Ancestor figures were the visual component of ancestor worship which reflected the fundamental Confucian precepts of reverence for one’s ancestors and commitment to filial piety. During the Qing dynasty the statues were often carved from boxwood, a commonly found soft wood. They functioned like ancestor portraits made of paper or silk and made to capture the likeness and spirit of the deceased. Although there is not much written about carved figures, analyzing painted portraits helps provide insight on the form, use, and cultural significance of these images. Stuart discusses (p. 82) ancestral images that he states are portrayed like deities and rulers as individuals meant to instill awe and devotion. The ancestor sits in an iconic pose removed from all worldly activity, encased in stillness with actions confined to rigid almost lifeless gestures such as grasping an accessory or tugging on his sleeves or holding up his belt. The face is the main focus, and although depicted realistically, ancestors’ facial expressions are remarkably similar and idealized: dignified and detached with a “somber forward gaze” and an inexpressive mouth with no indication of the sitter’s emotions, tastes, or personality. Rather, the portrayal emphasizes clothing, colors, and decorations that reveal the ancestor’s social status, the main function of the image and the family’s goal in commissioning it. Unlike portraits, which were only displayed on special occasions such as births, deaths, anniversaries and Chinese New Year, ancestor figures were placed on home altars and venerated daily with food offerings, prayers, flowers and incense. These images appeared along with figures of Taoist, Buddhist, and Popular Religion deities, as well as house gods, heroes, and legends. All were consecrated during an eye-opening ceremony performed by a monk or priest required before being placed on the altar.
Sources
Jan Stuart and Evelyn Rawaski, Worshiping the Ancestors: Chinese Commemorative Portraits, Palo Alto, Stanford University Press, 2001.
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This very finely carved figure of an ancestor was commissioned by a family of either high status or wealth, having been fashioned from a single piece of an exquisite and rare hardwood with a lustrous patina.
Ancestor figure portrayed as a civilian official standing on a rectangular base with hands together wearing a long civil official’s robe that extends to his shoes on Lucite.
This ancestor figure portrayed as a Chinese civilian official honors the family with his sign of high status. He grasps his official’s belt, his red robes symbolize fu for auspicious blessings. Unlike many serious officials he is approachable, with a smiling face.
The finely carved ancestor figure in traditional Qing dynasty high neck Mandarin official’s long jacket with front buttons and official rattan woven headwear. The chair’s back slat was omitted as consecration cavity.
Masterfully carved ancestor mandarin official on horseshoe chair in the round with cabriole legs, finely dressed in long Mandarin coat and rattan hat. Benevolent face was homage to a revered family member. It is one of our favorite ancestor figures.
Carved ancestor figure as an official sits on a backless chair with a decorative pedestal in official’s attire holding a long slender curved hu-tablet, all signs of his office and status. He is vibrantly painted in red, the color of fu, as a wish for prosperity and status.
Mandarin ancestor official in court attire and hat holding up his belt of office. Rare consecration inscriptions on the back indicate the names of two families who pooled funds to commission, carve, and dedicate a sacred figure to their shared local temple or ancestral altar.
Masterfully crafted Taoist official with calm, sincere and expressive face with creases indicating his age and wisdom of his senior status. Holds ritual cup with the elixir of immortality, a wish for a long and happy afterlife. Mounted on an acrylic stand.
With his thumb grasping his flowing decorative sleeve, this ancestor was a mid-to-high ranking wealthy and spiritually powerful.Mandarin Official. The serene, smiling expression and downcast eyes incorporate Buddhist and Taoist traditions to instill feelings of spirituality and other worldliness. The cavity with original cover and contents is extremely rare and indicates it was consecrated in a blessing ceremony.
Ancestor figure is finely depicted as loved family member, individualized pudgy joyful smiling face. Displays strength and status by his demeanor, composure, portly size, and elaborate horseshoe chair. On lucite stand, a wonderful accessory for a home or business.
This ancestor figure official sits on a horseshoe chair showing his status wearing official’s attire: 5-button Mandarin long coat with a round collar and woven hat. Has a personalized tranquil face with a hint of a smile.
Idealized Mandarin civil or scholar official wearing official attire and black boots – symbol of superiority. The inscription reads “The Honorable/ Excellent Official Fan.”Original perfectly intact red paper fú – slip in consecration cavity.
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