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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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…
These carvings of the Taoist-Deities Tudi Gong and his wife Tudi Po are from rural Southern China where they were frequently depicted together as house-gods on a home altar or local temple for farmers to pray to for abundant harvests and success in selling their products. Although Tudi Gong is a low ranking deity, he…
This polychrome vintage Chinese Republic porcelain figurine represents the most famous and colorful of the Taoist Eight Immortals, Lu Dongbin. He holds his fly whisk at his cheek, a traditional symbol of one who can fly at will. His face has a sweet benign smile with a long beard extending to his waist. He stands on a base with green and black swirling cloud forms indicating his ability to fly. He wears the robes of a Taoist sage in richly painted colors. The figure is in excellent condition and dates to the Chinese Republic Period circa 1920-1940.
This colorful Chinese Republic porcelain is the most popular of the Eight Immortals Lu Dongbin, who symbolizes immortality and long life. Dressed as a scholar, his beard is pushed to the side as he is in motion riding waves to show his magical powers. He holds a fly whisk which, along with the sword he often carries, are personal auspicious symbols. The most colorful of the immortals, he is worshipped by for his medical prowess and by scholars in homes and temples.
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.
Gorgeous, rare antique Yixing teapot with brown wash, bright painted enamel scene from Peking opera Romance of Three Kingdoms. Floral are wish for long and healthy life, perfect metaphor for sharing tea loved ones. Kiln seals in body, bottom, lid. For decoration only.
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