High Status Taoist Official, China, (16547)

Description

Taoist images were represented as scholars, sages, heroes, officials and priests. When they are taken out of context, they are difficult to identify so we describe them in generic terms as a Taoist Official, Taoist Priest or Taoist Immortal. Taoist officials such as this  are regarded as masters whose teachings can lead devotees to immortality through yoga, breathing and exercises or  herbal mixtures. Priests specialize in divination, oracular interpretation, pursuit of higher knowledge and the quest for immortality.

The Taoist is clearly a significant and highly regarded dignitary seated on a backless chair set on a high base with painted designs, designating his high-status. Backless chairs were often used for Chinese deities and spiritual leaders of all religions, including Buddhism, Taoism and its Popular Folk Religion. His hands are raised in front of his chest under a ritual cloth as if to hold a hu tablet. Such tablets, commonly referred to as audience tablets, were long and slender and were used by Taoist priests as ritualistic, prayer, spiritual and ceremonial objects.

He is dressed in garments traditionally associated with Taoism during the Qing Dynasty.. He wears a shawl over his shoulders, and his robe is crossed at the neck and belted at the waist extending to the tops of  his feet. The sash at his waist extends down the front of his robe which is elaborately decorated at the collar, hem and borders of the long sleeves with curved designs. His elegantly layered robes in bright reds, blues and black accents have cloud designs often seen on garments of Taoist priests and officials. Clouds are auspicious symbols and a pun for good fortune. They sometimes stand for high rank and can also mean “may all your wishes come true.” The Taoist’s hair is pulled up under a tall and ornamented hat, also a sign of his status. His deeply and well-articulated face is portrayed with strong features and eyes partially closed in a solemn gaze, flanked by pendulous ears (signs of a wise man).

Given the size, masterful carving and intricacy of this special statue, it was probably placed on a community or local temple shrine an commissioned by well-to-do patrons. Taoist priests and officials were responsible for protecting followers against malevolent spirits in this life while Buddhist monks were responsible for looking after souls in the next life. The cavity behind the carving indicates it was blessed by a Taoist priest during an eye-opening-ceremony. It is in excellent condition with most of its original pigmentation intact.

This exceptional 18^th century image deserves the appropriate placement to optimize its wonderful presence.