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 56 results
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.
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.
Mandarin ancestor official in court attire and hat holding up his belt of office. Rare consecration inscriptions on the back indicate the names of two families who pooled funds to commission, carve, and dedicate a sacred figure to their shared local temple or ancestral altar.
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.
Unique and rare ancestor figure of a huntsman/soldier in the round standing on a domed pedestal, holding a matchlock musket wearing a warrior’s hat knee-length military jacket and military 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 magnificent Nanhai Guanyin on Mount Putuo seated as a triad with acolytes Shan Tsai hands in prayer and the Dragon Princess offering the “illuminating pearl.” Consecrated by a Buddhist monk and mounted on an Acrylic base is one of our favorite VA collection carvings.
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.
Rare and beautiful provincial Songzi Guanyin is modest, compassionate and humble with lotus leaf crown, unadorned robe and pedestal with simple leaves. Her baby resembles the infant Buddha. Was probably in a temple setting or on a home altar of wealthy couple desiring a (male) baby.
Probably placed on a home altar with other carving, this Taoist official holds a long, curved hu, wearing a high hat, collared robe with painted cobalt blue clouds and official’s belt. Consecrated with original script inside.
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