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 37–48 of 56 results
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.
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 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…
Taoist priest wearing a winged hat with a taotie warning against excess, and hands in the Sword Gesture used to cast out evil and offer blessings. Often on horses, priests were models of morality reflecting the Way of the Tao stressing harmony and oneness with nature.
White Clad Guanyin sits in royal ease her hands in karana mudra on her lap to expel evil, remove problems and rid sickness or other negativities. This powerful mudra is rarely used for Guanyin images. The cavity Consecrated for home altar use.
inspirational, serene monk with realistic youthful smiling face on tall pedestal symbolizing his spiritual significance. Size, pose and consecration suggest was in spiritual space in a home or community shrine. His serenity and grace transforms environment around him.
Provincial carving of Zhenwu the Perfected Warrior, one of the most popular Taoist deities in the Ming/Qing dynasties, iconically shown standing on a snake and turtle, symbolizing those over whom he presides.
Taoist priest or shaman with a double-winged hat with a mythical taotie as a warning against greed and excess. His left hand in the Sword Gesture to cast out evil and right holding a tael symbolizing wealth and good fortune
Consecrated red lacquer and gilt home altar provincial Guanyin, elaborate 5-lobed crown centered with radiating bars symbolizing Amitabha Buddha and his aureole that represent the flames of Buddhism.
This masterfully carved and painted 18th century statue of a Taoist priest/official wears elaborate robes and a hat. His well-articulated face has strong features and solemn gaze, flanked by pendulous ears, the sign of a wise man. This exceptional image deserves the appropriate placement to optimize its outstanding presence.
Although this rare Ming /Qing image is missing its arms, it is a powerful yet charming sculpture of a spiritual attendant or the infant Buddha as humble and confident with a youthful torso.
Splendid, large Guanyin statue on lotus throne likely placed in a prominent position in a Buddhist Temple or shrine. In meditation, eyes cast down, realistic with graceful benevolent postures and facial expressions. Sophisticated decorative Ming/Qing style with crown, jewelry reflect her regal status.
Rare provincial image of Guanyin tenderly holding a young child’s hand is a rare representation of Songzi “Child-Giving Guanyin”. Consecrated with vibrant gilt and red surface in front and back.
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