Antique Taoist Fertility Goddess Niangniang, China (17005) SOLD

Description

As Confucian beliefs center around the family having many children, several Chinese female deities including Guanyin and Mazu are associated with the many aspects of childbearing and protection: becoming pregnant, protecting the mother during pregnancy and assuring safety of the offspring through younger years. This large exceptionally impressive antique Chinese woodcarving is the Taoist Deity of fertility Niangniang called “The Maiden Who Brings Children” often confused with Songzi Guanyin (“Guanyin who Brings Children”). A fine provincial piece, she sits on a backless throne with carved decorations on the footrest. Her features are refined and graceful with a short nose, pursed lips and lotus shaped eyes framed by pendulous ears showing her enlightened status. She glances serenely down at three diminutive children: a male in her lap, and a male and female on her knees extending their arms for protection and security. She is represented as an empress figure, similar to Xiwangmu (the Queen Mother of the West) and Mazu. Her hair is in a top knot and her clothes reflect the garb of Taoist Deities: a high collar fastened at the neck, elaborate gilt flowing long sleeved robes with intricate designs, a waist sash and two stylized flowers down the front. Likely placed on a clan or home altar or temple shrine, its back cavity indicates it was consecrated. Her repainted face was likely a part of routine maintenance of religious images and the statue is in excellent condition.