In many world religions, home altars are spiritual tables on which sacred images, symbols or texts are placed and honored with offerings made for venerating deities and/or ancestors by family members that generally include light from candles or lamps, incense, flowers, food, and water. In Buddhism, home altars are physical spaces that support spiritual practice, encourage devotees to attain enlightenment and show gratitude to the Buddha for showing the way to enlightenment. Buddha and Buddhist deity statues and other spiritual symbols remind devotees of the qualities of Buddha’s wisdom and compassion and serve to inspire devotees to develop these qualities as they recall Buddha’s teachings.
Chinese Taoist and Popular Religion family home altars or shrines (Kam or Kung) honor ancestors, attract blessings and avert malevolent forces and influences. Ancestor worship is a family affair to communicate with and provide greetings and support to the deceased, engage in prayer, display filial piety and make offerings to ancestor statues and/or tablets. Taoist, Popular Religion and Buddhist deities maybe placed along with images of Taoist and Buddhist priests, deified local heroes and legends. Home altar statues are blessed in an eye-opening consecration ceremony performed by a Taoist or Buddhist priest or monk to imbue with them with chi and give them life. Offerings of candles, incense and foods are placed to attract blessings of fu which they augmented by placing furniture in certain locations and using propitious colors (red and gold attracts the most fu).
In Hinduism, the home altar is the most important part of a household where all family actions and decisions are made, special events are celebrated, and members gather to perform daily prayers (puja) to show reverence and devotion through prayer, supplication, songs, ceremonial worship and rituals. Hindu statues, images of deities who protect the family and engender good fortune, are placed there along with other ritual items of devotion.
Home altars are now viewed as spiritual, and often meditational spaces to celebrate one’s family. Along with spiritual icons or statues, they include photos of loved ones, well-loved mementos or trinkets, hand-written notes, or letters. Additional spiritual elements include candles, crystals, or incense.
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Although this ancestor is depicted as an official, his atypically benevolent face makes him a very endearing figure. Due to South China’s climate and modernization, it repainted in the 20th century, common in weathered carvings.
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This exceptional official is one of the most significant ancestor figures in our collection. His attire, glass eyes and distinct facial features indicate a wise man of importance who commands respect. Cranes and clouds symbolize longevity, wisdom, good fortune and emphasize his high rank.
Attendant Chou Ts’ang, to Guandi, most revered Chinese military hero and Taoist God of War, hands clasped and eyes down in respect wearing detailed military clothing and boots on high pedestal with painted gold florals.
Taoist attendant holding an offerings tied with ribbons that symbolized longevity for generations. Some gilt and lacquer has naturally darkened from years age and incense.
Sensitive modeling of the face, body and lotus base, its appealing features and graceful garments, make this diminutive statue truly endearing. The rear inscription indicates it was commissioned to celebrate the wedding of a daughter and, as such would make a superb wedding gift.
Antique recumbent long horned Nandi seated on a high pedestal throne, with jeweled decorations on head and body is an incense holder . Beautiful patina, finely cast.
Lost-wax one of a kind brass Nandi figurine on a high pedestal, is incised with decorative detailed adornments on his head and neck with beautiful patina from long daily use in home Hindu pujas.
Antique brass Nandi exquisitely crafted with a wonderfully aged patina from use on a home altar. On a raised rectangular platform his delicate incised decorative details delineate features of his sinuous body and graceful long horns extending backwards. Based on a South Indian cow with a humpback.
Rare antique, wood Theravada Lao Buddha in abhaya mudra symbolizing reassurance, divine protection, and dispelling fear. Gilt paint reflects his golden skin.
Graceful celestial attendant carrying offerings with ribbon winding around her with a modest and serene demeanor honoring the deity she attends.
Ancestor figure portrayed as a civilian official standing on a rectangular base with hands together wearing a long civil official’s robe that extends to his shoes.
Taoist official home altar carving painted on front and back with red, gilt and lacquer. Hands under ritual cloth symbolically holding a hu tablet associated with Taoist officials. Taoist were responsible for protecting against evil in this life, Buddhist for souls in next life.
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