(1644-1912) The Qing (Ch’ing) dynasty also called the Great Qing and Manchu dynasty for the peoples that seized control from the Hans, the Qing was the longest and last Chinese imperial dynasty spanning almost 250 years. Called China’s “Golden Era,” it was a time of great expansion, the empire’s territory and population tripled from 150 million to 450 million, its economy was integrated and its culture was totally transformed. The Peking opera was initiated and prospered, a dictionary of Chinese characters was published, large encyclopedias and collections on Chinese literature were written, poetry and literature reached its heights, its printing industry grew by bounds, blue and white porcelain and jade carving reached its apogee, China’s top two universities were founded, the first canons were developed, the Manchus adopted Chinese culture as its own allowing further cultural achievements, reemphasized the teachings of Confucianism and instituted government efficiency and obedience to the legal system. During the Ming and Qing dynasties Popular Religion flourished with temples created through China, especially in the South. Use of carved figures of ancestors, deities, heroes and Buddhist images flourished, displayed in temples, clan settings and in homes on private altars. Unfortunately, China’s archaic feudal system fueled its backwardness, allowed foreign trade in only four regions and restricted foreign exchanges missing much of the industrial revolution and gradually bringing on its decline. Most of our Chinese collection is from this era.
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Dressed in a red robe with a high neck collar, extremely wide sleeves extending below the knees and a belt around his waist, this 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 but has no rank badge indicated.
This exceptionally crafted and beautiful footed confection mould was most probably a marriage gift from a wealthy family to the newlyweds as seen its symbolisms. It is elaborated and ornately decorated in vibrant reds and gilt with auspicious symbols for fidelity, fertility and happiness with lotuses and pods filled with seeds, bats, paired fish and intertwined vines representing a life pair, having sons, and other marriage wishes.
This masterful small carving with gilt is Leigong, the Chinese God of Thunder seated on a mythical hou. whose celestial scarf floats behind him. An important protective guardian, he was one of many prominent symbolic sentinels guarding the occupant of a highly detailed carved Chinese bed to keep away untoward influences and spirits. Finely carved, it is mounted on a frosted acrylic base and is one of a pair with Guanti God of Justice on a Hou (16325).
This delicate antique Yixing teapot is unusually shaped with a loop handle, short spout, flaring rim, small flat cover and small loops below its rim that indicate it may have been used to suspend oil or soy sauce rather than serve tea. Its charm is enhanced by its free hand-painted colored enamels with 6 circular panels containing fanciful and bright floral and leaf decorations. Chinese tea connoisseurs consider Yixing teapots the best vessel for brewing tea as it is naturally porous to absorb oils released during brewing and improves tea’s flavor with continual use. Recommended for display only, it pairs well with 1152A-PAR Enameled Yixing Stoneware Teapot.
The low profile and fine lacquered finish of this charming antique wood chest add warmth and a touch of antique fine craftsmanship to any setting. The two intricately carved drawers for storage lend it to a multitude of uses. Carved auspicious symbols to bring the Five Blessings or Happinesses include peonies and vines, butterflies, plum blossom and a Japanese lily. The sides have inset panel with florals and the bottom has a decorative apron with a beautiful fretwork vine design. Its warm patina extends to the detailed brass butterfly handles.
Lu Dongbin is the most celebrated of the Chinese Eight Immortals. In this large and impressive 17-18th century carving he holds a magical whisk which he uses to heal the sick and ride through the clouds, seen symbolically on his chest. Associated with medicine and the Elixir of Life and Immortality he has protective power over evil spirits Images like this were placed in Taoist temples in towns and villages and many grottoes are dedicated to him on the sacred mountains of China.
This excellently carved civilian official with gilt highlights was commissioned by a family to place on a home altar for veneration and to impress those who viewed it. The imposing ancestor figure grasps his belt of office to show his pride in passing examinations to become a civil official, which leads to a life of rank and prosperity for him and his family. Statues like this are an affirmation of persistence, success, status and power and they honor those who display these characteristics.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties small images of Taoist officials and priests were often shown holding a cup of the elixir of life to place on home altars along with ancestor figures, house gods and other religious images to bring blessings (fu) to the household. By commissioning figures like this artful carving, families honored their ancestors and met their filial piety duties. Mounted on an acrylic stand.
Guandi, the God of War and Justice and Protector of China and its citizens was a Chinese model of loyalty, virtue and morality and was depicted in Temples and home shrines throughout China. This antique figurine was probably part of a larger carving. He wears military maille, black gloves with a carved taotie which is a warning against gluttony and is covered in gold as a sign of power. The open back confirms it was consecrated by a Taoist priest. Mounted on a frosted acrylic stand.
This charming white porcelain Siamese cat teapot has a raised paw for pouring tea, a removable head for adding water , and a long sinuous tail handle. The beautifully hand-painted design is whimsical and colorful with a thick dark red collar ribbon, a matching ornamental bow, and a ball under its left paw. Black, orange, red and blue accents define the cat’s face, ears, head, paws and the ball.
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Ht: 9.75″ W: 3.5″ D: 2.5″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S. !
This Chinese Republic Period delicate porcelain figurine holds a rose at her heart in her right snow white hand, her left arm covered by her shawl resting on a waist-high decorative vase with an opening to hold incense (joss) sticks. Her shawl drapes over her shoulders and lower garment with floral motifs extending to the beaded belt at her waist. The sweet facial expression with slightly smiling bowed lips is framed by her piled hair looped in a chignon over each ear. Given her luxurious garments and accessories, she is an aristocratic woman. The rose was often used on porcelains during this period, representing eternal spring.
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