Filial Piety

Xiao, the Chinese word for filial piety, is one of the foundations of Confucianism and was also embraced by Taoism. It delineates the attitude towards and practice of obedience, devotion, and care toward one’s parents and elder family members. In practicing piety, one puts the needs of parents and family elders over self, spouse, and children, deferring to parents’ judgment, and observing this reverence through prescribed behavioral acts of respect. Emphasizing rites and ritual behaviors is believed to strengthen family harmony, sociopolitical stability, and the power of the governing hierarchy. Ancestor worship and propitiating ancestor images on home altars with offerings and prayers are manifestations of filial piety. Belief in filial piety was later adopted in Japan.

Showing 13–15 of 15 results

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    Antique Seated Ancestor Official, China (16289BME) $650

    Original price was: $650.00.Current price is: $552.50.
    H: 7.25” W: 4.625” D: 3.5” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This finely carved ancestor wears official’s attire and hat and sits in a horseshoe chair with his feet on a pedestal to emphasize his power and status, although he appears to be a lovwer level civilian official.  It is masterfully carved and lacquered and is painted on front and back in red  with traces of gilt – all propitious colors of “fu” as a wish for wealth, health, good fortune, long life and long life – that has faded over it years of use into a great patina.

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    Antique Taoist Official with the Elixir of Life (16312BOK) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $450.00.Current price is: $276.25.
    Ht: 9″ W: 5″ D: 3.5″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    During the Ming and Qing dynasties small images of Taoist officials and priests were often shown holding a cup of the elixir of life to place on home altars along with ancestor figures, house gods and other religious images to bring blessings (fu) to the household. By commissioning  figures like this artful carving, families honored their ancestors and met their filial piety duties. Mounted on an acrylic stand.

     

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    Han Dynasty Cocoon Jar with Cloud Designs, China (16015UHEM) $2100

    Original price was: $2,100.00.Current price is: $1,785.00.
    H: 11.75” W: 12.25” D: 7.5” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    Cocoon jars were mingqi made for placement in tombs to comfort the deceased on their journey to and in their afterlife. An elixir of Immortality made from mulberry leaves or their ashes was placed inside for the deceased to drink and transmigrate into the world of the beyond. Ovoid in shape to resemble a silkworm cocoon, ajar rests on a small trumpet-shaped foot and has a narrow neck and a wide lip at its mouth. Painted after firing with vertical bands dividing it into panels, swirling cloud scrolls, and circular “eye” motifs at each end, this beautiful vessel is in excellent condition for its age with expected paint losses, scrapes, and dirt adhesions.

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