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.

Showing 25–36 of 65 results

  • Sale!

    Antique Kitchen God and his Wife, China (16850E-BME) $695

    Original price was: $695.00.Current price is: $590.75.
    H: 7.75″ W: 2.875″ D: 1.875″ | FREE SHIPPING within continental u.s.!

    This Kitchen God and His Wife are well-carved, articulated, well presented. As mirror images sitting on backless chairs on a high plinth, they have similar layered gold officials’ robes  and very different headdresses. Their clasped hands covered in ritual cloth symbolizes holding a hu tablet, they portray the reverence and solemnity associated with house gods whose future of families are in their hands. Antique Kitchen gods are unique and wonderful house or wedding gifts as they add warmth to positive chi to any decor.

     

  • Sale!

    Antique Kitchen God and His Wife, China (16850H-BME) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $785.00.Current price is: $667.25.
    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 Lacquered Wood Infant Buddha at Birth. China (3198CSK) $985

    Original price was: $985.00.Current price is: $837.25.
    H: 17.5 W: 6” D: 5” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION Call US AT 213-568-3030 or email [email protected]

    Given that this image of the infant Buddha is missing both arms it is remarkable that it is remains a powerful yet charming sculpture. Created by a skilled rural artisan from one dense piece of wood, this rare statue of the the young Buddha is a humble child in a relaxed and confident stance with a youthful torso, a round head, bent legs, wearing a modest waist-cloth and standing on a small plain round base.

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  • Antique Large Buddha in Teaching Mudra, China (17013BREM) CALL FOR PRICE

    $0.00
    H: 30″  W: 18″  D: 10″ | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING AND PRICE INFORMATION

    This superb, colorful and rare carved Buddha is seated in vitarka-mudra, the taching hand position. His delicately carved calm face has a benevolent and compassionate expression with a slight reassuring smile. The elegant body appears to float above deeply carved swirls reminiscent of clouds. Fine facial features, the graceful body and exquisitely carved and painted drapery make this a truly impressive and striking image. Given its size and masterful carving , it should hold a place and be revered commensurate with its spirituality and artistry.

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    Antique Large Lohan, Probably Bodhidharma, China (16436B-WHKE) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $7,300.00.Current price is: $4,675.00.
    H: 27.5” W: 12.75” D: 9.75” |CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    This exceptional, masterfully crafted and rare Ming or early Qing woodcarving is the heavily bearded Lohan Bodhidharma. As it is similar in size, robes and style as the Lohan (16436A), it was probably carved by the same artist and displayed together along with other Lohans. Very rare, we recommend both images be displayed together as they were originally. Bodhidharma is a legendary Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th or 6th century CE.. He is credited with bring Zen Buddhism to Japan,  creating Shaolin kungfu and discovering the use of the tea plant to make the most popular beverage on earth after water.

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    Antique Mandarin Ancestor Figure, China (16479BLK) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $450.00.Current price is: $382.50.
    H: 11”  W: 5”  D: 3.375” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This ancestor figure is portrayed as a Mandarin civilian official indicating either his actual high rank or his family’s desire to depict him as one seated in a traditional official’s pose and dressed official Mandarin attire and high status boots. The three-character inscription on the pedestal seems to be a name 范 懋卿(Fan Mao Qing) that probably indicates his identity and/or the family who commissioned the image.

     

     

     

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    Antique Mandarin Ancestor In Horseshoe Chair, China (19054BOK) $850

    Original price was: $850.00.Current price is: $722.50.
    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.

     

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    Antique Mandarin Ancestor on Horseshoe Chair, China (18061BEM) $455

    Original price was: $455.00.Current price is: $386.75.
    H: 8.5″ W: 4″ D: 3.375″ | FREE SHIPPING within continental u.s.!

    This small fine quality piece depicts a modest ancestor figure as a Mandarin official seated in a horseshoe chair on a raised pedestal emphasizing his importance wearing the traditional mandarin 5-button long coat with a round collar, a plain officials hat, and an undergarment extending to the top of his black shoes. He has a somewhat personalized oval-shaped tranquil face, a high forehead with curved painted brows, a hint of a smile on his pursed lips, and a triangular pigtail down his back.

     

  • Sale!

    Antique Mazu the Taoist Empress of Heaven in Horseshoe Chair, China (6003A-BCK) 1050

    Original price was: $1,050.00.Current price is: $892.50.
    H: 15.375” W: 8.625” D: 7.5” | FOR a  SHIPPING quote CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030 or email [email protected]

    This Mazu, the protector of sea farers, is portrayed as the imperially sanctioned “Empress of Heaven” seated on an elaborate horseshoe shaped dragon throne, hands clasped symbolically holding a hu tablet, adorned with elegant dragon robes, an official’s girdle, a flat-topped Empress headdress and small feet resting on a pair of gilt fu lions. Meant to be seen from all sides this beautiful carving is decorated on front and back.

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    Antique Ming Songzi Guanyin, Bestower of Children, China (16057BAK) $1350 SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $1,350.00.Current price is: $1,147.50.
    H: 11”  W: 5.75”  D: 5.125” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This very rare and fine 16th century home shrine image displays the benign and compassionate countenance of Songzi Guanyin the “Bestower of Children.”  With round face and joyful half-closed and eyes, she looks lovingly at the child whose arm is draped over hers.and leans slightly forward,  wearing a 5- lobed crown centered with a camellia flower a Chinese symbol of young sons and daughters. The inscription on the back dates the piece to 1521-1567

  • Sale!

    Antique Nanhai Guanyin with Attendants and Donor, China (16210BEME) $5900 SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $5,900.00.Current price is: $5,015.00.
     H: 34″ W: 12″ D: 15″  |  Call us at 213-568-3030 for SHIPPING Quote or email us at [email protected]

    Guanyin clearly dominates this majestic carving sitting in meditation. She wears  an ornate high  blue crown centered with an Amitabha Buddha in a deep arched border topped by flat lotus leaves. This remarkable Nanhai Guanyin  is extremely rare, unique and difficult to interpret as it is so rare and unusual. We have never seen a Guanyin in her cave at Putuo surrounded by with two pairs of attendants that include her acolytes Shan Tsai  and the Dragon Princess Longnu and a seated Taoist official/priest or possible the donor at the apex.  This was likely commissioned by a very wealthy donor who wished to make a spiritual statement while also emphasizing his reverence and status.

     

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    Antique Official in Red Robes with a Hu Tablet, China (16851BOK)

    Original price was: $875.00.Current price is: $743.75.
    H: 15.5″ W: 6.125″ D: 4.125″ | free shipping within continental u.s.!

    This fine ancestor figure portrayed as a Chinese official with many indications of his high status. He sits on a backless chair upon a high decorative pedestal upon which his feet rest and . He wears officials attire: a futou cap and high collared red robe with double belt extending to his shoes. He sits in a formal pose with hands on his thighs holding a long slender  hu tablet. His facial hairs indicate a mustache and beard, now partially lost, on his gilt colored face.

     

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