Antique Joyful Ancestor in Horseshoe Chair, China (19504)

Description

Artisans commissioned to carve ancestor figures attempted to please the surviving families by creating idealized and flattering images of their departed member. Emphasis was placed on personal features as well as their actual or implied high status (or wish to enhance it). Thus, when they were placed on the family home altar along with Buddhist, Taoist, Chinese Popular religious deities, they appeared more important and esteemed.

This ancestor was clearly a loved family member, as his demeanor is one of joy and composure. He is not particularly attractive, but his pudgy face smiling face with pursed gleeful lips radiates warmth and optimism.  He is depicted as a modest yet self-assured force of nature capable of protecting his family when alive and in his afterlife. In Confucian traditions and to display filial piety, ancestors were regularly venerated with offerings and consulted by the living for help and advice. His large size reinforced by his heavy, wide horseshoe chair draped with a thick red cloth is a sign of strength and status. This contrasts with his modest garments: a simple heavy sleeved robe and undergarments, decorative insignia reflecting his rank and a wingless close-fitting informal head cover. The circles at the shoulders are stylized longevity characters and when combined with the red color of fu is a wish for him to be blessed forever in his afterlife.

It is in very good condition for its age and use, although most of the red, black, brown and turquoise pigment and lacquer is missing, revealing the fine carving and quality of the dense hardwood. It is mounted on a contemporary hand-crafted acrylic base. With its forceful presentation and fine modeling, it would be a wonderful decorative accessory for a home or business, especially on a desk.