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 61 results
Extremely rare provincial carving of a Taoist official above the “Spring Ox,” and the Taoist “Herd Boy” who each spring ritually “wakes up the earth” by symbolically beating the Spring Ox with sticks.
Rare provincial carving of Guanyin in lalitsana clasping a rosary on a mythical Hǒu that symbolizes righteousness, morality and ushers in peace and prosperity. Small yet powerful, consecrated and mounted on Acrylic base.
Although this rare Ming image is missing its arms, it is a powerful yet charming sculpture of the infant Buddha as humble and confident with a youthful torso. Buddhas like this were generally used only for the annual Buddha’s birthday bathing ritual,
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
White Hooded provincial Guanyin in lalitsana depicted as humble with a plain hood, gentle smile, holding a scroll symbolizing the Buddhist sutras in which she is mentioned including the Lotus Sutra Chapter 25. THe back cavity indicates it was consecrated by a Buddhist monk for placement on a home altar .
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.
Idealized Mandarin civil or scholar official wearing official attire and black boots – symbol of superiority. The inscription reads “The Honorable/ Excellent Official Fan.”Original perfectly intact red paper fú – slip in consecration cavity.
By making the Queen Mother larger than her horse and adorning it with decorative accessories – wide blanket, prominent head gear, double rowed harness, decorative medallion – this provincial artist emphasizes her power as Tao goddess of life, fertility and granting immortality.
Dense hardwood Queen Mother carving with phoenix in crown, holding robe across body, calmly seated on backless throne, much original polychrome and lacquer finish remains. Sealed consecrated cavity.
Beautifully carved White Clad Guanyin sits in royal ease on a double-tiered base with as stylized lotus throne. It was consecrated for home altar use.
Unique and rare ancestor figure of a Manchy soldier in the round on a domed pedestal, holding a matchlock musket wearing a warrior’s hat knee-length military jacket and military boots.Closed consecration cavity.
Our most unique and finely crafted Kitchen God couple. Beautifully carved, clasping hu tablets, approachable features, smiling lips. Painted character for “happiness.” and exposed original consecration paper in the goddess figure provides a rare, captivating, and authentic look at Chinese folk religion sought by collectors actively seek out.
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