The basic aim of Confucianism, which was the official state cult in Imperial China, was and remains carrying out the duties and responsibilities appropriate to one’s position in society. Ancestor worship and reverence to family are fundamental elements of Confucianism. Rituals and ceremonies to honor ancestors must be performed in precise ways and when done properly, an individual can receive the aid, support and blessings of deceased relatives. Historically Taoism has been a link between Confucian beliefs and Popular Religion and folk traditions. Confucianism and Taoism both stress the importance of living in harmony with the “Way (Tao/ Dao) of Heaven.”
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Ancestor-figures like this portrayed as a Mandarin official were placed on a home altar along with other house gods and religious images to bring blessings of fu to the household. Mandarin officials were lesser status public officials who acquired this rank by passing rigid exams. In the Qing dynasty this designation was considered so significant…
Likely a Taoist official, this carving holds a cup holding an elixir that reputedly would confer to those commissioning the image it a long and healthful life. Discovering elixirs of life that might confer immortality was a motivating belief in Taoism and during Ming and Qing dynasties small images of Taoist officials and priests often…
The end of Guandi’s name (di) is significant, as Chinese names ending with di refer to an imperial cult and their canonized status. A military general late in the Han dynasty who died in 220AD, he was deified during the MIng in 1594 and was declared The God of War and Justice and Protector of…
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