Antique Attendant with Offering, China (16424A-BLE) $435
$435.00
H: 15.5″. W: 5.5″. D: 4.24″ | FREE SHIPPING!
This well-carved figure represents an attendant that would have been on a home altar to accompany a Taoist figure. Standing on a tall pedestal with a slight smile and downcast eyes, he reaches across his chest to present a rounded box secured with a ribbon. He wears an official’s hat and boots, open waistcoat over an undergarment secured at the waist. The pointed inner panel of his lower garment has slightly flaring panels with incised carved decorations. He is in very good condition with remains of the original lacquer and gilt which have naturally darkened from age and. from years of incense, age and use.
Description
Buddhist and Taoist deities were often accompanied on a home altar by a pair of attendants flanking each side and looking downward in modestly or at an indirect angle and in obeisance to the deity they were accompanying. Often an attendant accompanying Taoist-Deities carried offerings and other unique items such as medicine gourds or pillboxes for Gods of Medicine or baskets or sacks of coins or gold and silver taels (blocks) for Wealth Gods. This antique-Chinese-wood-carving of an attendant wears officials-attire which emphasizes his importance and status. The offering he carries is tied with ribbons which imparts importance to the object they surround as they are perceived as auras emanating from the object and symbolizes miraculous powers. When a ribbon is attached to an official offering or seal it means “ longevity for generations”. This attendant may have accompanied a significant deity as it was originally covered in gilt, much which has faded. Otherwise it is in very good condition for its age and use. The rounded rear cavity with a closed bung holding the consecration items indicates it was consecrated.
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Additional information
| Weight | 8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18 × 12 × 6 in |
| Place of Origin | China |
| Period | Antique, Qing Dynasty |
| Date | 18th-19th Century |
| Materials and Technique | Wood |
| Dimensions (inches) | Ht: 15.5". W: 5.5" D: 4.25" |
| Dimensions (metric) | Ht: 15.375” W: 5.5” D: 4.25” |
| Weight | 2 lbs 4oz |
| Condition | Very good, patina and wear consistent with age and use |
| Item Number | 16424BLE |
| Shipping Box Size |
