Many Chinese wood images have a hallowed-out cavity on their back which was central to an “eye opening” ceremony held to imbue each carving with its own life force. All Images – Buddhism, Taoist or Popular religion – had to be consecrated by a Taoist Priest, Buddhist Monk or spiritual leaders to be placed on a home altar and to protect all family members and domestic animals. The cavity was filled with ritual objects and may have included documents like favorite Buddhist sutras, Taoist poems or prayers, messages to ancestors, entreaties to deities, or a script by the presiding person describing the figure and when and by whom it was commissioned. The ceremony was attended by the artist, donor, relatives and friends, and other Taoist or Buddhist congregants. The cavity was sealed and eyes were painted to impart sight, the final component of life. Stevens states carvings were “respectfully presented to have its eyes opened before the Gods so that it. would be able to rid their dwelling of evil spirits and bring them blessings.”Most bungs and contents have been removed; we believe unopened ones should remain in difference to the spiritual traditional and history they represent.
Showing 13–24 of 58 results
Consecrated red lacquer and gilt home altar provincial Guanyin, elaborate 5-lobed crown centered with radiating bars symbolizing Amitabha Buddha and his aureole that represent the flames of Buddhism.
Guanyin’s elegance, compassion and serenity are emphasized in this provincial carving on 3 tiered high lotus throne on a hexagonal base with carved patterns. Portrayed in meditation with flowing robes this consecrated image was designed for personal veneration in a home setting.
Delicately detailed and consecrated Guanyin in meditation on a backless throne, flowing braids, simple necklace, 3-part crown centered with Amitabha Buddha on lotus throne surrounded by a radiating aureole. Compassionate downcast eyes, serene contemplative expression, calm smile to enhance any surrounding.
Guanyin in lacquer and gilt sits on a lotus throne in meditation atop a decorative footed stand, regally depicted with elegantly draped robes and a 5-lobe crown with a cross hatch design. Consecrated for home altar use.
Delicately carved antique Guanyin in meditation, tall 3-lobed crown with flaring triangles and crosshatches. high forehead and oversized head focuses viewer on beautifully formed, quiet and calm face as model of inner serenity
This provincial Guanyin made for a home altar sits in anjali mudra. Portrayed as humble, approachable, she wears a 5-lobed diadem, hair in a chignon with braids and modest robe seated on a waisted lotus throne with stacked lotuses.
Small consecrated home altar provincial Mazu, finely carved on armless back chair dressed modestly in peasant robes with a phoenix in her hat, she is motherly figure who protects her devotees as her children.
Small mage of Queen Mother carved by provisional artisan depicts her as humble and matronly with iconic phoenix on headdress for placement on a home altar. Cavity with original sealed bung indicates it was consecrated.
This fine pair of the Kitchen God and his wife are mirror-images of each other seated on backless chairs with multi-sided pedestals and reflect the reverence and solemnity of their responsibility to live above the stove and protect the home. The original lacquer has darkened naturally over time and from exposure to candle and incense smoke leaving a soft patina. The cavity on the male has its original covering while the one on the female is missing, exposing contents inside – a string tied around the script placed by a monk when it was consecrated. Kitchen Gods radiate warmth, especially when placed near the stove and make unique house warming or wedding gifts and add positive chi to any household.
Finely detailed and carved from dense wood, this Kitchen God and his Wife monitor the members of the home from their perch above the stove. On Chinese New Year Zao Shen reports to the Jade Emperor in Heaven and a positive report bringsblessings and good fortune, while and unfavorable one brings misfortune. Family members often smear honey on his mouth to sweeten the report. Near mirror images they wear layered gold officials’ robes with decorative sashes and symbolically hold a hu tablet. They are in excellent condition and add positive chi and enhance feng shui. Kitchen Gods especially pairs are now rare and very collectible and make unique wedding and house gifts.
This husband and wife Kitchen Gods are near mirror images with similar layered gold officials’ robes clasped hands covered in ritual cloth. They portray house gods whose future of families are in their hands. They are in excellent condition with fine patinas and both have been consecrated with the consecration script remaining in the wife’s cavity but not in the male’s cavity.
Superb, colorful and rare Buddha in teaching vitarka-mudra appears to float above cloud like swirls. Fine features, graceful body and exquisitely rendered drapery make this a truly striking statue. Given its size and masterful carving, it should be revered commensurate with its spirituality and artistry.
End of content
End of content