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Gilded Carved Wood Guandi, the God of War and Justice, China,(16326BEM) Special Price

Original price was: $375.00.Current price is: $295.00.

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Guandi, the God of War and Justice and Protector of China and its citizens was a Chinese model of loyalty, virtue and morality and was depicted in Temples and home shrines throughout China. This antique figurine was probably part of a larger carving. He wears military maille, black gloves with a carved taotie which is a warning against gluttony and is covered in gold as a sign of power.  The  open back confirms it was consecrated by a Taoist priest. Mounted on a frosted acrylic stand.

Description

The end of Guandi’s name (di) is significant, as Chinese names ending with di  refer to an imperial cult and their canonized status. A military general late in the Han dynasty who died in 220AD, he was deified during the MIng in 1594 and was declared The God of War and Justice and Protector of China and all its citizens. Guandi (Guandi) or Guan Yu) is worshipped by devotees of Taoism, Buddhism, Popular Folk Religion or Confucianism and is fondly is called Emperor Guan and Lord Guan. Acclaimed and glorified after his death and romanticized in dramas, literature, and popular legends and stories, he became a Chinese model of loyalty, virtue and morality. This figurine wears deeply cut military maille, portrayed in a dynamic, powerful pose. Sitting  on a thin wood plank and likely part of a larger piece, his legs are far apart, the left out and bent at the knee, and the right bare foot reaches towards the ground. Black gloves cover his fisted hands that express his energy and power.  A mythical taotie with bulging eyes, a protruding nose and no lower jaw is carved at his stomach as a warning against gluttony. His black hair is neatly arranged down the back, over an open cavity which confirms it was consecrated in an eye-opening ceremony by a Taoist priest. Mounted on a frosted acrylic stand.

Additional information

Weight 2 lbs
Dimensions 8 × 8 × 8 in
Place of Origin

China

Period

Antique, Qing Dynasty

Date

18-19th Century

Materials and Technique

Wood

Dimensions (inches)

Ht: 8.25". W: 5.5". D: 4"

Dimensions (metric)

Ht: 20.95cm W: 13.97cm D: 10.16cm

Weight

1.9lbs

Condition

Very good, patina and wear consistent with age and use

Item Number

16326BEM

Shipping Box Size