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.
Showing all 12 results
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.
Antique Home, Temple or Palace Guardian Figure symbolizing protection and devotion. Beautiful courtly multi-tiered attire and tall, pointed headdress signifying celestial and royal status. Rattanakosin style blending elegance with sacred symbolism.
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…
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.
Originally mounted on the wood stick between his legs and now inserted to its acrylic stand, this vintage male doll is an attendant offering a huge peach. His large oval head is almost bald and his black hair remains only in a small patches on the sides of his head. He wears a typical colorful folk-art Chinese dance costume: bright red shoes, yellow pants, a greenish-blue coat with florals, a high sequined yellow belt, and a wide blue sash outlined with silver and gold thread and colored 5-petal silver sequin plum blossoms hanging down to the base evoking a wish for the Five Blessings or Happinesses. It is in very good condition with expected wear and minor paint losses and charming spotting on the face.
End of content
End of content