Antique Wood Kitchen God and His Wife, China (19028LAK) $995

Description

The Kitchen God (Zao Shen) was and still is among the most important Chinese house gods. Traditionally every family had its own Kitchen God with or without his wife above the stove to reflect his and its central position in the family’s life. The Kitchen God is both a syncretic and a tutelary deity embraced by followers of Popular Religion, Taoism and Buddhism and a protector of the home and inhabitants who observes the family’s behavior and morality. Depending on the family’s financial resources,  Kitchen God images are depicted in paintings, drawings, paper cuts, wood plaques, and, less frequently, carved wood statues. Before Chinese New Year, the family sends the Kitchen God (without his wife who stays home to tend to things) up to the heavens to report to the Jade Emperor about the family’s activities during the year by burning paper images of him. A dab of honey is rubbed on the lips of carved and paper images to assure he has sweet things to tell the Jade Emperor. We have seen VERY few image of him and his wife as here as a single image which indicates their close and lasting relationship as the protectors of the home and family. They wear intricately detailed elaborate officials’ robes and different fabulous headgear indicates their status as high officials. Unlike other pairs, these figures are individually portrayed and closely resemble but do not mirror each other. His serene expressive face has an uncharacteristic smile and is highlighted with facial hair. In this rare antique Chinese wood carving each holds a carved hu-tablet similar to ones held by high Chinese court officials or Taoist priests. These charming figures with a smooth warm patina are in excellent condition. Each has a closed cavity with original bung containing scripts placed there by a monk or priest indicating it was consecrated. The carving should have adequate space for offerings and incense. Covered in red the color of blessings (fu), the lacquer has darkened naturally over time and more from exposure to incense and candle smoke. There is a renewed interest in antique Kitchen Gods, they are now very difficult to find, especially as a matched pair and single image. They are in excellent condition despite a slight ding on the front platform. They make a unique and wonderful wedding or housewarming gifts and add positive chi and feng shui to any household.

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