Consecrated

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.

  • Sale! Antique Guanyin with Amitabha in Crown, China (16380)

    Antique Guanyin with Amitabha in Crown, China (16380)

    Original price was: $1,300.00.Current price is: $975.00.
    H: 13.75”  W: 7”  D: 4.5”    |    CALL 213-568-3030 or email [email protected] for shipping

    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.

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  • Sale! Antique Guanyin with Crown in Meditation, China (16467)

    Antique Guanyin with Crown in Meditation, China (16467)

    Original price was: $535.00.Current price is: $450.00.
    Ht: 10.5”  W: 5.5”  D: 4” | FREE SHIPPING in continental u.s.

    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.

  • Sale! Antique Guanyin with Lobed Crown, China (16744)

    Antique Guanyin with Lobed Crown, China (16744)

    Original price was: $395.00.Current price is: $325.00.
    H: 8.25″ W: 4.5″ D: 3″  | FREE SHIPPING within continental u.s.

    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

  • Sale! Antique Home Altar Mazu, China (19013)

    Antique Home Altar Mazu, China (19013)

    Original price was: $425.00.Current price is: $225.00.
    H: 9” W: 6.525” D: 2.5     |     FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    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.

  • Sale! Antique Home Altar Queen Mother of the West,  China (16035)

    Antique Home Altar Queen Mother of the West, China (16035)

    Original price was: $395.00.Current price is: $315.00.
    H:  12.5″  W: 4.8″      |  3.3″     FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    Home altar provincial Queen Mother carving depicted her as approachable, humble and matronly. Iconic phoenix on headdress.  Cavity with original sealed covering indicates it was consecrated.

  • Sale! Antique Kitchen God and His Wife, China (16850D)

    Antique Kitchen God and His Wife, China (16850D)

    Original price was: $695.00.Current price is: $525.00.
    H: 7.25 ”    W: 3 ”    D: 1.625 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    Finely carved Kitchen God and his wife, mirror images on backless chairs with multi-sided pedestals reflecting reverent and  responsibility to protect the home. Naturally darkened lacquer, soft patina. Male with consecration covering, female open with contents. Unique house warming/wedding gift.

  • Sale! Antique Kitchen God and his Wife, China (16850E)

    Antique Kitchen God and his Wife, China (16850E)

    Original price was: $695.00.Current price is: $525.00.
    H: 7.75 ”    W: 2.875  ”    D: 1.875 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    Husband and wife Kitchen Gods are near mirror images with similar layered gold officials’ robes, clasped hands covered in ritual cloth. Excellent condition, fine patinas. Consecration script remaining in wife’s cavity but not in husband’s.

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    Antique Kitchen God and Wife, China (16850H)

    $785.00
    H: 7.75″  W: 3.25″  D: 2.375″ | free shipping within Continental U.S.!

    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.

     

  • Sale! Antique Mandarin Ancestor In Horseshoe Chair, China #19054BOK

    Antique Mandarin Ancestor In Horseshoe Chair, China #19054BOK

    Original price was: $850.00.Current price is: $695.00.
    H: 12.75” W: 6.625” D: 5.75” | FREE SHIPPING within Continental u.s.

    This masterfully carved ancestor as a mandarin official sits on horseshoe chair set on a footed high decorated plinth dressed in a well-appointed formal 3-button Mandarin long coat and pointed rattan hat. His face is uniquely and unusually individualized with heavy lidded eyes, in a benevolent expression and his advanced aged indicated by the wrinkles clearly depicting a loved individual. This exquisitely carved image in excellent condition with a fine patina was true homage to a revered family member and is one of our finest ancestor figures.

  • Sale! Antique Mandarin Ancestor on Horseshoe Chair, China #18061BEM

    Antique Mandarin Ancestor on Horseshoe Chair, China #18061BEM

    Original price was: $455.00.Current price is: $295.00.
    H:8.5 ”    W: 4 ”    D: 3.3 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Portrayed as an official, this ancestor figure sits on a horseshoe chair showing his status wearing compulsory officials attire:  a 5-button Mandarin long coat with a round collar and official headwear – a woven hat whose shape and color reflected his rank. His personalized  personalized oval-shaped is tranquil with a hint of a smile on his pursed lips, and a triangular pigtail down his back.

  • Sale! Antique Mazu Empress of Heaven in Horseshoe Chair, China  (6003)

    Antique Mazu Empress of Heaven in Horseshoe Chair, China (6003)

    Original price was: $1,050.00.Current price is: $650.00.
    H: 15.375” W: 8.625” D: 7.5” | CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030 or email [email protected] for SHIPPING.

    Mazu, protector of sea, is portrayed as the imperially sanctioned “Empress of Heaven” on an elaborate, horseshoe shaped dragon throne, holding a hu tablet, with elegant dragon robes, official’s girdle, Empress headdress and small feet on gilt fu lion foot rest.

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  • Sale! Antique Nanhai Guanyin with 2 Acolytes on Putuo, China  (16240)

    Antique Nanhai Guanyin with 2 Acolytes on Putuo, China (16240)

    Original price was: $1,350.00.Current price is: $1,200.00.
    H: 11.5″  W: 6″    D: 4.5″     |     FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    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.

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