After the Ming Dynasty (1644), Qing Manchu rulers use officials’ attire to foster social stability and economic development, reflected in painted and sculptural images. Elaborate Ming dynasty court attire was replaced with simplified Han Manchu traditional clothing, although some Ming traditions were retained. Manchu imperial dress codes had complex rules regulating hairstyle, uniforms, hats, shoes and ornaments for officials that reflected rank, status, occasions and seasons and non-compliance resulted in harsh punishment. By the Qianlong Emperor (1735–1796) codes applied only to scholars and officials. Through end of the Qing dynasty (1912) government and court officials were required to wear changsang coats modified from Ming attire but slimmer with buttons, loops and a slanted S-shaped collar and hats called a qing guanmao which were black velvet in winter and woven rattan in summer with a button or knob finial. The shape and color of one’s finial was regulated depending on the official’s rank which ranged from 1-9. For daily business or informal occasions, officials had to change the hat’s top. Qing attire make it easier for us to identify ancestors depicted as officials. Military officials wore a cylindrical cap with a higher back and lower front called a Pingshanze, while civil servants wore a variant called a Jieze.
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This exceptional carvig is one of the most significant ancestor figures in our collection. His attire, glass eyes and distinct facial features indicate a portrait of a wealthy powerful merchant who commands respect. Seated on Lucite base.
This ancestor figure portrayed as a Chinese civilian official honors the family with his sign of high status. He grasps his official’s belt, his red robes symbolize fu for auspicious blessings. Unlike many serious officials he is approachable, with a smiling face.
Masterfully carved ancestor mandarin official on horseshoe chair in the round with cabriole legs, considered a “marker of high status, finely dressed in long Mandarin coat and pointed rattan hat. Benevolent face was homage to a revered family member. It is one of our favorite ancestor figures.
This ancestor figure official sits on a horseshoe chair showing his status wearing official’s attire: 5-button Mandarin long coat with a round collar and woven hat. Has a personalized tranquil face with a hint of a smile.
The finely carved ancestor figure in traditional Qing dynasty high neck Mandarin official’s long jacket with front buttons and official rattan woven headwear. The chair’s back slat was omitted as back carved cavity for consecration in an eye-opening ceremony
Idealized Mandarin civil or scholar official wearing official attire and black boots – symbol of superiority. The inscription reads “The Honorable/ Excellent Official Fan.”Original perfectly intact red paper fú – slip in consecration cavity.
Carved ancestor figure as an official sits on a backless chair with a decorative pedestal in official’s attire holding a long slender curved hu-tablet, all signs of his office and status. He is vibrantly painted in red, the color of fu, as a wish for prosperity and status.
This excellently carved ancestor civilian official with gilt highlights was commissioned to be place on a home altar for veneration and impress those who viewed it and to honor the venerated ancestor’s persistence, success, status and power.
Finely carved ancestor displaying status symbols: official’s attire and hat, horseshoe chair with feet on pedestal. Painted and lacquered front and back in red, traces of gilt, colors of “fu” as a wish for wealth, health and long life, aged from years of use into a great patina.
Wonderfully aged and weathered stone Tudi Gong reflecting many traits of this beloved Earth God holding a tael for wealth and fortune. He sat happily on an outdoor shrine, and would be happy to sit in a garden to bring an aura of past times to a new family.
One of a set of 12 Zodiac attendant figures holding a small calendar animal of the year represented as part of mingqi placed in the graves of deceased.
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