The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ancestor worship as the “veneration of deceased ancestors who are considered still a part of the family and whose spirits are believed to have the power to intervene in the affairs of the living.” Based on love and respect for the deceased, it is the belief that showing respect and loyalty to the deceased is a reciprocal agreement: the living engage in ceremonial rites and make offerings that provide the deceased happiness and well-being in the afterlife in exchange for the departed protecting and looking after the welfare of the family. Although not required, having some type of physical memorial is often an important ancestor worship component that can be displayed in variety of forms: altars, shrines, plaques or tablets, sculptures, masks, gravestones, tombs, monuments, buildings and other designated places. While ancestor worship is often associated with the Confucian concept of filial piety, it is practiced in much of the world, in many religious traditions and among most socioeconomic groups. In China the concept of ancestor worship as a demonstration of piety originally espoused by Confucius is an essential belief and everyday practice among all major Chinese religious – Buddhism, Taoism and other folk religions. The Chinese family unit traditionally consisted of the deceased as well as the living and worshiping one’s ancestors has been a means of strengthening the family and Chinese society. As the “residence of ancestral spirits”, the family altar/shrine 祠堂, with ancestor carvings and tablets is the commemorative site for daily prayers, rituals and offerings. In contemporary settings ancestor worship can be viewed as a connection with our past, and perhaps reaping the benefits our forefathers provided us.
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Extremely rare provincial carving of a Taoist official above the “Spring Ox,” and the Taoist “Herd Boy” who each spring ritually “wakes up the earth” by symbolically beating the Spring Ox with sticks.
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.
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.
Horseshoe chairs were considered a sign of rank used by officials and often ancestral figures were portrayed sitting in them to reflect their high status. This well-modeled green glaze ceramic mingqi of a horseshoe chair is decorated with a yellow glaze imitating caning and the decorative carved circular design on the splat. It pairs perfectly with Ming Dynasty Earthenware Horseshoe Chair 3330 and together would add to a fine collection of miniature Chinese ceramics.
Horseshoe chairs were considered a sign of rank used by officials and often ancestral figures were portrayed sitting in them to reflect their high status. This well-modeled green glaze ceramic mingqi of a horseshoe chair is decorated with a yellow glaze imitating caning and the decorative carved circular design on the splat. It pairs well with item Ming Earthenware Horseshoe Chair 3331. This would be a fine addition to a collection of antique ceramics or simply a beautiful decorative piece to brighten a small space.
Unique and rare ancestor figure of a Manchy soldier in the round on a domed pedestal, holding a matchlock musket wearing a warrior’s hat knee-length military jacket and military boots.Closed consecration cavity.
This carving of the noted historical figure Dorgon, the principal regent of the first Qing Emperor Shunzhi who ruled from 1643-1650 as a”quasi” emperor based on the four-character inscription “Southern Holy Emperor” holding a hu tablet. A great piece for history buffs.
This exceptional carvig is one of the most significant ancestor figures in our collection. His attire, glass eyes and distinct facial features indicate a portrait of a wealthy powerful merchant who commands respect. Seated on Lucite base.
This bare-footed folk art provincial image is a low/mid-ranking civil official or wealthily landowner was an accessible and powerful protective figure “of the people.” Consecrated with rare identifying inscriptions.
Shiwan stoneware glazed sculptures of fruit symbolizing life and new beginnings to place on temple or home altar. They augment plates of fresh stacked fresh fruit to honor ancestors. These pears symbolize long life.
Ht: 14.75” W: 7.75” D: 4” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.
Taoist priest in formal attire holding a cup with the elixir of health and longevity and small ingot symbolizing wish for prosperity and wealth. Characters on base are his name and the mythical “turtle spirit” that symbolizes longevity,
Families placed cocoon jars with auspicious designs containing magical mixtures of mulberry leaves in tombs for departed’s souls to drink to transform in afterlife.
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