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inspirational, serene monk with realistic youthful smiling face on tall pedestal symbolizing his spiritual significance. Size, pose and consecration suggest was in spiritual space in a home or community shrine. His serenity and grace transforms environment around him.
Probably placed on a home altar with other carving, this Taoist official holds a long, curved hu, wearing a high hat, collared robe with painted cobalt blue clouds and official’s belt. Consecrated with original script inside.
Taoist official/priest on backless chair, arms at chest and hands covered by ritual cloth symbolically holding a hu tablet. Darkened by incense and candle smoke from ritualistic offerings it was re-lacquered probably in early 20th-century.
When ancestral images are taken out of context they are very difficult to identify so we describe them in generic terms as a Chinese Officials or Taoist Officials. This carving may represent the noted historical figure the principal regent Dorgon of the first Qing Emperor Shunzhi who ruled from 1643-1650 as a”quasi” emperor based on…
This intricately hand carved gold and silver platter with indentations on both sides was used to make confections called sweetmeats eaten at festivals, holidays, and other key celebrations. The round molds symbolize the moon and cohesion of the family. The 5-petal plum blossoms attached to vines symbolize purity and endurance, as well as the coming of spring, renewal, and longevity. The multiple seeds are a wish for fertility and sons, and thus this mold may have been a holiday and/or marriage gift to a young couple.
This 19th-century miniature wood figure is a finely and whimsically carved portly seated merchant. He is depicted as a Laowai or “old foreigner” with a westernized face and hat and oversized hands placed on his knees. Seated on a platform base, he wears garments reflective of the Chinese culture at this time but wears a hat that is clearly not of Chinese origin. Other indications this charming figure is a foreigner include the roundness of his face, western facial features and oversized hands.
This finely detailed hardwood mold was used to make sweetmeats confections, perhaps mooncakes for the Chinese Autumn Moon Festival. It is covered with deeply carved propitious symbols for marital harmony, sons and successful endeavors: a four clawed dragon for fertility, two ducks symbolizing marital bliss and harmony, one atop a carp for conjugal bliss and achieving noble rank and a boat with a sail for making all this easy sailing. This would be a great accessory or gift (especially for weddings) to spice up any kitchen.
Magnificent example of fine provincial Buddhist statues. Made to be seen in the round, her garment has delicate incised leaves and leaf motifs on front, back, and sleeves. High pointed crown with the Five Tantric Dhyani Buddhas, rare in provincial Guanyins.
This Nanhai Guanyin (Guanyin of the South Sea) sits in her cave on Putuo island in the South China Sea with most of her traditional features. She is portrayed as White Hooded or Clad Guanyin with her hair in a bun covered with a short hood seated in royal ease (lalitsana) with her right hand…
This Guanyin image was probably one of a pair of images along with the Taoist Queen Mother of the West (16206A-WACK) placed together on a community, local temple or home altar. Created by the same local artisan, they are provincial rather than imperial style having a humble, unadorned and simple rendering, seated on backless thrones, hands covered by a ritual cloth, uncharacteristic of Guanyin but common for Taoist goddesses. Both wear layered robes and a high pointed crown – the Queen Mother’s centered by a phoenix and Guanyin’s by a flower surrounded by symbolic aureole of radiating light. Both have soft blissful smiles with eyes cast slightly downwards to engage their devotees. Initially covered in bright polychrome colors, there are traces of surviving red, yellow, green, brown and black.
Whimsical carvings of fu lions were the most popular mythical animals in Chinese homes, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties, as free standing statues, designs on furniture, architectural elements and functional pieces in private homes or gardens or on a home altar to bring fu and the blessings to the home. This incredibly cute…
Fine open-lattice fret work cupboard door with auspicious symbols of blessings associated with a fulfilling life: longevity, wealth/ prosperity, health/peace of mind and love of virtue/high moral standards as well as a happy marriage. .
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