Antique Stone Earth God Tudi Gong, China (17406BSK) $725

Description

Tudi Gong is one of the Chinese Earth-Gods referred to by many names including the Land God or Village God and often fondly referred to as “Grandpa.” He is a syncretic deity defined by the blend of Taoism, Buddhism, Popular Religion and Confucian traditions, and as a tutelary deity is responsible for administrating and protecting affairs of rural small villages, especially those concerning agriculture or wealth, and controls the prosperity and fortune of common people. As one of the minor Taoist-deities, he was not all-powerful, but rather a dependable bureaucrat villagers turned to in difficult times. Tudi Gong shrines vary in size and grandeur depending on the economic resources of the locale or individuals sponsoring them. An Antique-Chinese-Stone-Carving like this was placed outside below the house door and older ones images show signs of wear from the elements. Historically all Chinese and Taiwanese villages had a Tudi Gong shrine in temples of various sizes, and in individual homes or shared clan settings and many rural Chinese still keep his image on a home altar for prosperity and well-being. This provincial finely hand-carved image seated on a high undecorated plinth reflects many of his traditional characteristics: a benevolent smile, voluminous three part beard with pointed tendrils, portly girth, broad slouched shoulders and officials-attire and elaborate official’s headwear. He holds two tael tablets representing the bestowal of wealth in his left hand, while his oversized right hand rests magisterially on his knee. The triangular shape, with the high pedestal as the base and cap as the apex, represents the epitome of stability, a virtue with which he is associated. Having been placed for decades in an outdoor shrine it is in very good condition with some losses and discoloration due to age and weathering and a fitting and unique addition to garden-accessories in a yard. It is part of the VA Spiritual-and-Inspirational Collection of Deities-and-Legends

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