Historically deities and deified humans have played a significant role in Asia the spiritual, cultural and daily life activities. In China and India, these beings serve a significant role in human activities by monitoring individual’s activities and responding with rewards or punishment. Deities and legends are propitiated in temples and home altars and shrines with offerings to protect and aid the living. The large pantheon of Chinese major and minor deities and legendary figures have been worshiped since ancient times. Gods created the world and humans and keep everything safe and well-functioning. Gods and deified legendary humans live the heavenly realms of immortality and are actively involved with human activities from intimate moments to events of national importance. Along with ancestors, gods have been a bridge between the living and the deceased and are revered and propitiated to watch over the living. The most venerated Chinese gods are the Jade Emperor, Queen Mother of the West, the Eight Immortals, Guanyin, Matsu, and the gods of wealth, war, literature, and happiness. Although outlawed as superstition in 1949 by the Communist Party, deities and legendary figures are still worshipped in Chinese homes world wide..
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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.
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 antique high grade silver amulet, high relief of Lord Krishna sitting in the Tree of Life playing his flute serenading the Gopis. Truly magnificent pendant symboling Hindu belief in the interplay between deities and the human soul.
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.
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.
This happy benevolent couple are Taoist Earth God Tudi Gong and his wife Tudi Po placed on a home altar to assure an abundant harvest. Referred to as “Grandpa” and “Grand Ma” they wear vibrant Mandarin official’s attire, him with a mandarin square with a bird, and her with a phoenix headdress.
Rare silver pendant of joyful dancing Ganesh with Parvati framed within a betel shape with scalloped edges. Probably crafted and sold at a temple, it was worn for protection rather than good luck.
Rare Yixing teapot with brown wash, bright painted enamel scene from Peking opera. Floral are wish for long and healthy life, perfect metaphor for sharing tea loved ones. Kiln seals in body, bottom, lid. For decoration only.
Zhenwu, the True Warrior, Perfected Warrior or Northern Emperor was one of the most popular TaoistDeities in the Ming and Qing dynasties known as protector of the state and the imperial family. His feet here rest on a pedestal over a turtle with a lifted head and a snake curled around his shell. Among the many interpretations this represent beings over whom he presided including both celestial officers under his command, [and] former demons that were conquered by him. This is a fascinating carving symbolizes trusted strength. and power.
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