There are many similarities in belief systems throughout the Lesser Sundas […]
Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
The Mentawai tribes remain one of the most isolated populations on the planet. Some still live a neolithic, hunter-gather lifestyle in the rain-forest and do not use a written language. Shaman, or sikerei, are intrinsic to daily life and considered leaders, although they are an egalitarian society. The classic Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim themes common […]
Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in Borneo, Indonesia
Borneo, home of the Dayak tribes is one of the largest islands in Indonesia, and is of volcanic origin. Their ancient belief system, like that across most of Indonesia, is Animistic – the belief that they are descendants of a bird/dragon/serpent. This is visually represented by the pervasive motifs in their art. Shaman are intrinsic […]
Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in Sumatra, Indonesia
Sumatra is one island in the SE Asian chain of 17,ooo islands that make up Indonesia. The cultures specific to different islands have long been isolated from one another resulting is significant diversity. It is therefore helpful to organize the following Indonesian descriptions into major sub-groupings. Please browse through the following posts: Sumatra (Batak tribes), […]
Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in Vietnam and Thailand
Essential to the shamanic traditions of the Vietnamese is the ability to read and write Chinese. A requisite, extensive knowledge of Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Animism and Ancestor worship make the shaman’s training a long and rigorous process. They must draw on a complex base of philosophies and abilities which include the use of scroll paintings, […]
Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in Nagaland and Myanmar
The Naga people are a collection of 35+ tribes, or about 3.5 million people, who live in the hills of Nagaland, India and in the bordering country of Myanmar. Their beliefs are animistic and shamanism is a respected, integral part of everyday life. This figure was used in healing rituals and probably for connecting to […]
Balancing the Universe: Shamanism In Nepal
Nepal is home to many ethnic groups and religious traditions including Hinduism and Buddhism. Shamanism combines these religions with the worship of nature and natural phenomenon. There is a unique village, called “Lugum”, in Western Nepal whose only inhabitants, at the time of this writing, are 126 shaman – 18 of whom are women. In […]
Shaman, Asian Art and Healing Magic: The Debut of a 15 Year Collection
Shamanic Culture, Tribal Art, Healing and Magic converge in an unmatched, museum quality collection of over 300 shaman pieces from across SE Asia. We had an opening extravaganza to debut the rare amulets, instruments and costumes, acquired over the last 15 years. It took months to research the individual pieces that represent many different, ancient […]
Custom Round Slab Table Concept – Figured Bastogne Walnut and Steel
We are excited to share a custom slab table concept we’ve been working on. The idea started after seeing a very rare and obscure cross section of Bastogne walnut that friends of ours have had in storage. Knowing that this piece would never be a table without combining materials we started daydreaming about the possibilities. […]
Balancing The Universe – Shamanic Amulets, Instruments and Costumes *Exhibition Opening Party VIDEO in this post*
Shamanism is a fascinating subject. Reaching far back into prehistory, the quest to cure the ailing and ensure our survival gave rise to its development. It is deeply rooted in *animism and appears as such in virtually all societies around the globe. The striking similarities in beliefs and rituals throughout so many different cultures make […]
Tongba – Tibetan Drinking Vessel
Antique Millet Beer Mugs A Tibetan mug or vessel for a traditional, indigenous, hot, alcoholic beer-like drink called Jaand. These ‘beer tea’ mugs are made of sections of mature bamboo. The inner nodes are carved out and often ringed with metal bands on the exterior. The cover or lid keeps the Jaand hot and has […]
2000 Year Old Coins – Kushan Empire Antiques into Jewelry
2000 Year Old Coins – Necklaces by David Alan Designs. Part of ‘David Alan Designs’ signature style is to incorporate antiquity into wearable art. This post highlights 17 recently completed necklaces featuring beautifully patinated Kushan copper coins set in sterling silver to create beautifully elegant yet casual necklaces. We invite you to come browse the drawers […]
Antique Japanese Tea Cabinet
Japanese Cha Dansu “Tea cabinet”, late 1800’s – early 1900’s When this Late 19th century Japanese cha-dansu (tea chest) arrived on a recent shipment from Kyoto, one of our sales associates immediately tagged it “sold” in their name and set it aside until time presented an opportunity for further inspection. When the time came, […]
Magnificent Snow Lion Pendants from Tibet
120 Year Old Tibetan Snow Lion Pendants The Snow Lion – or ‘Gangs Seng Ge’ in Tibetan, is a powerful celestial animal that resides in the eastern Himalayas. Protector of Buddha, it personifies fearlessness and a cheerful mind. For more than a century it has remained the national emblem of Tibet. The Snow Lion is a common theme in proverbs and […]
Japanese Jizo Statues in The David Alan Gallery
We have been collecting Antique Jizo Statues from the Edo Period of Japan for years. Their aesthetic beauty and symbolism is something we hold dear at David Alan. Along with these rare antique finds, we are happy to announce we have found contemporary Jizo Statues made from both wood and limestone. They are quite amazing! Jizō is a bodhisattva, who has […]
Phurba – Tibetan Ritual Daggers
Phurba – Three sided ritual dagger from Tibet – Old World Antiques History: From Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Indian Vedic traditions Still used by Buddhists and Shamans in Tibet and the Himalayas, the use of these magical daggers dates back to at least the 7th or 8th century. The Phurba, or Kila in Sanskrit, is linked to a whole […]
New Addition to the Japanese Antiques Collection
Jizai Kaki (Hearth Hook) From the late 1800’s In Japan, during the Edo (1603-1868) and Meiji periods (1868-1912), all traditional Japanese homes and shops featured a central area called the Irori, or, a sunken hearth. Here, charcoal would be continuously burned for cooking and warming the home. Suspended above the hearth was a Jizai, or […]
Old World Antiques in the David Alan Collection
Singo Barong — The David Alan Collection ReogPonorongo Tiger Mask From West Java Indonesia Indonesia is a fascinatingly diverse country, consisting of over 18,000 islands, numerous official religions, and even more unofficial belief systems. Java, the most populated island on earth was once the home to a large Hindu empire, followed by centuries of Buddhism […]
Hanuman Balanese Wood Carving
Balinese wood carving, mid 1900’s. From the Hindu epic the Ramayana. This is the the courageous Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devout servant, one who finds contentment and cheer in all things.
Exquisite Indonesian Keris Handles (dagger hilt) Imported to the David Alan Gallery
17th-18th century wooden Keris hilt from Central Java, Indonesia. Late 19th century bone Keris hilt from Java, Indonesia. Defined by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Education) as a “Masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity”. The kris or keris is a distinctive, asymmetrical dagger from Indonesia. Both a weapon and spiritual […]
Petrified wood desk
It is always a pleasure to see our pieces after they are finished and have found their new home. Here is a photo of a petrified dining table that we modified last year, transforming into this amazing desk. The desk is made from petrified wood tiles, and the base is a mirror polished […]
Announcing Our New Petrified Wood Advertiser
Thank you to everyone who helped in putting together our upcoming petrified wood advertisement! Making things look and feel simple is sometimes harder than it appears… Looking forward to seeing it in print.
Japanese Wood Block Print Exibition In Solana Beach, CA
We are very excited to announce that our next exhibition will feature hundreds of original wood block prints from Japan, most dating to the Edo period. The opening night reception will be Thursday, November 13th. Save the date, and make sure to sign up in the contact section of the website, under newsletter, to receive […]
