Fine Arts Research for aficionados and fans

Schneible Fine Arts LLC guarantees the origin, quality, and authenticity of all works of art that we offer. Douglas Schneible, co-owner and president of Schneible Fine Arts LLC, brings decades of experience as an international businessman, collector, and scholar to the world of Asian and ethnographic art. A passionate educator and researcher, Douglas has taught art and business courses and authored numerous articles, including Dreaming of Dreamstones: China’s Extraordinary Natural Stone Paintings, How Do You Determine the Age of Stone Artwork?, and Chinese Art Investment Guide. His deep knowledge and commitment to authenticity inform every piece he offers, making Schneible Fine Arts a trusted source for collectors, institutions, aficionados and Asian Art fans worldwide.

Read more below about our approach, findings, and tips on how you can better appreciate the beauty these fine objects represent.

Japanese Stone Lanterns

Japan’s stone lantern tradition is a concept that was imported from India, and has existed in Japanese temples and gardens since the seventh century. They were originally conceived as entrance lighting and guardians to temples and pagodas and when lit served as an offering to Buddha.

Japan’s Monumental Antique Stone Pagodas:

Japan’s monumental antique stone pagodas stand as silent sentinels of history—testaments to the nation’s rich spiritual legacy, architectural brilliance, and artistic vision. More than just structures, they are cultural icons representing centuries of evolution, resilience, and reverence. Whether rising majestically in temple grounds or nestled in misty mountain sanctuaries, these pagodas embody the very soul of Japan’s ancient spiritual identity.

Garden Display Ideas

Buddhas and Buddhist carvings are wonderful objects and provide a pleasant and inspirational ambience whether displayed in interior or exterior settings. Because of their hardiness, stone carvings especially in the colder climate of New England where we experience four seasons, survive outside beautifully. We have several stone Buddhas and carvings installed in our current “Buddha Garden” which you are welcome to visit.

Antique Japanese Bronze Temple Bells

Antique Japanese bronze temple bells are cherished for their beauty, sound, and spiritual meaning. Traditionally used in Buddhist temples to mark prayer times and ceremonies, these bells often feature dragon motifs symbolizing protection and power. Their solid bronze construction gives them rich, lasting resonance—perfect for meditation or peaceful garden ambiance.

Whether displayed indoors or outside, these bells bring serenity and a sense of timeless beauty to any space.

Determining Authenticity

Without a doubt, determining the real age of a stone sculpture or artifact is a genuine challenge! By examining the stone’s surface and incising carefully for naturally caused surface deposits, patina, and crispness (or lack of from non traditional carving tools) – combined with the passage of time, we can determine with some degree of certainty if the artwork is genuinely old or not.

China Ancient Wood

Among groups of ancient graves of the Wuwei Yanshan (Yan Mountains) Region, ancient wood-carvings are frequently discovered, with wooden figurines (funerary objects) as the main subject. Among these carvings, especially at Mozuizi, considerable quantities of Han Dynasty burial figurine woodcarvings have been excavated from Han tombs. Their lively and vivid modeling, together with fine carving, rates them as representatives of Han Dynasty woodcarving.

Pyrography Art

While collectors and dealers clamor for the few remaining mission Stickley bargains that may lurk in the marketplace, knowledgeable arts & crafts collectors are quietly picking up choice examples of pyrographic art also known as burntwood, flemish, or poker art that still can be found for modest prices..

Buddhist Art

Buddhism was established as a state religion during China’s Northern Dynasties period, 386-550 A.D. During this period it was Fa Hsien who made a pilgrimage to India in 411 and returned with sacred Buddhist images and texts that served as models for Chinese craftspeople.