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 Songzi Guanyin, Bestower of Children, China (16311)

    Antique Songzi Guanyin, Bestower of Children, China (16311)

    Original price was: $2,650.00.Current price is: $1,975.00.
    H: 14.5”  W: 8.25”  D: 5”  |  CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING.

    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 on a home altar of wealthy couple desiring a (male) baby.

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  • Sale! Antique Standing Buddhist Monk on High Pedestal, China (16717)

    Antique Standing Buddhist Monk on High Pedestal, China (16717)

    Original price was: $1,850.00.Current price is: $1,450.00.
    H: 27.5”  W: 8.5”   D: 6.5”     |   CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING.

    An inspirational, serene, antique carved Buddhist monk with realistic youthful smiling face. The hands in reverence and wears monk’s simple yet colorful robes. A tall pedestal symbolizes his spiritual significance. The size, pose and consecration suggest it was in spiritual space in a wealthy home, community shrine or temple setting.

     

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  • Antique Taoist Fertility Goddess Niangniang, China (17005) SOLD

    Antique Taoist Fertility Goddess Niangniang, China (17005) SOLD

    $6,500.00
    H: 43″  W:  15″   D:  9.75  |  SOLD

    This large rare vibrant carving is the Taoist Deity of fertility Niangniang  (“The Maiden Who Brings Children”) is often confused with Songzi Guanyin. Represented as an empress like figure, she glances serenely at 3 diminutive children, 2 males and a female extending their arms for protection. Stunning and peaceful, it is covered with gold highlights with intricate details.

  • Sale! Antique Taoist Official with Hu Tablet, China (19043)

    Antique Taoist Official with Hu Tablet, China (19043)

    Original price was: $295.00.Current price is: $215.00.
    H: 12.875″  W: 5″  D: 2.75″    |    FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    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.

  • Sale! Antique Taoist Official/ Priest with Hu Tablet, China (16095)

    Antique Taoist Official/ Priest with Hu Tablet, China (16095)

    Original price was: $295.00.Current price is: $215.00.
    H: 10.5″  W:5″  D: 4″    |    FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    Taoist official/priest on backless chair, arms at chest and hands covered by ritual cloth symbolically holding a hu tablet. Darkened by incense and candle smoke from ritualistic offerings it was re-lacquered probably in early 20th-century.

  • Antique Taoist Official/Priest with Hu Tablet, China (14001ZSK) $395

    Antique Taoist Official/Priest with Hu Tablet, China (14001ZSK) $395

    $395.00

    When ancestral images are taken out of context they are very difficult to identify so we describe them in generic terms as a Chinese Officials or Taoist Officials. This antique-Chinese-wood-carving may represent the noted historical figure the principal regent Dorgon of the first Qing Emperor Shunzhi who ruled from 1643-1650 as a”quasi” emperor based  on…

  • Antique Taoist Priest on a Horse, China (16085BCK) $795

    Antique Taoist Priest on a Horse, China (16085BCK) $795

    $795.00

    This fine antique Chinese wood carving was likely placed in a clan shrine or home altar with other religious images, ancestor figures or folk heroes reflecting the Chinese  syncretic tradition that adhered to multiple spiritual and belief systems. Although it is difficult to identify specific figures,  this image is likely a Taoist priest in officials…

  • Antique Wood and Lacquer Monk (Lohan), China (16241BHK) $785

    Antique Wood and Lacquer Monk (Lohan), China (16241BHK) $785

    $785.00

    18 original Lohans were the major disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha whom he, at his death bed, entrusted to protect and promulgate Buddhist teachings. Over centuries, their numbers increased to over 500 enlightened beings recognized for their courage and supernatural powers. In Mahayana Buddhism, Lohans represent the ideal toward which Buddhist devotees should strive as they…

  • Antique Wood Zhenwu, The Taoist "Perfected Warrior" China (19066B)                                     ME) $575

    Antique Wood Zhenwu, The Taoist “Perfected Warrior” China (19066B) ME) $575

    $575.00

    Zhenwu (aka Xuanwu, Wuandi and Zhenwudadi) is one of the most revered Chinese Taoist figures, venerated for his ability to heal as well as to protect his country and the emperor. There are various depictions of his attire, but here he wears a plain black robe with an official’s belt which he holds in his…

  • Antique/Vintage Carved House Deity, China (7507QOK) $295

    Antique/Vintage Carved House Deity, China (7507QOK) $295

    $295.00

    While major deities such as Guandi were officially sanctioned by government and religious authorities, many popular deities and historic figures were integrated into Popular Religion beliefs where they were assimilated and greatly modified with local traditions and iconographic depictions such as this. We assume this is Guandi, one of the most revered Chinese deities based…

  • Antique/Vintage Taoist Shaman with Taotie on Hat, China (7503ZAH) $395

    Antique/Vintage Taoist Shaman with Taotie on Hat, China (7503ZAH) $395

    $395.00

    This image from Guandong wears typical Taoist priest or shaman attire – an undergarment crossed at the neck, an overcoat clasped at the waist and a double-winged high hat centered with an image of a taotie. The taotie is a mystical animal sometimes on the hat of Taoist priests or shamans as a guardian or…

  • Gilded Carved Wood Guandi, the God of War and Justice, China,(16326BEM) Special Price

    Gilded Carved Wood Guandi, the God of War and Justice, China,(16326BEM) Special Price

    $375.00
    H:  8.25″    W: 5.5″    D: 4″    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Guandi, the God of War and Justice and Protector of China and its citizens was a Chinese model of loyalty, virtue and morality and was depicted in Temples and home shrines throughout China. This antique figurine was probably part of a larger carving. He wears military maille, black gloves with a carved taotie which is a warning against gluttony and is covered in gold as a sign of power.  The  open back confirms it was consecrated by a Taoist priest. Mounted on a frosted acrylic stand.

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