Antique/Vintage Taoist Shaman with Taotie on Hat, China (7503ZAH) $395

Description

This image from Guandong wears typical Taoist priest or shaman attire – an undergarment crossed at the neck, an overcoat clasped at the waist and a double-winged high hat centered with an image of a taotie. The taotie is a mystical animal sometimes on the hat of Taoist priests or shamans as a guardian or protective figure and as a warning against greed and excess. The character on the right side of his hat reads “the sun” and the left is “the moon.”  Two fingers of his left hand point in the  Karana Mudra or Sword Gesture used to cast spells, empower talismans, and for consecration. His right hand holds a tael, a rectangular or boat shaped object symbolizing wealth and good fortune. The image was consecrated as evidenced by the newly replaced bung and by the inscription on the rear base with the name “Zeng”, most likely the family that commissioned it. An additional lower inscription suggests he is the 14^th son in the family. This piece is in very good condition other than a small hole by the taotie’s right eye, a crack on the crown and forehead, and some paint losses consistent with age and use. It was repainted many years ago with bright colors over its old gilt lacquer surface, seen from the unpainted portions of the head. Most antique-Chinese-wood-carvings have been damaged from heat and humidity and families traditionally requested re-paintings to honor the image and enhance karma. This image is similar to one designated as a shaman in the Canterbury Auctions Gallery October 6, 2016 catalog (lot 1075).

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Sources

Canterbury Auctions Gallery October 6, 2016 Day 3 – The Keith Stevens Collection of Chinese Gods