(祠堂)The Karana Mudra is generally a Buddhist mudra that focuses on removal of obstacles and fear and helps eradicate negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, depression, and foster positive emotions like happiness and contentment. Also known as the “gesture for warding off evil ” and called the Tao or Sword Gesture, it is said to be the most important Taoist mudra by priests to conduct rituals, deliver incantations and perform other Taoist ceremonies including consecrating Taoist statues. Many Taoist and Buddhist rituals use this mudra to cast out demons, malevolent spirits and negative energy and, purify/cleanse infected spaces and protect the Dharma against corruption. Performed by one or both hands, the thumb holds the tips of the middle and ring finger while the little and the index fingers are extended upwards or sideways. Some believe it also symbolizes the connection of heaven and earth reflecting the Taoist belief that all energies are united. In our collection we have several monks or priests on horseback using the Karana mudra.
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Provincial carving with iconic phoenix headdress, hands in karana mudra to cast out demons, negative energy and purify spaces. Image was on home altar and consecrated with a sealed cover.
Zhenwu, the True Warrior, Perfected Warrior or Northern Emperor was one of the most popular TaoistDeities in the Ming and Qing dynasties known as protector of the state and the imperial family. His feet here rest on a pedestal over a turtle with a lifted head and a snake curled around his shell. Among the many interpretations this represent beings over whom he presided including both celestial officers under his command, [and] former demons that were conquered by him. This is a fascinating carving symbolizes trusted strength. and power.
This image from Guandong wears typical Taoist priest or shaman attire – an undergarment crossed at the neck, an overcoat clasped at the waist and a double-winged high hat centered with an image of a taotie. The taotie is a mystical animal sometimes on the hat of Taoist priests or shamans as a guardian or…
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