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Antique Miniature Pair of Carved Tigers, China (16075BME) $250

Original price was: $250.00.Current price is: $212.50.

Ht: 4.25 W: 6” D: 3” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!/h6>

Although tiger images are said to expel evil, protect Chinese and be a male yang symbol of and representing courage, these folk art chubby tigers have a friendly demeanor with smiling mouths, eyes staring upward, and ears close to the face. Crouching on a pedestal with scalloped borders, they grasp a round orb in their pudgy front paws. Curly tails extend upwards from behind covered with carved indentations have radiating striations. This pair would be an endearing, fanciful, quirky, and delightful addition to any environment.

Description

This stylized pair of folk art tigers covered with lacquer and highlighted with black pigment was likely part of a larger item, as there are indentations on top to insert vertical extensions. The tiger is one of many ancient mythical animals, and as the mount of the Taoist god Heavenly Master Zhang Tianshi tiger images, they expel evil and are protective symbols in Chinese homes. As a male yang symbol, the tiger stimulates courage and also appear on a lot of children’s clothing as well as amulets. Protective charms with tigers are also used by adults. One of the 12 animals of the zodiac, in Neolithic times the white tiger was associated with the direction west and the autumn season. These charming creatures are in very good condition with minor surface losses consistent with age. Each was carved from one piece of wood including their plinths. Along with other cultural and religious objects, many statue pairs perished during China’s modernization and genuine antique ones – especially pairs – are increasingly difficult to find.

Additional information

Weight 5 lbs
Dimensions 10 × 10 × 10 in
Place of Origin

China

Period

Antique, Qing Dynasty

Date

Late 19th Century

Materials and Technique

Wood

Dimensions (metric)

Ht: 10.79cm W: 15.24cm D: 7.62cm

Weight

2 lbs 5 oz

Condition

Very good, patina and wear consistent with age and use

Item Number

16075BME

Shipping Box Size

Width

6” to 11.9”