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

Description

This small carving, one of a pair, is Leigong, the Taoist and folk religion Thunder god (Chinese character Lei (雷) means “thunder”) An official of the Jade Emperor’s imperial court, Leigong was responsible for watching for injustices on Earth and 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 intimidating creature,  has a bird’s beak, and claws and wings of a dragon. He rides a hou, a mythical beast who protects it masters from evil and bad fortune. This antique intricate gilt covered carving and the Guanti God of Justice on a Hou (16325) are from a detailed bed frame with many protective deities guarding the home’s occupants. Both are both mounted on a lucite base, ideally to be displayed as a pair.