Guanti, God of Justice on a Hǒu, China (16325)

Description

This masterfully carved image is  legendary Guan Ti , the Chinese God of War and Justice.  This Chinese historical military hero is all things to all men, prayed to for protection and prosperity. Unlike other war gods, Guanti never starts wars and only offers protection when there is injustice. He solves personal, domestic and national problems.

In the 16th century he was admitted to the Taoist pantheon. Over 1,600 State temples and thousands of smaller ones were erected in his honor, and he became one of the most popular gods in China. In the 19th century the Chinese Emperor designated him Military Emperor and elevated him to the level of Confucius. In Mahayana Buddhism he is worshiped as a Guardian or Dharma Protector in Buddhist temples and a sentinel to the Western Paradise of Amitabha Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism. Legends about his feats were immortalized in popular and religious art, literature, and even operas.

He is generally portrayed as here wearing a soldier’s uniform with protective chain mail amour and an officials cap with feathered wings with a celestial scarf. He is seated on a Hǒu, a mythical animal that guards masters wealth and protects them from evil and bad fortune.

This carving and the carving of  16327 were decorative components of the bed frame of a wealthy family to protect the occupants while they slept. It is covered with red and gilt, auspicious color to attract the good fortune and blessings of fu.

Finely carved it is mounted on a frosted acrylic base and ideally should be displayed with a Antique Thunder God Leigong on a Hou 16327.