There are many websites that sell all sorts of exceptional collectable art decor. Available products range from garden statues or a foo dog to an Aztec calendar or Celtic cross. They may be original works of art or replicas that you and I would be comfortable having in our home on a daily basis. We would like to take a few moments to look at some of the pieces that we have stumble upon recently.

Asian Foo Dogs

Known as a Foo Dog in the west, Chinese guardian lions or stone lions, were thought to have mythic protective powers. For this reason, Foo Dog pairs are often seen at the entrances of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220.
A Foo Dog is the guardian of the Teachings of Budda. Traditionally, they were carved from decorative stone, such as marble and granite or cast in bronze or iron. Because of the high cost of these materials and the labor required to produce them, private use of Imperial guardian lions was traditionally reserved for wealthy or elite families. Indeed, a traditional symbol of a family’s wealth or social status was the placement of Imperial guardian lions in front of the family home. They are generally seen as a pair. The male placed on the left of the entrance and the female on the right. You can own your own Foo dog pair made from marble that has been bonded with high quality resin, with an antique stone finish at a very reasonable cost.

Aztec Solar Calendar

The Aztec calendar consisted of a 365-day calendar cycle called xiuhpohualli (year count) and a 260-day ritual cycle called tonalpohualli (day count). These two cycles together formed a 52-year “century,” sometimes called the “calendar round”. The xiuhpohualli is considered to be the agricultural calendar, since it is based on the sun, and the tonalpohualli is considered to be the sacred calendar.
This one is a replica of the original Aztec calendar that is said to be able to predict war, feast or famine, and other important events in the world, and runs 17″ high. The original piece was designed at an impressive 11 feet high. With its unique history, it can quickly become a beautiful focal point in your home.

Moon Fest Jewish Calendar

Like many calendars before Roman times the Hebrew calendar was a lunar calendar. It was based on the moon as well as the sun. It was a wonderful calendar in that the phase of the moon gave an indication of the day of the month. Anyone looking up into the night sky could get some idea of the day of the month. If they had recorded when they first saw the new moon then they had a celestial calendar they could use with some good accuracy. And amongst the populace at large they knew the month of the year in which the moon above them was shining. The first day of any given month was determined by the first sighting of the new moon.

This lunar calendar wall plaque represents the celebration of the Jewish lunar calendar. The Hebraic script for the months (center ring) is transliterated into phonetic English (outer ring). A Jewish lunar calendar could prove to be the perfect gift for the astrologer in your life.

Celtic Cross with Continuous Knot

The Celts were the ancient inhabitants of much of Europe. A spiritual people, their rich mythology and symbolism later merged with the Christian beliefs they embraced to create a distinctive art seen especially in Ireland and Scotland. The Celtic Cross is known throughout the world as the emblem of Celtic Christianity and it can be considered the symbol of Celtic-ness itself. Celtic Crosses began to appear during the fifth century A.D.

Its shape is derived from a pagan sun symbol, the sun wheel, which later became a symbol of the Christian Godhead. The sun wheel was originally a cross surrounded by a circle with a center stone representing the sun and mock suns at the four quarters. The stone at the center of the circle also represents the navel of the world. The stone pillar of the cross also embodies phallic and fertility characteristics. The cross represents eternal life; its horizontal axis being the earthly world and the vertical axis the heavenly world coming together as the union of Heaven and Earth. Celtic Crosses are imbued with continuous and interwoven knot and spiral motifs symbolizing the continuity of life, death and rebirth.

Celtic Cross of Cupplin

This too comes in a 12″ high design. Originating in 1000 A.D. in Forteviot, Scotland, the cross is old fashioned in design and certain to turn heads. It owes its design to the sun wheel, which is a common Pagan design. Commonly, you will find this form of Celtic cross will include a crucifixion scene, Catholic Saints, or other religious symbols.

Degas Little Dancer of Fourteen Years

One of the most popular pieces by Degas, a man that was best known for being a painter, he found the truth in an important piece that has come to mean so much to people. Considered a late bloomer, he didn’t begin his journey until he was in his late forties, and interestingly enough, his studio had more than 150 different wax models that did have the girl dancer. These sculptures have been crafted with honesty, and you can feel the life in them.

The Kiss by Rodin

This was designed originally to reflect the love between Francesco da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta, and immortalized in this beautiful piece called, The Kiss. It was intended to be part of the artists Gates of Hell series, but decided to keep it as an individual piece. This piece is considered a beautiful part of eroticism, and its excellent craftsmanship will fit perfectly in any contemporary home.

Hands of God

Rodin designed this amazing piece. In this representation of creation, two powerful hands are crafting both man and woman. It is simple in design, yet powerful in message. The original was crafted back in 1896, but this modern version is available in your home and comes in at just 11″ high.

Cathedral Clasping Hands

One of Rodin’s passions was hands. Those who went to his studios during his life were treated to seeing hundreds of different designs, and this one wasn’t any different. Crafted in 1908 in Paris, this pair reflects the Gothic arch.

The Thinker

Rondin’s most famous sculpture is available for your home. Originally crafted in Paris back in 1881, this powerful piece was originally a nod to Dante, but it has quickly taken a more modern concept of an individual being deep in thought. This is one of the more intriguing pieces, and an essential piece for any home.

Moses for Tomb of Julius II

Crafted in 1515 A.D., Michelangelo crafted this inspiration for the tomb of Julius II from Moses. Here, Moses is depicted holding the ten commandments in his hand, and comes complete with horns that symbolize the rays of light that are often seen around Moses’ face.
All of the items mentioned can be found at Love Those Gifts, and each will fit into your home perfectly. Some will vary in size, and all are of an excellent quality.

Author Bio: Come find out What’s New at www.lovethosegifts.com and browse our selection of collectable art decor , from Celtic crosses to Aztec and Jewish calendar wall plaques. Fine miniature European art statues by Rodin, Michelangelo and more, all On Sale now.

Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: Cross, Celtic Cross, Aztec calendar, crosses, lunar calendar, jewish calendar, pieta, statues