Antique Civilian Official Ancestor Figure, China (16848BEM) $395

Description

Honoring one’s ancestors through pictorial and sculptural images, especially a wood carving reflected the Confucian virtue of filial piety, although carved ancestral images were favored as the vehicle for a more intimate and continual communication. Ancestor figures were placed on a home altar for family members to venerate with daily offerings of joss (incense), fruit and flowers generally by the eldest male. The wealthier the family, the more elaborate the carving and the accoutrements of the image. They were often depicted like this carving as Chinese-officials wearing officials attire and high hat with two pointed prongs, as achieving the rank of civilian official was an honor to the family and a sign of high status. The red robe representing fu (the Five Blessings or Happinesses) with a black border in alternating red and green stripes hangs to cover his shoes .This piece was originally covered in lacquer that darkened with age and candle and incense smoke. It is in very good condition for its age and use with a nonstructural crack on back, stabilized insect holes, expected wear and minor paint losses The empty cavity on the back indicates it was consecrated.

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