Antique Ancestor Figure in Official’s Attire, China #16752

Description

Civilian Chinese-officials in dynastic China were awarded much desired positions after passing rigorous exams, as the selected few were assured high status positions, a comfortable living and retirement benefits. Families did their Confucian duty portraying their ancestor figures in paintings and carvings and memorializing and honoring them by maintaining their filial piety by displaying their images on a home altar or, perhaps with a large carving like this, in a separate room or ancestral hall. Ancestor-worship was a significant port of Chinese lifestyle. This colorful 18th-19th century ancestor in officials attire is seated on a backless chair atop a plinth in a traditional official’s posture also affirming his high position. The feet rest on the pedestal, his right hand reinforces his status by holding up his girdle belt of office, the left rests firmly on his knee and he his pendulous ears signify his wisdom. His face is realistically carved with almond-shaped eyes and slightly smiling pursed lips in a calm rather than a traditional stern expression. Due to the now well contained insect infestation in the rear and likely fading paint, he and his attire have been repainted in bright colors. Ornate patterns cover his robe with long flowing sleeves, black borders and red inner linings. His painted white face has red lips, half-closed eyes and high eyebrows, and this likely mid-century repainting leads us to speculate the piece is likely from Qing South China. The large back cavity indicates this carving was consecrated by a Buddhist or Taoist monk.

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