Rank

Three gods are associated with rank, emolument (salary) and success with one’s career as they assist in passing the Civil Official Examination: Lu (禄) God of Rank and Emolument, Wen Chen (文昌王), God of Literature and Kuixing (魁星) God of Examinations. Symbols of rank included apricot groves and crabs (both symbolizing success in the Civil examination), coral, (official promotion) deer (wish for government office with high salary), halbert, (rebus for “rank” or “grade”) persimmon (rebus for “official” and a wine cup.

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    Antique Ladies Vanity Cabinet with Elaborate Carving (16442LMK) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $695.00.Current price is: $590.75.
    Ht: 20.75” W: 19.125” D: 11” |CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    This very fine ladies vanity cabinet is covered with red lacquer, the color of blessings (fu), highlighted with gold and deeply carved and painted decorations of auspicious symbols to bring happiness, good fortune, long life and many sons to the elite couple who may have received it as a wedding gift by parents in hopes of them successfully carrying on the family tradition.  This is a reflection of the Confucian belief having sons to carry on the family name is essential to real happiness.

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    Antique Official Showing His Belt of Office (19047LHE) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $985.00.Current price is: $637.50.
    H: 15″ W: 6.5″ D: 5.5″  | EMAIL [email protected] OR CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING COST

    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.

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    Antique Official, Green Robe Holding His Belt of Office, China, 18th Century, (16470BKE) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $535.00.Current price is: $361.25.
    H: 10.375″    W: 6.125″    D: 3.5″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Perfect for placement on an enterprising individual’s desk, this 18th century carving of an ancestor figure as an official was meant to honor the effort, achievement and status accorded to high officials during the Qing dynasty. Seated on a backless chair he wears official’s attire and proudly holds up his belt of office emphasizing his status and achievements. Likely placed on a home altar, the carved inscription on the back indicates it was probably consecrated by a monk or Taoist priest.

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    Antique Taoist Literature God on a Dragon, China (16615PBRK) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $795.00.Current price is: $675.75.
    H: 15.5”  W: 5.5  D: 4.5” | FREE SHIPPING within Continental U.S.!

    This image from South China is Wen Chang, the Taoist God of Literature and many realms associated with higher intellect and education. He is a tall, extremely thin, surly, demon like image with ribs showing and facial distortions standing firmly on a dragon’s head  among waves holding his belt. Chinese turned to him for wealth, health, long life, and good fortune. Unlike ancestor figures, this carving was probably displayed independently in a prominent place in the office of a Chinese official or scholar. Increasingly difficult to find, this piece would enhance any desk, library, study, or other location.  It is in excellent condition with a warm patina, full of finely modeled details with a few surface scratches and paint losses consistent with its age.

     

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    Antique/Vintage Sweetmeats Confection-Mold, China (19434DRK) $425

    Original price was: $425.00.Current price is: $361.25.
    H: 16.5″ W: 10.5″ D: 2.25″ CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING QUOTE

    This finely detailed hardwood mold was used to make sweetmeats confections, perhaps mooncakes for the Chinese Autumn Moon Festival. It is covered with deeply carved propitious symbols for marital harmony, sons and successful endeavors:  a four clawed dragon for fertility, two ducks symbolizing marital bliss and harmony, one atop a carp for conjugal bliss and achieving noble rank and a boat with a sail for making all this easy sailing. This would be a great accessory or gift (especially for weddings) to spice up any kitchen.

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