Often but not always depicted in pairs with one on each side looking modestly down to offer respect and obeisance to a deity, Buddhist and Taoist attendants. They may carry a range of items: umbrellas and fans to offer shade and protection Buddhist, Taoist, or Popular Religion deities, pillboxes and medicine gourds for Gods of Medicine; swords, insignia, or other martial items for military generals and deities; a seal to authorize a noble’s edict; lances or swords to protect their lord or lady, tablets that declare their authority; gold and silver bars (taels), strings of coins, and swords for Wealth Gods; chains and locks to retain a prisoner; and plates, bowls or trays of refreshment foods or fruits. The object carried is often a Chinese homonym, pun, or symbol with multiple meanings. Some offering plates hold an offering of three items on a plate symbolizing longevity or wealth. A Chinese attendant offering a peach is their wish for longevity and a long life for whoever the offering is for. Ceramic attendants in varying numbers were also included as mingqi in tombs to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. Hindu deities have attendants who increase their power and strength such as Nanda, Shiva’s principal disciple, chief attendant, leader of his attendants called ganas and guardian of all four-footed animals. Guanyin’s acolytes Shancai and Longnii are sometimes referred to as her attendants.
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Attendant Chou Ts’ang, to Guandi, most revered Chinese military hero and Taoist God of War, hands clasped and eyes down in respect wearing detailed military clothing and boots on high pedestal with painted gold florals.
Graceful heavenly attendant carrying offerings with ribbon winding around her, a nod to the phrase “May longevity bring blessings.” Elegant and serene demeanor honoring the being she attends.
Sensitive modeling of the face, body and lotus base, its appealing features and graceful garments, make this diminutive statue truly endearing. The rear inscription indicates it was commissioned to celebrate the wedding of a daughter and, as such would make a superb wedding gift.
Nandi is among the most frequent Hindu deities worshiped in public places, temples, homes, or on a home altar throughout India. As one of Hinduism’s mythical animals, Nandi is Shiva’s vahana, (his mount that transports him), attendant and leader of his attendants and guardian of all four-footed animals. A recumbent image of Nandi on a…
Dressed in a red robe with a high neck collar, extremely wide sleeves extending below the knees and a belt around his waist, this 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 but has no rank badge indicated.
Reverent female Taoist attendant holding offering plate of 3 dumplings or fruits symbolizing 3 ancient gold or silver coins as a symbol of wealth and a wish for passing 3 imperial examination levels to assure the family’s status and financial stability.
Nanhai Guanyin on Mount Putuo sits as a triad with acolytes Shan Tsai hands in prayer and the Dragon Princess offering the “illuminating pearl.” Very rare Ming sculpture on an Acrylic base is one of our favorites VA collection carvings.
Rare and charming carved attendant pair to flank deities on circular pedestals presenting boxed offerings with ribbons as wish for longevity.
Regional Rattanakosin carving of a Thai celestial guardian or attendant originally placed on a home or small temple altar for protection and devotion. Stylized layered garment, intricate detailing and headdress signify his celestial and royal status.
One of a set of 12 Zodiac attendant figures holding a small calendar animal of the year represented as part of mingqi placed in the graves of deceased.
Vivacious attendant doll offering huge peach in vibrant Chinese dance costume in red, yellow, green-blue with sequins, silver and gold thread and plum blossoms as wish for Five Happinesses. On Lucite stand, part of set of 4 .
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