Antique Attendant with Marriage Inscription, China (16260ZOK) $485

Description

This sweet diminutive  antique-Chinese-wood-carving of an enlightened Buddhist attendant on a double lotus base that was commissioned by the proud father to celebrate and bless a marriage as indicated by the inscription on the rear 陈门李氏双全 that indicates that it belonged to the Lee family. Although its meaning is not entirely clear, it appears to have been commissioned to commemorate the marriage between Mr. Chen and Miss Li. Too small to have a cavity, the inscription probably was its form of being consecrated. She has a shaved head has two thick pigtails, hands under a finely carved ritual cloth and half-closed eyes gazing in blissful joy for the special occasion. The enlightenment status of attendants is symbolized by a double lotus pedestal and pendulous earlobes. The red color covered by lacquer is a wish for the Five Blessings or Happinesses to the newly married couple.The skilled modeling t of her face and head, her appealing facial features, the well-carved folds in her garments, and the details of the lotus base make this a very special small yet distinctive sculpture that was placed on a home altar. Originally intended to celebrate a wedding, it would make a superb wedding gift. It is mounted on a modern uniquely crafted hand finished frosted Acrylic base  and is part of the VA Collection of Buddhist-Art

See the Blog Consecrating Wooden Images to Imbue Them with A Life Force