Earthworks Gallery is a small privately owned gallery located in the northern Shenandoah Valley in the town of Front Royal, Virginia. It is devoted to, and the culmination of, a longtime love of art and artifacts from diverse world cultures. Initially the desire to create a website was prompted by many wonderful people asking wonderful questions. As is the nature of learning, each question opens entire chapters in which to delve. As we share this journey, you are invited to browse through and comment upon the information offered, that we may together add to the depth of our understanding.
Our store offerings are principally Asian, and our specialty is jade art; however, we are delighted to offer treasures from the Americas, Africa, Egypt, India, Tibet, the Middle East and Oceania when they are available. From the subtle to the sublime, from Stone Age to New Age, the eclectic mix of art, artifacts, and gifts offer a reflective glimpse of our past and a hopeful hint of possibilities. To those who have made it possible, and those we have yet to meet, thank you for allowing us to do what we love.
We invite you to contact us for wholesale or multiple-item discount pricing.
Magnificent Jade Zhong Kui, Vanquisher of Evil Spirits:
This fantastic jade carving is of one of China’s most beloved protectors, Zhong Kui, the Ghost Chaser. Though it is quite likely that he was an historical figure, the legend of Zhong Kui far surpasses that of a mortal man. According to folklore, Zhong Kui traveled from his homeland to take part in the Imperial Examinations at the capital. This enabled even a poor peasant to be accepted into the literati. He achieved high honors in the exams, but because he was very ugly, the Emperor stripped him of his won title of “Zhuangyuan”. In anger and frustration, Zhong Kui dashed his head against the palace gate repeatedly until his head broke. Because he committed suicide, Zhong Kui was banished to hell, but because of his high intelligence and his motivation, he was soon admired and took command of an army of demon soldiers to help him destroy evil spirits and demons.
According to Song Dynasty sources, the Emperor Xuanzong, 712 to 756 AD, of the Tang Dynasty was gravely ill. He dreamed that a small demon ghost appeared and stole treasures from the Emperor and taunted him. A larger demon ghost appeared before the Emperor and introduced himself as Zhong Kui. He said he had sworn to rid the empire of evil, whereupon he tore the smaller demon apart and ate him. Upon awakening, the Emperor had fully recovered from his illness. He ordered Wu Daozi, the court painter, to paint an image of Zhong Kui wearing the hat of an official so that the other officials would know of his rank.
He is known not only as the vanquisher of evil, but also as the protector of scholars.
In this remarkable large carving, Zhong Kui holds a sword in one hand and a snake in the other. It is a remarkable work of art that I have been proud to have held.
Camphorwood Quan Yin:
This gorgeous carving of Quan Yin was carved from camphorwood in 19th century China. There are still traces of the gold gilding that at one time completely covered it. Quan Yin is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. An incarnation of Avalokitesvara, she reached Buddha status but instead gave up the bright seat of Nirvana until all beings could be brought into the light. She is the most popular deity in the east and goes by the names of Guanyin, Kwan Yin, Kannon and others as well.
Beautiful White Jade Cranes:
Cranes in China have always been a sign of either immortality or of long life. They have been used in virtually all art forms; painting, lacquer ware, ceramics, embroideries, and carvings in wood, jade, ivory and other precious materials. They have been cast in bronze, silver and gold. They are seen on everyday objects such as teapots and clothes, and they grace the most elaborate Imperial treasures. The crane is often seen in the company of one of the Eight Immortals and is frequently in the company of Shouxing, the God of Longevity. It is the noble crane that transports the Immortals to the Isles of the Immortals in the South China Sea.
Earthworks Gallery : 30 east eighth street front royal va 22630 : 540.636.4560 : earthworksgallery@embarqmail.com
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