Antique Ancestor in Horseshoe Chair, China (19504BSE) SPECIAL PRICE

Description

Artisans who were commissioned by family members to carve an ancestor figure they often emphasized positive personal features as well as their high status (or wish to enhance it). So, when they were placed on the family home altar with Buddhist, Taoist, Chinese Popular religious deities, they appeared more important and esteemed. This ancestor was clearly a loved family member, as his demeanor and pudgy smiling face with pursed lips is one of joy and composure.  He is a self-assured force willing to take all steps to care for his family when alive and in his afterlife. His large size indicates strength and the elaborate heavy, wide horseshoe chair on a large platform highlight his high status. His garments are modest: a simple heavy sleeved robe and undergarments, wide V shape collar with a decorative insignia likely reflecting his rank and a wingless close-fitting informal head cover. The round decorative circles at the shoulders are stylized longevity characters. The chair is draped with a thick red cloth, the color of fu (blessings) to wish him a blessed afterlife. Together, the characters and red coloring are a wish for him to be blessed forever in his afterlife. Most of the red, black, brown and turquoise pigment and lacquer in the front is missing, revealing the fine carving and quality of the dense hardwood. It is in very good condition for its age and use and is mounted on a contemporary hand-crafted acrylic base. With its forceful presentation and fine modeling, this 18-19th century antique  would be a wonderful decorative accessory for a home or business, especially a desk.