syncretic

Syncretism, the creation of new ideas and traditions by fusing elements from multiple and distinct sources, generally applies to religion, cultures and schools of thought. By their nature, Asian religious traditions and philosophies particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and other minor religions are syncretic (blended) as they are inherently integrative and inclusive absorbing tenets of other religions. In China this concept is exemplified at the highest level with the four traditions of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Popular Religion blending so harmoniously and seamlessly that many scholars view them as components of one dynamic religious system with each one providing a significant and complementary role. As Edmond Eh states, Daoism reflects the Dao (道), “natural creative power,” Confucianism reflects de (德), “virtue” or “power” and Buddhism reflects wu (悟), “awakening” or “realization.” The three together along with folk beliefs are absorbed in Popular Religion. This syncretic blending is exemplified in the placement of images of all traditions on home shrines, shared celebrations and festivals and the use of Buddhist monks and Taoist priests simultaneously for rituals and ceremonies. Guanyin is an excellent example of a syncretic deity.

Sources:

Edmond Eh, “Chinese Religious Syncretism in Macau”, Orientis Aura: Macau Perspectives in Religious Studies, 2:63-80 (2017)

  • Antique Queen Mother of the West Casting Out Demons, China (16093BSK) $585

    Antique Queen Mother of the West Casting Out Demons, China (16093BSK) $585

    $585.00

    The Queen Mother of the West is one of the most significant of the female Taoist-deities and as a syncretic deity, has a huge Popular Religion and Buddhist cult following.  She is one of the Great Chinese Goddesses and patron deity of women who controls life and death, creation and destruction and determines the life…

  • Sale! Antique Queen Mother of the West on Horse with Elixir Bowl, China #16297BLEM

    Antique Queen Mother of the West on Horse with Elixir Bowl, China #16297BLEM

    Original price was: $3,750.00.Current price is: $2,900.00.
    H:  22″    W: 8.75″    D: 10″    |  CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING.

    Wearing a magnificent headdress with her iconic phoenix this rare image of the Taoist Queen Mother holds a cup with the elixir of immortality which grants eternal life. She sits on an regal horse with a bell hanging  on his chest. In the Taoist tradition horses symbolize man’s harmony with and the elegance of nature.

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  • Antique Rare Large Lohan with Hands in Reverence, China (16436A-WHKE) SPECIAL PRICE

    Antique Rare Large Lohan with Hands in Reverence, China (16436A-WHKE) SPECIAL PRICE

    $7,300.00
    H: 28.25  W: 12.75”  D: 9.75” | CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    Although they are Buddhist images,  Lohans are portrayed as a real person with very individual, distinctive, and un-idealized features.  His benevolent youthful sweetly smiling face with downcast eyes is an image of compassion, wisdom and peace.This exceptional, beautifully crafted rare 17-18th century Ming/Qing large Lohan is from the same Buddhist location as the foreign-born heavy bearded Lohan Bodhidharma, and the same artist may have carved both. We recommend keeping them as a pair to display together.

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  • Antique Stone Earth God Tudi Gong, China (17406BSK) $725

    Antique Stone Earth God Tudi Gong, China (17406BSK) $725

    $725.00
    H: 8”  W: 5”  D4” | FREE SHIPPING!

    This antique stone Tudi Gong statue was finely crafted by a local provincial artisan and reflects many traditional characteristics of this beloved lower status deity: a benevolent face, voluminous rotund belly, slouched shoulders, and holding taels to bestow wealth and fortune and maybe assurances to rural common folk. In his past he rested happily on an outdoor shrine, and would be very happy to continue doing so in a home garden to bring prosperity and an aura of past times to a new family.

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

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

    $795.00

    Initially linked to the Big Dipper in Chinese mythology, Wen Chang is  worshipped in the 3rd and 8th months as the God of several spheres: Literature, Books and Writing, Education, Learning and Examinations and is the patron saint of scholars. As one of the revered Taoist-deities, hero and one of the house-gods closely associated with…

  • Antique Taoist Queen Mother of the West Xiwangmu, China (16142BCK)

    Antique Taoist Queen Mother of the West Xiwangmu, China (16142BCK)

    $525.00

    The Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu) is the most significant of the female Taoist deities and is viewed as having magical powers to controls life, death, creation and destruction and determines the lifespan of every living being. She lives with her husband the Jade Emperor in Kunlun Mountain where she attends her famous garden…

  • Antique Wood Kitchen God and His Wife, China (19028LAK) $995

    Antique Wood Kitchen God and His Wife, China (19028LAK) $995

    $995.00

    The Kitchen God (Zao Shen) was and still is among the most important Chinese house gods. Traditionally every family had its own Kitchen God with or without his wife above the stove to reflect his and its central position in the family’s life. The Kitchen God is both a syncretic and a tutelary deity embraced…

  • Sale! Antique Wood Nanhai Guanyin of the South Sea, China #19508BME

    Antique Wood Nanhai Guanyin of the South Sea, China #19508BME

    Original price was: $595.00.Current price is: $395.00.
    H: 9.75″ W: 5″ D: 4.5″ | FREE SHIPPING within continental u.s.!

    Nanhai Guanyin in her Cave in lalitsana, below draped moss arch holding a scrolls with vial of tears of her humanity and parrot, her constant companion. Small Nanhai images with all these symbols in this  condition are very rare.

  • Antique Wood Zhenwu, The Taoist "Perfected Warrior" China (19066B)                                     ME) $575

    Antique Wood Zhenwu, The Taoist “Perfected Warrior” China (19066B) ME) $575

    $575.00

    Zhenwu (aka Xuanwu, Wuandi and Zhenwudadi) is one of the most revered Chinese Taoist figures, venerated for his ability to heal as well as to protect his country and the emperor. There are various depictions of his attire, but here he wears a plain black robe with an official’s belt which he holds in his…

  • Sale! Antique Zhenwu, The Taoist "Perfected Warrior," China #16097BME

    Antique Zhenwu, The Taoist “Perfected Warrior,” China #16097BME

    Original price was: $595.00.Current price is: $395.00.
    H: 12″    W:5.6 ” D:4″    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    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.

  • Antique/Vintage Carved House Deity, China (7507QOK) $295

    Antique/Vintage Carved House Deity, China (7507QOK) $295

    $295.00

    While major deities such as Guandi were officially sanctioned by government and religious authorities, many popular deities and historic figures were integrated into Popular Religion beliefs where they were assimilated and greatly modified with local traditions and iconographic depictions such as this. We assume this is Guandi, one of the most revered Chinese deities based…

  • Antique/Vintage Earth God Tudi Gong with Wife, China (16342LOE) $785

    Antique/Vintage Earth God Tudi Gong with Wife, China (16342LOE) $785

    $785.00

    These carvings of the Taoist-Deities Tudi Gong and his wife Tudi Po are from rural Southern China where they were frequently depicted together as house-gods on a home altar or local temple for farmers to pray to for abundant harvests and success in selling their products. Although Tudi Gong is a low ranking deity, he…

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