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 Rare Carving of a Huntsman with Rifle, China 16743WHK

    Antique Rare Carving of a Huntsman with Rifle, China 16743WHK

    Original price was: $315.00.Current price is: $275.00.
    H: 9 ”    W:  3.625″    D: 3.5 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This ancestor figure of a huntsman in the round is unique, standing on a  domed pedestal, facing half right holding a flint lock, wearing a hunting coat, a two-level hat,  traditional under- and outer-garment, and thick boots. As the noted scholar on Chinese wood carvings stated, a similar figure like this “unusual and extraordinary ancestral image of a huntsman with a flintlock gun, was the only ancestral image in his vast collection which “depicts the calling of the deceased.”

  • Sale! Antique Rare White Robed Guanyin on a Hǒu, China (16936)

    Antique Rare White Robed Guanyin on a Hǒu, China (16936)

    Original price was: $725.00.Current price is: $495.00.
    H: 15.125”  W: 6”  D: 5”    |   FREE SHIPPING within Continental U.S.

    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.

  • Sale! Antique Shen Nong, Founder of Natural Medicine, China (16530BCEM)

    Antique Shen Nong, Founder of Natural Medicine, China (16530BCEM)

    Original price was: $4,600.00.Current price is: $3,900.00.
    H:  30.5″     W: 19.25″      D:  11.75     |  CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING

    This fine and rare kneeling image is Shen Nong one of most revered cultural heroes in Chinese mythology. He is the Founder of Natural Medicine, the Father of Agriculture and an Earth God. He is said to have invented farming implements and introduced planting, cultivation, crop rotation and methods of raising domestic animals and the  author of the earliest known Chinese medical classic covering medical physiology, anatomy and acupuncture – the Canon of Internal Medicine. It is a perfectly fitting and unique carving for a professional in the health care, pharmaceutical agricultural professions.

    Add to cartLoading Done
  • 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.

    Add to cartLoading Done
  • 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.

    Add to cartLoading Done
  • Antique Taoist Official Holding a Hu Tablet, China (19043QRK) $295

    Antique Taoist Official Holding a Hu Tablet, China (19043QRK) $295

    $295.00

    Taoist images were represented as scholars, sages, heroes, deities, officials and priests. When these images are taken out of context they are very difficult to identify so we describe them in generic terms as a Taoist Officials, Priests or Deities. We identify this image an Official since he holds a hu-tablet associated with officials and…

  • Antique Taoist Official or Priest with Hu Tablet, China (16095DRK) $245

    Antique Taoist Official or Priest with Hu Tablet, China (16095DRK) $245

    $240.00

    Taoist images were represented as scholars, sages, heroes, deities, officials and priests. When these images are taken out of context they are difficult to identify so we describe them in generic terms. Seated  on a backless chair wearing long flowing officials-robes with deep folds, we use the terms  officials/priests for this image, since he his…

  • 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…

End of content

End of content