Great Chinese Goddesses

In his excellent article, Lee Irvin notes that female deities have always played a significant role in the Chinese religious pantheon. Three of Chinas great goddess – Xiwangmu (the Taoist Queen Mother of the West), the Buddhist bodhisattva Guanyin and Matsu (The Empress of Heaven) – all share the feminine principles of compassion, receptive nature and association with water and darkness, and all are imperially sanctioned divinities. Revered by all sectors of Chinese society from the endorsed government and religious sectors to the masses who embrace Popular Folk Religion and Taoism as well as Buddhism, their roles expanded from divine personages to also mortals with human expressions, emotions and needs. Each epitomize the feminine role of compassionate protectors and grant health, long life and safety to all devotees regardless of their rank or status. In doing so, they are viewed as interconnected and collectively provide devotees the will and spiritual means to oppose controlling dominant male religious and political forces. All three have popular small local shrines scattered through rural areas as well as large temples and monasteries dedicated to them: the Queen mother in Taoist and Popular Religion places of worship and Guanyin and Matsu in Buddhist and Popular Religion sanctuaries. Guanyin and the Queen Mother are uniquely linked in their roles as guides to a serene death. Guanyin in Pure Land Mahayana belief leads deceased souls to their rebirth in the Western Paradise, which is similar to the Taoist realm into which the Queen Mother guides the deceased.

Source:
Lee Irwin, “Divinity and Salvation: The Great Goddesses of China,” in Asian Folklore Studies, Indiana University, Vol. 49, 1990, pp 53-68.

  • Sale! Antique Carved Mazu, Protector of  the Sea, China (19415)

    Antique Carved Mazu, Protector of the Sea, China (19415)

    Original price was: $275.00.Current price is: $225.00.

    Finely carved from dense wood Mazu is the Heavenly Empress on a horseshoe chair, holding official’s girdle, phoenix hat with outstretched wings and cloud collar symbolizing her place in heaven.

  • Sale! Antique Crowned Guanyin with the Five Dhyani Wisdom Buddhas, China #16123BLEM

    Antique Crowned Guanyin with the Five Dhyani Wisdom Buddhas, China #16123BLEM

    Original price was: $4,350.00.Current price is: $3,700.00.
    Ht: 27.5” W:13.5: D: 10.25” | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING QUOTE OR EMAIL US AT [email protected]

    This antique carving is a magnificent example of fine provincial Buddhist statues made by local artisans. This serene exquisitely carved Guanyin sits on a detached pedestal base in meditation. Made to be seen in the round, she wears a traditional three part garment with delicate incised leaves and leaf motifs on the front, back, and sleeves.  Her gentle, sweet face is soft and has a peaceful and calming half smile. Her high pointed crown depicts the Five Tantric Dhyani Buddhas, which which are rarely seen in provincial Guanyin images.

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  • Sale! Antique Wood Guanyin in Meditation, China #16955BME

    Antique Wood Guanyin in Meditation, China #16955BME

    Original price was: $425.00.Current price is: $300.00.
    H:9.75″    W: 5.6″    D: 3.75″   |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    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.

  • Sale! Antique Guanyin in Royal Ease (Lalitsana), China, #16910BOE

    Antique Guanyin in Royal Ease (Lalitsana), China, #16910BOE

    Original price was: $525.00.Current price is: $450.00.
    H: 10.75″   W: 5.5″   D:  4.5″   |    FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    White Clad Guanyin in royal ease and karana mudra to expel evil, remove problems and rid sickness or other negativities rarely used for Guanyin. Consecrated for home altar use.

  • Sale! Antique Guanyin on Elaborate Throne, China (19536)

    Antique Guanyin on Elaborate Throne, China (19536)

    Original price was: $695.00.Current price is: $495.00.
    H: 14.5” W: 5.5” D: 4.25”    |    FREE SHIPPING within continental u.s.

    Guanyin’s elegance, compassion and serenity are emphasized in this provincial carving on 3 tiered high lotus throne on a hexagonal base with carved patterns. Portrayed in meditation with flowing robes this consecrated image was designed for personal veneration in a home setting.

  • Sale! Antique Guanyin with Amitabha in Crown, China (16380)

    Antique Guanyin with Amitabha in Crown, China (16380)

    Original price was: $1,300.00.Current price is: $750.00.
    H: 13.75”  W: 7”  D: 4.5”    |    CALL 213-568-3030 or email [email protected] for shipping

    Delicately detailed and consecrated Guanyin in meditation on a backless throne, flowing braids, simple necklace, 3-part crown centered with Amitabha Buddha on lotus throne surrounded by a radiating aureole. Compassionate downcast eyes, serene contemplative expression, calm smile to enhance any surrounding.

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  • Sale! Antique Guanyin with Crown in Meditation, China (16467)

    Antique Guanyin with Crown in Meditation, China (16467)

    Original price was: $535.00.Current price is: $395.00.
    Ht: 10.5”  W: 5.5”  D: 4” | FREE SHIPPING in continental u.s.

    Guanyin in lacquer and gilt sits on a lotus throne in meditation atop a decorative footed stand, regally depicted with elegantly draped robes and a 5-lobe crown with a cross hatch design. Consecrated for home altar use.

  • Sale! Antique Guanyin with Lobed Crown, China 16744WHK

    Antique Guanyin with Lobed Crown, China 16744WHK

    Original price was: $395.00.Current price is: $295.00.
    H: 8.25″ W: 4.5″ D: 3″  | FREE SHIPPING within continental u.s.

    Delicately carved antique Guanyin in meditation, tall 3-lobed crown with flaring triangles and crosshatches. high forehead and oversized head focuses viewer on beautifully formed, quiet and calm face as model of inner serenity

  • Sale! Antique Guanyin with Lobed Crown, China #16151LME

    Antique Guanyin with Lobed Crown, China #16151LME

    Original price was: $475.00.Current price is: $295.00.
    H: 11.6 ”    W: 5.3 ”    D: 4.25 ”      |     FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    This provincial Guanyin made for a home altar sits in anjali mudra. Portrayed as humble, approachable, she wears a 5-lobed diadem, hair in a chignon with braids and modest robe seated on a waisted lotus throne with stacked lotuses.

  • Sale! Antique Guanyin, Amitabha in Crown #16837HEM

    Antique Guanyin, Amitabha in Crown #16837HEM

    Original price was: $1,495.00.Current price is: $1,330.00.
    H: 33.5″ W: 33″  D: 10″  |    call  213-568-3030 or email [email protected] for shipping

    Vibrant provincial Guanyin, high crown centered with Amitabha Buddha with swirling florals blends many religious traditions. Indentation for urna (third eye) on forehead held cut glass.

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  • Sale! Antique Heavenly Taoist Empress Mazu, China (5677)

    Antique Heavenly Taoist Empress Mazu, China (5677)

    Original price was: $1,750.00.Current price is: $1,150.00.
    H: 21” W: 11.5” D: 8” | FOR SHIPPING call  213-568-3030 or email [email protected]

    Temples for “Heavenly Empress” Mazu in southern China coastal regions protect sea faring peoples. This motherly home altar statue reflects that although childless, she protects her children – her devotees – as a mother. Seated on lucite base. 

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  • Sale! Antique Home Altar Mazu, China (19013)

    Antique Home Altar Mazu, China (19013)

    Original price was: $425.00.Current price is: $225.00.
    H: 9” W: 6.525” D: 2.5     |     FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    Small consecrated home altar provincial Mazu, finely carved on armless back chair dressed modestly in peasant robes with a phoenix in her hat, she is motherly figure who protects her devotees as her children.

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