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
Elegant Guanyin in meditation, gilt covered with five-lobed crown. Sacred vial on her right and parrot on left. Guanyins statues with symbols in this condition are rare and impart a feeling of serenity to the environment around them.
Ancestor statue emphasizing his status as an official holding up his belt of office with official’s hat and boots, worn only by those who could afford them. Faded inscriptions on the back of the chair. Mounted on Lucite stand.
Carved ancestor figure as an official sits on a backless chair with a decorative pedestal in official’s attire holding a long slender curved hu-tablet, all signs of his office and status. He is vibrantly painted in red, the color of fu, as a wish for prosperity and status.
This excellently carved ancestor civilian official with gilt highlights was commissioned to be place on a home altar for veneration and impress those who viewed it and to honor the venerated ancestor’s persistence, success, status and power.
Provincial carving with iconic phoenix headdress, hands in karana mudra to cast out demons, negative energy and purify spaces. Image was on home altar and consecrated with a sealed cover.
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.
Unique ancestor figure of a huntsman in the round standing on a domed pedestal, holding a flint lock, wearing a hunting coat, a two-level hat, traditional under- and outer-garment, and thick boots.
Superb, colorful and rare Buddha in teaching (vitarka) mudra appears to float above swirling cloud. 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.
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.
Masterfully crafted Taoist official with calm, sincere and expressive face with creases indicating his age and wisdom of his senior status. Holds ritual cup with the elixir of immortality, a wish for a long and happy afterlife. Mounted on an acrylic stand.
Masterful carving of Shen Nong, revered hero and reputed father of both Natural Medicine and Agriculture. Benevolent, sitting on cloud, leaves on shoulders. One of 3 sovereigns who contributed to well-being of humanity. Especially fitting for health care, pharmaceutical or agricultural professional or associated with tea.
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