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.
Showing 49–60 of 71 results
Zhenwu (Perfected Warrior) one of most important and powerful Taoist deities, is revered for magical powers to suppress demonic forces. Forceful wood provincial image for personal devotion reflecting his iconography: on throne, bare feet resting on snake and tortoise, celestial scarf and maille armor.
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.
Ht: 14.75” W: 7.75” D: 4” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.
Taoist priest in formal attire holding a cup with the elixir of health and longevity and small ingot symbolizing wish for prosperity and wealth. Characters on base are his name and the mythical “turtle spirit” that symbolizes longevity,
Taoist priest or shaman with a double-winged hat with a mythical taotie as a warning against greed and excess. His left hand in the Sword Gesture to cast out evil and right holding a tael symbolizing wealth and good fortune
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.
Although this rare Ming /Qing image is missing its arms, it is a powerful yet charming sculpture of a spiritual attendant or the infant Buddha as humble and confident with a youthful torso.
Rare provincial image of Guanyin tenderly holding a young child’s hand is a rare representation of Songzi “Child-Giving Guanyin”. Consecrated with vibrant gilt and red surface in front and back.
Rare provincial consecrated carving of Nanhai Guanyin on a lotus, representing purity of the mind, above a fish symbolizing her power to help beings sail through sea of suffering separating mortal world from the Western Paradise. Consecrated by a monk for placement on a home altar. Mounted on a lucite stand.
Carved from one piece of wood, triad depicts Nanhai Guanyin and 2 acolytes (one deteriorated) , crown centered with Amitabha Buddha in meditation bordered by flames of Buddhism.
Rare provincial carving of Guanyin on an ox reflecting the concept of bodhisattva reverence for “draft animals” (beasts of burden) who were integral to rural daily and agricultural activities in Chinese Popular Religion, Buddhism and Taoism.
This remarkable figurine is Guanyin on her mythical mount, the Hǒu, guardian master of the universe and model for righteousness and morality who symbolizes bringing forth peace and prosperity.The round orb in its mouth representing a pearl can be rubbed for good luck. It is one of our most unique and favorite Buddhist statues, mounted on a frosted Acrylic stand.
This ancient figurine is Harpocrates the Greek god of silence and secrets holding a jar made for a home shrine. He probably represents a royal and temple cult, as he wears a double crown symbolizing both Upper and Lower Egypt and his royal emblem signifies his association with the reigning Egyptian king, who was considered a manifestation of the Egyptian god Horus. Missing part of his right side when excavated, and no with no repairs this is a true slice of history. It pairs well with #1845 Ancient Pottery Figurine of Child Nurturer Goddess.
End of content
End of content