Antique Carved Thunder God Leigong on a Hou, China (16327WCK)

Description

Leigong, (Lei Gong Leikung, Leishen), is the mythological Taoist and folk religion protective  “Thunder God) The Chinese character Lei (雷) means “thunder.” An official of the Jade Emperor’s imperial court, Leigong was given responsibility for watching for injustices on Earth. He was ordered to punish earthly beings and wicked spirits who commit secret crimes or use their knowledge of Taoism to harm humans. He carries a drum and mallet to produce thunder and a chisel to punish evildoers. A fearsome and intimidating creature, he has a bird’s beak, and claws and wings of a dragon. His assistants and wife handle lightning bolts, rapidly moving clouds, strong winds and downpours. Originally a mortal, he took a bite from a special peach that transformed him into a celestial deity, indicated by the celestial scarf floating behind him. In this antique gilt covered carving he rides a hou, a fierce mythical beast who protects it masters from evil and bad fortune. This fierce beast is a composite of 10 animals.that looks like a lion but has scales, horns, paws and other features from other animals. This intricate gilt covered carving is from highly detailed bed frame that included several symbolic protective deities guarding the home’s occupants from untoward influences and spirits. Another of the bed frame’s guardians is  Guanti God of Justice on a Hou (16325). They are both mounted on a lucite base, ideally to be displayed as a pair.