Antique Ancestor with Removable Head, China (5623)

Description

Over the centuries, worship of Buddhist and Taoist deities, ancestor figures, official imperial images, and “popular gods” has been an intricate part of the fabric of Chinese life.  The intricacy, fineness, selection of materials, and overall quality of the images was a reflection of the wealth, status, geographic location and piety of the individuals for which the carvings were lovingly fashioned. This image is an extremely fine example of an ancestor figure carved from a dense hardwood, and thus rather unusual. The removable head, which is fairly unique, is individualized with a round face, bald head, and oversized ears and markings to delineate his advanced age, a respected characteristic in 19th-century Chinese society. There is no indication of his status, however, as his robes are simple and he wears no hat indicating that he is not an official. He sat on a detached chair which is now missing and has been replaced by a back support. This image was not placed on a home altar as it was not consecrated.It in excellent condition with cracks and minor surface losses consistent with age and use.